Yakuō-in Temple

Overview

Yakuo-in is a Tendai Buddhist temple in Motoyoshida-cho, Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture. Its main hall is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, while the Nio gate, the principal image of Yakushi Nyorai, and the statues of the Twelve Heavenly Generals are designated cultural properties of Ibaraki Prefecture. Set in a corner of the castle town of Mito, it is an old temple rich in dignified halls and treasures, cherished by worshippers and history lovers alike.

Highlights

• ●A dignified main hall designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan
• ●The imposing form of the Nio gate, a cultural property of Ibaraki Prefecture
• ●The power of the Twelve Heavenly Generals surrounding the Yakushi Nyorai
• ●A historic setting linked to the landmarks of the castle town of Mito

History

Yakuo-in has walked a long history as a Tendai temple, and its main hall is a precious structure designated an Important Cultural Property of the nation. Alongside it, the Nio gate, the Yakushi Nyorai principal image, and the Twelve Heavenly Generals are designated cultural properties of Ibaraki Prefecture, giving the temple the rare value of preserving its halls and images together. For the details of its founding and the changes to its precincts, on-site guides and official sources make for a deeper visit.

Map

36.3564, 140.4780 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Visit Yakuo-in in Motoyoshida-cho, Mito, and pass through the Nio gate
2. 2Pray before the Yakushi Nyorai and the Twelve Heavenly Generals in the main hall
3. 3Take your time viewing the cultural properties and halls in the grounds
4. 4Continue to Mito landmarks such as Kairakuen garden and the Kodokan

Did you know?

💡 The set of Twelve Heavenly Generals guarding the Yakushi Nyorai principal image is not to be missed. Having a nationally designated Important Cultural Property main hall and a prefecturally designated Nio gate within the same grounds is a rare pairing even in Mito.

Nearby spots