Yakushi-ji Temple

UNESCO World Heritage

薬師寺

Yakushi-ji is a Buddhist temple with a history of about 1,300 years. It was established in 680 by Emperor Tenmu as a prayer for his empress to recover from illness. The Yakushi Triad, its main Buddhist images, has remained since the temple was founded. Of its pagodas, only the East Pagoda remains in its original state. Yakushi-ji is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara".

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Visitor information

Opening hours: Open 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30).
Admission: Kondo, Daikodo and Toindo halls: adults ¥1,000, junior and senior high school students ¥600, elementary school students ¥200.
Getting there: The temple is right in front of Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station. From JR Nara and Kintetsu Nara Stations it is 18 minutes by bus.
Time needed: It takes more than an hour to see all of the halls.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

Only cash is accepted.
The areas open to the public change with the time of year.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Nara and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.