Yachuji Temple

Said to have been built during the Asuka period by Prince Shotoku with help from Soga no Umako. Also called 'Middle Taishi,' it forms one of the 'Three Kawachi Taishi' temples alongside 'Upper Taishi' Eifukuji in Taishi Town and 'Lower Taishi' Daishoshogunji in Yao City. Its Asuka-era temple complex burned down in the wars of the Nanboku-cho period, but the sites of its main hall, pagoda, middle gate, and lecture hall are preserved as a National Historic Site. Today's temple buildings were rebuilt in the early Edo period. Its Hakuho-period seated Miroku Bodhisattva and mid-Heian Jizo Bodhisattva statue are both Important Cultural Properties, unveiled to the public each month on the 18th from 9:30 am to 4 pm.