[Nara, Gojo] Special visit to Eizan-ji Temple - Guided tour of the chief priest, national treasures, and beautiful Buddha statues, including prayers

Eizanji Temple Eizan-ji Temple was founded during the Nara period by Takechimaro, the founder of the Southern Fujiwara clan. It has served as a place of prayer for the Fujiwara clan for over 1,300 years, and its grounds are home to numerous cultural assets dating back to the Nara, Heian, Kamakura, and Muromachi periods. Legend also remains of the Otonashi River, where Kobo Daishi Kukai stopped off to pray during his training. Built between the quiet mountains and the Yoshino River, Eizan-ji Temple's appeal lies in its deep serenity rather than its glamour. The moment you step inside, time begins to slow, and many worshippers comment that they feel "somehow lighter in the heart" and "more at peace." Not only is it a timeless temple, it also embraces modern culture, hosting new votive events such as professional wrestling, taiko drumming, and fashion shows. Eizan-ji Temple's history of continuing to pray while adapting to the times—its very existence itself—is a great attraction.

Principal image of Medicine Buddha Yakushi Nyorai, the principal image of Eizan-ji Temple, is a sacred statue that has long been protected as a secret Buddha. Upon stepping face to face with it, many worshippers are taken aback by its simultaneous aura of calmness and strength. Since ancient times, Yakushi Nyorai has been worshipped as a Buddha who bestows the power to heal illness, heal the mind and body, ward off evil, regenerate, and grant wishes. When you worship its figure, you will miraculously feel the anxiety and doubt deep within your heart melt away, and you will feel a warmth that makes you want to "set out on your feet again." Yakushi Nyorai at Eizan-ji Temple is not simply an "object of prayer," but a Buddha who comforts, supports, and shows us light.

National Treasure Octagonal Hall The symbol of Eizan-ji Temple, the National Treasure Octagonal Hall, was built during the Nara period to commemorate the soul of Takechimaro, the founder of the Southern Fujiwara clan. While its exterior is slightly smaller than other existing Octagonal Halls, its presence exudes a sense of awe and tranquility when viewed up close. Stepping inside the hall, the atmosphere conveying the beauty and history of the Tenpyo period remains intact. Decorative paintings from the Nara period, including "Son Bodhisattva," "Heavenly Maiden," and "Hoso Flower," remain, revealing the softness of Tenpyo-era colors and lines. Even in its incomplete state, the Octagonal Hall evokes a powerful impression, making one wonder how many prayers must have accumulated in this space. The Octagonal Hall is not simply an old building. Its 1,300-year history of prayers has accumulated here, creating a deep silence that envelops visitors. Many worshippers stop here and say things like, "It feels like time has stopped," and "My mind is cleared," precisely because this building was built for prayer. Eizan-ji's Octagonal Hall is a place where architecture, faith, and art blend together, and it can be said that the space of prayer itself has become a national treasure.

Special visit to Eizan-ji Temple and prayer Special worship services at Eizan-ji Temple offer a rare opportunity to enter the normally closed halls and view the National Treasure Octagonal Hall, the principal image of Yakushi Nyorai, and other cultural assets up close. Rather than simply "seeing," visitors experience a serene experience of immersing themselves in the flow of history and prayer. Furthermore, Eizan-ji Temple also offers prayer services in front of the Yakushi Nyorai. The time spent with the head priest chanting sutras and offering prayers for good health and protection from disasters is a moment of inner tranquility, detached from the hustle and bustle. Many visitors report feeling "lighter in the chest" and "strangely more positive," and the service is a welcome respite for worshippers, calming their minds and gently encouraging them to move forward. Through these special worship services and prayers, visitors can quietly experience the "essence of prayer" that Eizan-ji Temple has preserved for 1,300 years.