Yakushiji Temple

Yakushiji (薬師寺) is one of Japan’s most historically significant temples, originally commissioned in the late 7th century by Emperor Tenmu to pray for the recovery of his ailing wife, who would later become Empress Jitō. Located in Nara, the temple exemplifies classical temple architecture with its elegant, symmetrical layout: the main hall (Kondō) and lecture hall (Kōdō) are aligned along a central axis and flanked by two majestic pagodas. The reconstructed main hall houses the Yakushi Trinity—an iconic trio of bronze statues representing the Healing Buddha and his attendants, widely regarded as a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist sculpture. One of Yakushiji’s most remarkable features is the East Pagoda, built in 730 and the only surviving original structure. Though it appears to have six stories due to its intricate design, it technically has only three, and its graceful form has earned it the nickname “frozen music.”

Within the temple precincts stands the Genjo-sanzoin Garan, a more recent addition completed in 1991. This sub-complex honors the legendary monk Genjo Sanzo (Xuanzang), a 7th-century Chinese scholar-monk famed for his arduous pilgrimage to India and Central Asia in search of authentic Buddhist scriptures. As the head temple of the Hossō Sect, Yakushiji plays a key role in preserving and transmitting his teachings. At its heart is an octagonal hall that enshrines a portion of Genjo Sanzo’s remains, while a series of vivid murals by artist Hirayama Ikuo behind the hall beautifully illustrate his epic journey along the Silk Road. Due to its sacred nature, the Genjo-sanzoin Garan is open to the public only during limited special viewing periods, adding to its atmosphere of reverence and exclusivity.