Senso-ji
Asakusa, Tokyo, Tokyo Metropolis, Japan Buddhism
Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, centered on devotion to Kannon in historic Asakusa.
Buddhist TempleBuddhismUNESCO World Heritage Site (component)
Yakushi-ji
薬師寺 · Yakushiji Temple
UNESCO-listed Nara temple dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, with major early Buddhist art and pagodas.
Sacred Place Overview
About Yakushi-ji
Identity, documented context and sacred significance.
Yakushi-ji is a major Nara Buddhist temple historically linked to prayers for healing and the Medicine Buddha.
Sacred Place at a Glance
A concise view of the place, tradition, location and heritage details available for this Sacred Place.
Place TypeBuddhist Temple
Religious TraditionBuddhism
Tradition / DenominationHosso
Associated Buddha / BodhisattvaYakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)
LocationNishinokyo, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan
CountryJapan
Established / PeriodLate 7th century
ArchitectureClassical Nara Buddhist temple layout
HeritageUNESCO World Heritage Site (component)
Faith, Tradition & Sacred Association
Religious tradition, dedication and sacred associations connected with this place.
Religious TraditionBuddhism
Tradition / DenominationHosso
Associated Buddha / BodhisattvaYakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)
History & Sacred Tradition
Documented history, sacred narrative and editorial synthesis are kept visibly separate.
Historical Record
The temple’s origins reach the late 7th century. It became a major institution of the Hosso school and preserves renowned Buddhist sculpture and architecture.
Sacred Tradition
Yakushi Nyorai is venerated in Buddhist tradition as the Medicine Buddha, associated with healing and relief from suffering.
Editorial Context
Significance: One of Japan’s major ancient temples and an important center of Medicine Buddha devotion.
Architecture & Sacred Complex
Classical Nara Buddhist temple layout · Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara · UNESCO World Heritage Site (component)
Entry & Visitor Rules
Practical access information and visitor guidance for this Sacred Place.
Entry / Accesspaid
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Information Status & Sources
Information Status
- Status
- Source Confirmed
- Last checked
- September 23, 2026
- Primary source
- Official Nara Travel Guide