Address: 457 Nishinokyocho, Nara, 630-8563, Japan
Hours: Closes 5 PM
Phone: +81 742-33-6001
Architectural style: Japanese architecture
Opened: 1995
Affiliation: East Asian Yogācāra Wikimedia Foundation

Yakushi-ji Buddhist Temple in Nara, Japan

Yakushiji Temple located in Nara is considered one of the oldest temples in Japan. The exterior architectural style remains as original as possible. Although some parts have been restored, with conservation and care, they are still as beautiful as in the old days without any distortion. The temple grounds consist of an elongated main hall and lecture hall. Flanked by two pagodas, the main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s from the damage that had been burnt to its former glory.

Only the eastern pagoda survived the fire at that time and is still really ancient architecture. The magic of this pagoda is that if it looks like there are 6 floors on the outside, but actually there are only 3 floors, which is the same as the western pagoda. But if anyone wants to visit the eastern pagoda, they may have to sing a song and wait. because it is currently under renovation and will be completed in the year 2019

It is not only the temple or the pagoda that is interesting. because this temple will still have Genjo-Sanzo in Garan allowing those who are interested to visit as well. This area was built around 1981, similar to being like a complex. It was originally built as a residence for the monk Genjo-Sanzo from China, who came to live in the 7th century.

An octagonal hall is located in the center. Behind it is a building that exhibits works by Hirayama Ikuo, one of the famous painters. Which is a painting of Genjo-Sanzo, is regarded as another famous temple that is very old and there are still many interesting things to find anyway.

Admission:

• Adults 1,100 yen
• Students 700 yen
• For small children 300 yen

Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Closing days: The main temple is open every day.

Genjo-Sanzoin Garan is closed mid-January-February, July-mid-September (except Obon Day in mid-August), and December.

How to get there:

By train

• From Kintetus Nara Station, take the Kintetsu Nara Line to Yamato-Saidaiji Station and change to the Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Nishinokyo Station. It takes 25 minutes and costs 260 yen.
• (Another detail) The temple is located right beside Nishinokyo Station, which can be reached from Kintetsu Nara Station by taking the Kintetsu Nara Line to Yamato-Saidaiji Station and transferring to the Kintetsu Kashihara Line. The entire trip takes about 25 minutes and costs 260 yen.

By Bus (Fixed-route bus)

• From JR Nara Station, take bus number 70, 72 or 97 (three buses per hour) takes 15 minutes and costs 250 yen, or from Kintetsu Nara Station takes 20 minutes and costs 250 yen.
• If taking bus number 70 or 72, get off at the Yakushiji bus stop.
• If taking bus number 97, get off at Yakushiji-higashiguchi bus stop.
• (Another detail) Bus numbers 72, 78 and 98 provide three connections per hour from Kintetsu Nara Station (20 minutes, 270 yen) and JR Nara Station (15 minutes, 270 yen) to Yakushiji Temple. The closest bus stop to get off are Yakushiji (薬師寺), served by buses 72 and 78, and Yakushiji Chushajo (薬師寺駐車場), served by bus 98.
• (Another detail) When returning to central Nara, you can catch bus number 72 or 77 from Nishinokyoeki bus stop (西ノ京駅) twice per hour or bus number 97 from Yakushiji Chushajo bus stop hourly.