Yakushiji is one of the “Seven Great Temples of Nara” as well as one of the most important Buddhist monuments in Japan. The temple was originally built at the votive wish of Emperor Temmu, praying for the recovery of his ailing Consort. It was dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, which literally means “Medical Master Buddha”. It is truly a miracle that this temple has retained intact such masterpieces of Japanese classic art as the Yakushi-triad and the three-story East Pagoda. They are considered to be excellent examples of artworks from the Hakuho period (645-710), which flourished at Asuka southwest of Nara.