Shimotsuke Yakushiji Corridor Ruins
栃木県
Corridor ruins of Shimotsuke Yakushiji — also where Dokyo was exiled — with restoration markers conveying its ancient scale
Founded
680
Type
Historic Site
Visited
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Access
15 min walk from JR Jichi-Idai Station
1636 Yakushiji, Shimono, Tochigi
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Overview
Shimotsuke Yakushiji ruins in Shimono City are a national historic site known as one of the Three Ordination Platforms of Nara.
Built around Emperor Tenmu's era (c. 680), it was the center of Buddhist education in eastern Japan.
As one of Japan's Three Ordination Platforms (Todaiji, Kanzeonji, Shimotsuke Yakushiji), monk ordination was conducted.
Also known for Dokyo being demoted to serve as bett…
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Origins
Shimotsuke Yakushiji was founded during Emperor Tenmu's era (late 7th century), one of eastern Japan's oldest temples.
Under the ritsuryo state's Buddhist policy, an ordination platform for eastern monks and nuns was established.
As one of Japan's Three Ordination Platforms, it had prestige equal to…
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Divine Benefits
Healing & Longevity
Warding Off Evil
Long Life
Recovery from illness, bodily wellness, peace of mind. Especially efficacious at Yakushi and Kannon temples.
Derived from the enshrined deity "薬師如来"
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