Yakushiji Autumn Special Opening: Hakuho Revived 2026

Dates & time: October 24, 2026 (Sat) - November 8, 2026 (Sun) - East & West Pagoda special opening: 9:00–16:30 (closed in bad weather)
- Night viewing: Sat Nov 7 and Sat Nov 21, 17:30–20:30 (last entry 20:00)
Price & booking: Special opening ticket: adults ¥1,000, junior/senior high ¥500, elementary ¥100 (regular temple admission required separately) No reservation needed for the special opening. Lectures require advance application via the Yakushiji official announcement.
Venue & access: Yakushiji Temple (Genjo Sanzo-in Garan, Nishi Sobo, East & West Pagodas) 1 min walk from Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station. By car, use Yakushiji's South Parking (¥800 per car).

There are 6 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Yakushiji Temple (Genjo Sanzo-in Garan, Nishi Sobo, East & West Pagodas), and 4 public restrooms within 8 minutes. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

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Why You Should Visit

An autumn special opening marking 50 years since Yakushiji's Golden Hall (Kondo) was rebuilt. In the Nishi Sobo, the bronze suien spire ornament from the National Treasure East Pagoda goes on view for the first time in seven years, alongside a statue of Emperor Tenmu, remains of the former Golden Hall and a seated Marishiten. The Genjo Sanzo-in Garan opens with its statue of Xuanzang and the Great Tang Western Regions murals. The National Treasure East and West Pagodas also open their doors during the period. A good fit for anyone curious about how Yakushiji has rebuilt its Hakuho-era temple complex.

NOTE

Main exhibits

Nishi Sobo: East Pagoda suien (National Treasure, first time in 7 years), statue of Emperor Tenmu, former Golden Hall remains, letters from Sengoku-era warlords, seated Marishiten, and more
Genjo Sanzo-in Garan: statue of Xuanzang, Genjo Pagoda, Great Tang Western Regions murals
Special opening of the National Treasure East and West Pagodas

Lectures (Jikido refectory)

Sat Oct 24: Atsushi Nishiyama, "1,300 Years of Yakushiji and 50 Years of the Golden Hall"
Sat Oct 31: Takashi Suzuki, "Reading History from the Man'yoshu: Depictions of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jito"
Sat Nov 7: Makoto Yoshimura, "Xuanzang Goes to India: Inheriting Yogacara Thought"
Each 13:30–15:00 (doors 13:00), ¥1,000 (includes refectory admission; Hakuho Garan admission separate)

Night viewing

Sat Nov 7 and Sat Nov 21, 17:30–20:30 (last entry 20:00)
Golden Hall doors open; pagodas viewed from outside only

*The pagodas close in bad weather

History Heritage Culture Art Sightseeing Half Day Night View

出典: 薬師寺公式サイト

Kobe · Gluten-free

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FAQ

Can I see the special opening with a regular admission ticket?

No. The special opening ticket (¥1,000 for adults) is required in addition to regular temple admission.

Do I need a reservation?

No reservation is needed for the special opening. Only the lectures in the refectory (Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7) require application.

Is the night viewing covered by the special opening ticket?

No. Night viewing (Nov 7 and Nov 21) costs ¥1,000 separately, and daytime tickets are not valid.