Shin-Yakushi-ji

新薬師寺

Twelve clay guardians stand in a ring

Hours

9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:50)

Tickets

Adults ¥600

Address

Takabatake-chō, Nara

Inside the hall, the twelve divine generals ring a seated Yakushi Buddha. The clay figures date from the Nara period and still glare with startling life; eleven are National Treasures. It sits at the end of the quiet Takabatake lanes, so you can look in peace.