Yakushi-in is a Shingon Buddhist temple said to have been founded by Emperor Kazan during the Kanwa era (985-987). The main hall, Yakushido, was built in 1615 and features a steeply sloping roof and Momoyama-style features throughout, making it a designated Important Cultural Property of the prefecture. Meanwhile, Shorenji was moved to its current location in 1657 by Mizutani Ise-no-kami Katsutaka, lord of Bitchu Matsuyama. As it also served as a castle fort, its stone walls are built as sturdy as a castle and are well worth seeing.

Both temples played important roles in forming the castle town around Bitchu Matsuyama Castle. Within the grounds of Yakushi-in Temple, there is a monument to Nakamura Genzo, who contributed greatly to the development of Takahashi's industry, and in the Kannon Hall of Shorenji Temple, there remains the coffered ceiling and boat door of the royal ship used by Ukita Hideie, lord of Okayama Castle, during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasion of Korea. Both are designated as important cultural properties by the prefecture. Historical buildings and cultural properties are scattered throughout the area, making it the perfect place to enjoy historical exploration along with Bitchu Matsuyama Castle.