Yakushi-ji Temple

Yakushi-ji Temple

Yakushi-ji Temple, also known as the Glass Palace, is a temple located in Nishinokyo, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Together with Kofuku-ji, it is one of the head temples of the Hosso sect. It was founded by Emperor Tenmu in 680 and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998 as part of the “Cultural Properties of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.”

The principal image enshrined at Yakushi-ji Temple is the Yakushi Nyorai (Buddha of Healing), which is said to be the first Buddhist statue introduced to Japan from China in 680. It has been designated as a National Treasure, and the name of the temple derives from this figure. Yakushi-ji is one of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto and was renowned for being the largest in scale. However, over the centuries and through numerous wars, all the temple buildings except the East Pagoda were destroyed by fire. The current structures seen by visitors today — including the Golden Hall (main hall), Middle Gate, West Pagoda, Cloister, Kaisan-do Hall (commemorating Xuanzang), and the Great Lecture Hall — have mostly been reconstructed over time, and restoration work to revive the temple’s original appearance is still ongoing. The temple grounds are shaded by ancient trees and adorned with blooming flowers, offering a tranquil and elegant atmosphere. The arrangement of temple buildings centered around the Golden Hall and Lecture Hall features a unique architectural layout referred to as the Yakushi-ji style of Garan (monastic complex).

Yakushi-ji

Must-visit reason: One of Japan's most famous temples

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Nara Prefecture [Nara Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Nara City [Nara]