Yakushido Hall, Jodoji Temple

Yakushido Hall was completed in 1200 by Saint Chogen. Though the original burned down, the reconstructed building, built about 500 years ago, is still standing.

The original was built using the same daibutsuyo architecture as Nandaimon Gate at Todaiji Temple.  
However, when it was rebuilt, it was done in a fusion of styles, including karayo-style windows. 

In Japan, it is often said that there is a mystical river dividing the world of the living and the world of the afterlife.

Here at Jodoji, Jododo Hall is meant to represent the afterlife, Yakushido Hall represents our world, and the path between them represents this mystical river.

Yakushido is the main hall for enshrining the Buddhist figures we treasure as objects of our faith.

Yakushido Hall enshrines the buddha Yakushi, from whom the temple gets its name.

Yakushi is the buddha of medicine and good health, who saves us from suffering due to illness and hunger. 

To his right and left are Nikko and Gakko.

However, no one living has ever laid eyes on these statues as they are closed off from public viewing. 
Please clasp your hands and pray from outside of the hall.