Overview
Vowed by Emperor Tenmu for his empress's recovery, completed in 698 and moved here with the capital, this Hosso-school head temple is defined by its symmetrical pair of pagodas. The East Pagoda (c. 730), the only structure surviving from the founding, is a three-story tower whose lean-to pent roofs make it appear six-storied — a rhythmic silhouette nicknamed 'frozen music.' The Yakushi Triad in the main hall is a pinnacle of ancient Japanese Buddhist sculpture. The East Pagoda's 2020 restoration is complete, with interior viewings during special openings. A World Heritage temple.
💰 Tickets
Around JPY 1,000 (rising to about JPY 1,600 during special openings).
🎟️ Check ticket prices →Opening Hours
8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30, open year-round)
🚇 Getting there
From Kintetsu-Nara, change at Yamato-Saidaiji to Nishinokyo Station — the gate is a 1-minute walk.
⏱️ How long to visit
About 1-1.5 hours.
🌅 Best time to visit
Classic order: Yakushi-ji in the morning, Toshodai-ji after lunch. Morning light is best from the south gate, where both pagodas align.
Travel Tips
Pair it with adjacent Toshodai-ji as a Nishinokyo half-day. Some days you can catch the monks' famously entertaining dharma talks.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Nara, Japan from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Japan on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Nara on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Nara with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Nara 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Yakushi-ji
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Things to Do in Nara
Deer Feeding in Nara Park
Buy shika-senbei and feed the bowing deer — the essential Nara experience. Morning deer are gentlest for first-timers.
Kimono Rental Stroll
Rent a kimono and wander the park, temples and Naramachi lanes — kimono photos with deer are a Nara exclusive.
Naramachi Lanes & Machiya Tour
Stroll the latticed machiya lanes hung with charm monkeys, linking Koshi-no-Ie, Gango-ji and craft cafes in the old quarter.