🗺️ Yakushiji薬師寺

Yakushiji Temple is one of the assets that make up the "Cultural Heritage of Ancient Nara" and is listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. It is said that the temple was built by Emperor Tenmu in the 9th year of his reign to pray for the recovery of the Empress, originally located in Asuka, Fujiwara-kyō, and was moved to its current site in the 2nd year of Yōrō (718) after the capital was relocated to Heijō-kyō. Yakushiji is the first temple in Japan to adopt a central hall for the main deity, connected by corridors to the twin pagodas, known as the "Yakushiji-style temple layout." The magnificent "Ryūgū-zukuri" architectural style is also quite distinctive, with eaves adorned with a decoration called "mōkai," which makes the number of eaves appear greater than they actually are. Within the temple, there is the only existing building from the Nara period, the East Pagoda, along with nine national treasures, including the main deity, the Yakushi Sanzon statue, and 26 important cultural properties, including the Hiyoshi Hachiman Shrine that protects Yakushiji. The East Pagoda underwent a complete dismantling and renovation in 2021, restoring its beautiful form from 1300 years ago for the world to see. Throughout the year, calligraphy lectures, Dharma talks, and special autumn viewing events are held, which general tourists can also participate in. From mid-June to early August, lotus flowers bloom in the temple grounds, and the cherry blossoms and plum blossoms in spring are also stunningly beautiful.

The Hōryū-ji Temple, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the head temple of the Hossō sect. It was built by Emperor Tenmu in Asuka and relocated to its current site after the capital moved to Nara. It is Japan's first temple to adopt a layout with twin pagodas flanking a central main hall. The temple houses nine national treasures, including the main deity, the Triad of Yakushi. From early summer to summer, the lotus flowers in the temple grounds bloom profusely, creating a breathtaking sight.