Burakuji Yakushido, the Oldest National Treasure Hall in Shikoku

The Yakushido of Buraku-ji in Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture, is a national treasure hall regarded as the oldest structure in all of Shikoku. The temple itself is said to have been founded in the Nara period by the renowned monk Gyoki, established as a prayer temple by Emperor Shomu. The main hall, the Yakushido, is thought to date from the late Heian to early Kamakura period, and the Yakushi Nyorai image enshrined inside bears a date from the late Heian period (1151). Counted alongside Horaiji in Aichi and Jofukuji in Fukushima as one of the three great Yakushi temples of Japan, it is also known by the old name Shibaori Yakushi. It still stands quietly on a calm hill overlooking the Yoshino River, after nearly a thousand years.

Highlights

• The dignity of the Yakushido, the oldest structure in Shikoku and a designated national treasure
• The composed, almost square hall built in the hip-and-gable style
• The deep history of faith, counted among the three great Yakushi temples of Japan
• The alternate name Shibaori Yakushi, and its old origins as a Gyoki foundation and prayer temple of Emperor Shomu
• A quiet location with fine views overlooking the Yoshino River

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings fresh greenery and autumn brings colored leaves to the grounds, where the old hall and nature blend beautifully. In this quiet mountain setting your heart feels calm whenever you visit. In winter, with its clear air, you can sense an even more dignified charm. Since the site is wrapped in trees, a morning visit with soft dappled light is especially pleasant.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Terauchi, Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture
• The main Yakushido hall is designated a national treasure (its Yakushi image bears a late Heian date)
• The nearest station is Ota-guchi on the JR Dosan Line, about a 30-minute walk into the mountains
• Set among mountain roads, so visiting by car is convenient
• A quiet setting, so please visit calmly and mind your manners

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: early summer greenery and late autumn foliage. For quiet, a weekday morning with few people is most comfortable.
• Avoiding crowds: this is not a place where tourists gather, but on autumn-foliage weekends parking is limited, so an early arrival is reassuring.
• Time needed: roughly 30 to 45 minutes for viewing the hall and strolling the grounds.
• Nearby spots: the scenic Yoshino River valley, and the Sugi-no-Osugi (giant cedar of Otoyo, said to be the largest in Japan), let you enjoy mountain nature and faith together.
• Budget feel: viewing itself costs little, making it an easy stop to combine with a scenic mountain drive.

A Quick Tip

To take your time admiring the national treasure hall, a weekday with fewer people is recommended. As you travel mountain roads, give yourself plenty of time when you visit. Pairing it with the nearby Sugi-no-Osugi lets you slowly savor the history and nature of Otoyo Town.

📚 Sources

For Burakuji Yakushido in Otoyo Town, the guidance published by the Otoyo Town tourism association and the temple and on-site signboards are the reliable references. Its designation of the Yakushido as a national treasure, and the late-Heian (1151) date on the Yakushi Nyorai image, can also be confirmed through public cultural-property information. Its standing among the three great Yakushi of Japan and its origin as a Gyoki-founded temple by imperial vow of Emperor Shomu are supported by local historical materials. Worship and access may change, so please check official information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: About 30 to 45 minutes for viewing the hall and strolling the precinct.
• What to prepare: Viewing itself costs little, and it pairs easily with a mountain-road drive. Being in the hills, comfortable shoes bring peace of mind.
• Suggested route: Admire the dignity of the national-treasure Yakushido, said to be the oldest structure in Shikoku, and tour the quiet precinct overlooking the Yoshino River.
• Avoiding crowds: It is not a place where tourists concentrate, but parking is limited on autumn-foliage weekends, so an early arrival brings peace of mind.
• Pair your visit: Extending to the nearby Sugi-no-Osugi lets you enjoy the history and nature of Otoyo Town together.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Address: 314 Terauchi, Otoyo-cho, Nagaoka-gun, Kochi Prefecture
• Viewing the exterior: No reservation required, free of charge
• Viewing the interior: Reservation required. Admission 500 yen, viewing hours 9:00-16:00
• Parking: Available (20 spaces)
• Access: About 20 minutes by car from the Otoyo IC on the Kochi Expressway
• Inquiries and reservations: 0887-73-0029 (Burakuji Temple)

Note: The hall enshrines seven Buddhist statues designated as National Important Cultural Properties, including seated figures of Yakushi Nyorai, Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai. If you wish to see inside the hall, be sure to reserve in advance. Note: As the building is a National Treasure, please confirm details such as whether photography is permitted inside the hall when you make your reservation.

(Sources: Burakuji Temple official website, Otoyo Town official website, Otoyo Town Tourism Development Association 'WOW!OTOYO')