Yakushi-ji Temple (薬師寺) is one of the oldest temples in Japan, built by Emperor Emperor Tenmu in the late 7th century in honor of his wife’s recovery from illness.

The East Pagoda is the only original structure that survived the many fires that affected the temple over the centuries, and it is believed to date back to around 730.

The Genjo-sanzoin Garan is a more recent complex located just north of the main temple grounds. It was built in 1991 and dedicated to the Chinese monk Xuanzang (Genjo-sanzo), who lived in the 7th century and is famous for his extensive travels to India and Central Asia. Yakushi-ji serves as the head temple of the Hosso school of Japanese Buddhism.

At the center of the Genjo-sanzoin Garan is an octagonal hall that houses relics of Genjo-sanzo. Behind it is a building displaying works by Hirayama Ikuo, one of Japan’s most renowned painters, who passed away in 2009. His paintings depict scenes from Genjo-sanzo’s journeys, which inspired much of his work.

Note: this complex is closed for roughly half the year (see details below).