Yakushiji is a large temple with a history of about 1,300 years, which began when Emperor Tenmu requested the construction of the temple in hopes of curing his empress (later Empress Jito) from illness. During the Nara period, it was counted as one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, and in 1998, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Cultural Assets of Ancient Nara" as its layout represents the ideals of Tenpyo culture.

The highlights are the "East Tower" and "West Tower," which stand symmetrically in the Yakushiji-style layout of the temple. In particular, the East Tower, a national treasure, has a unique structure (mokoshi) that at first glance appears to be six stories tall, and its graceful appearance has been called "frozen music." Meanwhile, the West Tower was rebuilt in recent years, but its vivid colors from the time of its founding are reproduced, and its beauty attracts many people.

The main hall, Kondo, is where the national treasure "Yakushi Nyorai Triad" is enshrined, and its calm expression and the weightiness of its shiny black body overwhelm those who see it. There are many other things to see, such as the Xuanzang Tripitaka temple complex and the dining hall, making this a valuable place where you can experience the good old Japanese Buddhist culture and history.