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Church & Religious Site

Shinyakushiji Temple

📍 1352 Takabatake-cho, Nara, Japan
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★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Japan, Nara
Category
Church & Religious Site
Duration
About 1 hour
Address
1352 Takabatake-cho, Nara, Japan
Coordinates
34.6759, 135.8462

Introduction

Shin-Yakushiji in Takabatake-cho, Nara, is a Kegon temple founded in 747 by Empress Komyo to pray for the recovery of her husband, Emperor Shomu — unrelated to Yakushi-ji in Nishinokyo, the 'New' in its name meaning fresh miracle-working power. Its National Treasure main hall keeps its founding form: on a clay dais some 9 m across sits the Yakushi image, ringed by the oldest and largest group of clay sculptures in Japan, the National Treasure Twelve Divine Generals.

✨ Highlights

1
Twelve Divine Generals
Eleven of the twelve are National Treasure Nara-era clay figures; only Bazira was recarved in wood in 1931 — Japan's oldest, largest set.
2
Yakushi Buddha
The main National Treasure image, carved of kaya wood with wide eyes and a medicine jar; eight Lotus Sutra scrolls found inside in 1975.
3
National Treasure Hall
Keeps its Nara-period form — no ceiling, open roof frames, forty columns on an earthen floor.
4
Zodiac guardians
Each general guards a zodiac sign; finding your own statue is a favourite rite for visitors.
5
Oldest Jizo
A small 8th-century Jizo found inside a larger figure in 1984 is held to be Japan's oldest surviving Jizo image.
6
Torch rite
On the night of April 8, ten torches over 7 m long circle the hall in the Shunie ceremony, sparks raining down.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：1352 Takabatake-cho, Nara, Japan
→Time needed：About 1 hour
→School：Kegon Buddhism
→Phone：0742-22-3736
→Open daily：Year round
→Nearby：Shiga Naoya's former house and Irie Taikichi Photo Museum in Takabatake

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday9:00-17:00
Tuesday9:00-17:00
Wednesday9:00-17:00
Thursday9:00-17:00
Friday9:00-17:00
Saturday9:00-17:00
Sunday9:00-17:00

Open daily

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Adult600 yen
Student350 yen (high/junior high)
Child150 yen (elementary)

Transportation

Bus

Loop bus to Warabi-ishi-cho, 10-min walk

Driving/Parking

15 min from Horai-Ran exit

Note

Buses from both Nara stations

💡 Tips

• Take the Nara city loop bus to Warabi-ishi-cho, then walk uphill about 10 minutes.
• English signage is scarce on the residential slope — bring a map.
• Look for the roaring, bristling General Bazira, the most famous of the twelve.
• Photography is not allowed inside the hall.
• Pair with Shiga Naoya's former house and the photo museum for a half-day in Takabatake.
• The area has several renovated-farmhouse cafes for a break after your visit.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Shinyakushiji Temple?

Monday: 9:00-17:00; Tuesday: 9:00-17:00; Wednesday: 9:00-17:00; Thursday: 9:00-17:00; Friday: 9:00-17:00; Saturday: 9:00-17:00; Sunday: 9:00-17:00; Open daily

How much is the admission for Shinyakushiji Temple?

Adult: 600 yen; Student: 350 yen (high/junior high); Child: 150 yen (elementary)

Any practical tips for visiting Shinyakushiji Temple?

Take the Nara city loop bus to Warabi-ishi-cho, then walk uphill about 10 minutes. English signage is scarce on the residential slope — bring a map.

How long should I spend at Shinyakushiji Temple?

A typical visit takes About 1 hour.

How do I get to Shinyakushiji Temple?

Bus: Loop bus to Warabi-ishi-cho, 10-min walk; Driving/Parking: 15 min from Horai-Ran exit