Yakushiji Temple

Yakushiji Temple is the head temple of the Hosso sect. It was founded in 680 during the Hakuhou period by Emperor Tenmu to pray for the recovery of his empress (later Empress Jito), and was completed in 697 during the reign of Empress Jito. At that time, its grand temple complex was considered the most magnificent in Japan, with the main hall and pagoda being so beautiful that they were described as 'Dragon Palace architecture.' Later, with the relocation of the capital to Heijo, it was moved from Fujiwara-kyo in Asuka to Heijo-kyo in 718. Although most of the structures were lost due to numerous disasters, except for the East Pagoda, the temple is currently being restored and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. Access 1-minute walk from Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station About 40 minutes from Kintetsu Kyoto Station or Kintetsu Osaka Namba Station via Yamato-Saidaiji to Nishinokyo Station