A three-story pagoda that retains the graceful appearance of the Nara period

#aprilblooms The main mountain of the Hoso sect is registered as a world cultural heritage as one of the constituent assets of the "Cultural Property of the Ancient Capital Nara". In the 9th year of Emperor Tenmu (680), Emperor Tenmu prayed for the recovery of the Empress's illness and built it in Fujiwara-kyo, Asuka. It was moved to its current location in the 2nd year of Yoro (718) after the transfer of the capital to Heijo-kyo. For the first time in Japan, the "Yakushiji-style garan arrangement" was adopted, with a golden hall that enshrines the principal image in the centre and a tower on the left and right of it and surrounded by a corridor. In addition, by attaching a decorative roof called Mokoshi to Buddhist halls and pagodas, the architectural style of "Ryugu-zukuri" is characterised by giving a magnificent impression that looks multi-layered than it actually is. Among the existing buildings in the temple, it enshrines 6 important cultural properties, including the East Pagoda, the only one built in the Nara period, the main image, the Yakushi Sanson Statue, and Kyugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, which is the guard of Yakushi-ji Temple. Among them, the East Tower, which was completely dismantled and repaired in 2021 and regained its beautiful appearance from 1,300 years ago, is a must-see.