The Shin-yakushiji Temple

Mission The Shin-yakushiji Temple (researched 05 Mar 2014)

 

 

 

Even among the local people, The Shin-yakushiji Temple is often confused with The Yakushiji Temple because The Shin-yakushiji (新薬師寺) literally means the new yakushiji temple. However, the actual The Shin-Yakushiji Temple doesn't mean that the temple is newer but the temple is differently warshiped to The Yakushiji Temple.

 

However, I visited The Shin-yakushiji Temple to research What's there. Today, I'll let you know what I found at the temple through this report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first of all, the temple was built in 747 to prey for the recoverly of the ill emperor Shomu. The temple has been worshiped widely since then.

 

 

 

2, the main hall (本堂）buit in the 8th century (Nara period) this is what you pay for at the

themple.The national treasure building accommodates all those statures which you want to watch. In the earlier days, the hall was a school for those who worship the temple.

(No photos are permitted at the hall)

 

3, the seating stature of Yakushi Nyorai (薬師如来) the healing Buddha was made in the 8th century (Nara period). The temple is dedicated for the stature. Now, the wooden stature is registered as a national treasure.

 

4, the standing statures of Juni-Shinsho (十二神将) (8th century, national treasure) the clay made 12 statures are generals of "yasha"(spirit of the Indian mythology). Those 12 statures are guarding Yakushi Nyorai and the people who worship the temple.

However, each stature represents one of 12 oriental zodiac signs . I suppose that it will be a good fun to see which stature stands for your oriental zodiac. Ask 'em which is which.

 

5, the pond is hidden next to the main hall. 

 

 

 

6, stone images of Buddha

 

 

 

 

 

7, the campanile (the Kamakura period 10-11th century, Important Cultural Property)

 

 

 

8, the South gate (the Kamakura period 10 11th century, ICP) functions as the main gate of the temple.

 

 

The Buddhist services (縁日法要) are held every 8th of a month.

The Shunie festival (修二会) is held on the 8th Apr

The Shushoe festival (修正会) is held on the 8th Jan

 

Over all

The Shin-yakushiji Temple is a hidden place, has a nice and peaceful atmosphere as well as the greatest treasures such as those statures.

 

 

However, the temple is not very much accessible, difficult to find.

 

How to get there

Getting there by city circular bus (out circular) from JR Nara station and Kintetsu Nara station. Getting off a bus at the bus stop Wari ishi (破石町),15min walk to the temple.

A small free car park is located in front of the South gate as well as the reception where you are allowed to pay admission.

 

 

 

Cost　

¥600 per adult

 A disabled person Can get it free with your disability certificate.

 

Address  1352 Takabatake, Nara city 630-8301

PH 0742-22-3736

FAX 0742-26-1517

URL    http://www.k5.dion.ne.jp/~shinyaku/index.html

 

Conclusion

Thanks for the intensive rehabilitation that I had in the previous weeks, I could leave my wheel chair at the South gate to walk all the way with a good assistance of my friend.

 

 

However, it is gravely and has a few steps (South gate, main hall).

 

 

Also, the Western type toilet with hand rails is available, located behind the  campanile. A good leaflet (has English guidance) is given at the reception.

 

Tips

I advise you to vist the Nara city photography-gallery

The gallery is a modern designed building by Japan's master architect Kisho Kurokawa, accommodates the works of Taikichi Irie.

How ever, the contrast of modern architecture and ancient architecture of The Shi-yakusiji Temple is very much worth visiting.

PH 0742-22-9811 FAX 0742-22-9722 URL http://www1.kcn.ne.jp/~naracmp/index.html (I'll let you know about the gallery on this blog very soon.)

 

(All the photos were taken by C)