Yakushiji

Frozen Music

Yakushiji's East Pagoda (National Treasure), a three-story pagoda built in 730, is known for its beautiful form that a German architecture scholar described as "frozen music." The unique six-appearing appearance with mokoshi (lean-to roofs) added to each level is impressive.

World Heritage Hakuho Complex

Yakushiji is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara." The reconstruction of the temple complex that had been suspended for over 1,000 years has progressed recently, with the main hall, west pagoda, central gate, and corridor rebuilt. The main hall's Yakushi Triad (National Treasure) is a masterpiece of the Hakuho period.

Xuanzang and Jion-e

Yakushiji's Xuanzang Sanzoin enshrines a portion of the relics of Xuanzang (Sanzang Fashi). The "Jion-e" held annually in November is known as a unique Buddhist ceremony as a Nara autumn event.

Takada Koin and Temple Revival

After the war, it was Takada Koin who revived Yakushiji, which had become almost ruins. Takada's achievement of advancing temple reconstruction through Heart Sutra copying fundraising remains engraved in many people's hearts.