Yakushiji Temple 薬師寺

Yakushiji Temple was originally built near Kashihara in 680, by Emperor Tenmu. When the capital was moved to Nara and Heijo Palace constructed, Yakushiji was moved to its current location in Nishinokyo.

The temple is only a short walk from Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station.

When Emperor Tenmu's wife fell sick, he built Yakushiji in prayer for her speedy recovery.

Inside the temple is a statue of the Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha who heals the suffering and illnesses of the body and mind of sentient beings (all things that have life), dating back to 680. The Medicine Buddha is one of the first Buddhist icons to come from China. The temple is named after the Medicine Buddha, and the magnificent temple complex features a beautiful Kondo hall and pagoda called 'ryuuguu-zukuri', or dragon palace style.

The pagoda at Yakushiji is a veritable optical illusion. It is a 3-storied pagoda which looks like a 6-storied pagoda. There is a decorative roof between each story, and the beautiful overlapping of these small and large roofs creates the illusion of a six story pagoda.