Yakushi‑ji, a UNESCO World Heritage temple in Nara

#asiabudgetchallenge
Destination: I visited Yakushi‑ji, a UNESCO World Heritage temple in Nara first built in 680 by Emperor Tenmu as a prayer for his ill empress, later moved to Nishinokyō in 718. The site is renowned for its East Pagoda, the only original Nara‑period building still standing, and its Main Hall housing the famed Yakushi Triad healing‑Buddha statues.

Rough Budget: Admission costs around ¥1,000 for adults, with discounts for students (¥600) and children (¥200). Including round‑trip train from Kyoto (~¥1,400) and light snacks, the total came to about ¥2,500.

My #1 Travel Tip & Hack: Aim to arrive when it opens at around 8:30 or 9 AM to enjoy the temple in tranquil light with fewer visitors. Pro tip: take the Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Nishinokyō Station, it’s just a 5‑minute walk to the temple entrance—easy to combine with nearby Toshodai‑ji for a quieter historic half‑day around Nara.

Post by Claire’s Adventures | Jul 31, 2025