Yakushiji Temple

Yakushiji Temple is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan and a World Heritage Site. Yakushiji is one of the seven great temples of Nara. Yakushiji Temple construction started in 680 at the request of Emperor Temmu as a place to pray for the recovery of Empress Jito from illness. However it was Empress Jito who completed the Yakushiji Temple in 698 after Emperor Temmu’s death. In 1998 Yakushiji Temple was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” listing. This original Yakushiji Temple was constructed in Fujiwara-Kyo, the Japanese capital during the Asuka period. When the Japanese capital was moved to Heijo-Kyo (Nara), a new Yakushiji Temple was constructed there using many of the buildings from the original complex at Fujiwara-Kyo plus building new ones. For a period Yakushiji Temple existed in both places. Picture: To-to - East Pagoda Yakushiji Temple In 973 a fire destroyed many of the buildings in the Yakushiji Temple. The main hall was destroyed by fire in 1528 and was rebuilt in the 1970’s. Today the entire Yakushiji Temple complex is completely restore. The East Tower (To-to) is the only original structure having survived many fires and earthquakes. The East Tower (To-to) is an excellent example of Hakuho to Tenpyo period architecture and is considered by many to be the finest pagoda in Japan. Picture: Saito West Pagoda Yakushiji Temple Yakushiji Temple distinctive symmetric layout of two main halls and two pagodas is sometimes referred to as the Yakushiji style. Picture: Main Hall Yakushiji Temple. Access: Yakushiji Temple is a short walk from Nishinokyo Station. |