Yakushiji: An Ancient Temple with a Surprisingly Fresh Presence

Table of Contents

Walking Through Nara’s Traditional Scenery

Yakushi-ji Temple

After Toshodai-ji, I headed to Yakushi-ji.

This is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites that make up the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.” Founded in 680, it has an even longer history than Toshodai-ji.

Yakushi-ji Temple Lecture Hall — Lecture Hall

Even so, the buildings throughout the temple grounds look relatively new overall. That’s because many of them were rebuilt from the late 1970s onward.

Among them, the East Pagoda is the only structure from an earlier period that still remains.

Yakushi-ji Temple East Pagoda — East Pagoda

It underwent a major dismantling and restoration beginning in 2009, the first such work in about 110 years, and the project was completed in 2021. Because of that, despite its long history, it has a beautiful appearance that still feels somehow fresh and new.

I also heard that architect Toyo Ito was involved in the interior design of the Jikido dining hall. But I missed the chance to see it this time, so if I visit again, I’d definitely like to take a look.