Yakushi temples in Japan
Yakushi-ji, Shin-Yakushi-ji, Jingo-ji, Enryaku-ji… The main Medicine Buddha sites in Japan and the 49-temple pilgrimage.
Japan has thousands of temples where Yakushi Nyorai is the main figure. Here are a few famous ones; always check the official website before visiting.
In Nara
- Yakushi-ji: founded, according to tradition, by Emperor Tenmu in 680. Its Golden Hall (Kondō) houses a bronze triad, Yakushi flanked by Nikkō and Gakkō, a National Treasure.
- Shin-Yakushi-ji: founded in the 8th century. Around a seated wooden Yakushi stand the twelve heavenly generals in clay, also a National Treasure.
In and around Kyoto
- Jingo-ji: a standing Yakushi from the Heian period, a National Treasure.
- Tō-ji: the Kondō houses a large Yakushi triad.
- Enryaku-ji, on Mount Hiei: the Konponchūdō, founded by Saichō, houses a Yakushi kept as a hidden image.
The 49-temple pilgrimage
Created in 1989, the Saigoku pilgrimage of 49 Yakushi temples links temples in seven prefectures, including Nara, Kyoto and Osaka. Pilgrims often collect calligraphic seals (goshuin) in a booklet.
Planning a visit
Official links are in Services & places. To bring a memento home, see the Japanese-style statues in the catalogue and goshuin booklets.
Read the articleHow to choose a Medicine Buddha statue