Yakushi-ji
Nara, Osaka
- Daily
- 9:00 to 17:00
Ticket reception closes at 16:30.
Source: yakushiji.or.jp, checked 13 Oct 2026.
A temple whose East Pagoda is a National Treasure. Sutra copying is a central visitor activity, and the temple runs courses for it.
Insider tip
Ticket reception closes at 16:30, half an hour before the gates close.
Tickets and tours
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What's on at Yakushi-ji
Upcoming events at Yakushi-ji, from the weekly Osaka events calendar.
Autumn Night Visit to the Hakuho Garan at Yakushi-ji
薬師寺 白鳳伽藍 秋夜の特別拝観
Time 17:30 to 20:30
The Kondo with the Yakushi Triad is open in the evening on Saturdays 7 and 21 November from 17:30 to 20:30 (closed briefly at 17:00, last entry 20:00). The ground floors of the East and West Pagodas are opened so visitors can see inside from outside. Admission ¥1,000. No reservation needed.
くろふね, CC BY 3.0 Jion-e Debate Service at Yakushi-ji
薬師寺 慈恩会
Time 19:00 Station Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station
A memorial service for Jion Daishi, founder of the Hosso school, held in alternate years at Yakushi-ji and Kofuku-ji. The 2026 service is planned for the Daikodo from 19:00. It centres on ritual debate between monks, where the respondent asks for questions to be repeated.
くろふね, CC BY 3.0 Year-end Dusting of the Buddhas at Yakushi-ji
薬師寺 お身拭い
Time 13:00 Station Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station
The day starts with rice-cake pounding. Monks then wipe the bodies of the Yakushi Triad in the Kondo, the Miroku Triad in the Daikodo and the Sho Kannon in the Toindo with cloths, using the water boiled for steaming the rice. Ceremony from 13:00.
くろふね, CC BY 3.0 Hanae-shiki Shuni-e at Yakushi-ji
薬師寺 修二会花会式
Station Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station
Yakushi-ji's spring Shuni-e, named after the ten kinds of paper flowers offered to the main image. Monks perform the Yakushi Keka service six times a day. Check the temple's site for the exact schedule.
くろふね, CC BY 3.0 Demon-chasing Rite at Yakushi-ji
薬師寺 鬼追い式
Time 19:00, demon rite about 20:30
On the final day of the Hanae-shiki, the Yakushi Keka rite starts at 19:00 and a torch-carrying demon is subdued by Bishamonten in front of the Kondo from about 20:30.
くろふね, CC BY 3.0 Nearby
Good to know
- What is the address of Yakushi-ji?
- 457 Nishinokyocho, Nara, Osaka (in Japanese: 奈良市西ノ京町457).
- What are the opening hours of Yakushi-ji?
- Daily 9:00 to 17:00. Ticket reception closes at 16:30.
- How do I get to Yakushi-ji?
- The nearest station is Nishinokyo. Yakushi-ji is in Nara, Osaka.
- How much does Yakushi-ji cost?
- Yakushi-ji is mid-range, marked ¥¥ on the site's price scale.
- How long do you need at Yakushi-ji?
- Plan for 1 hr 30 min.
- When is the best time to visit Yakushi-ji?
- Morning.
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