Located in Takahatacho, Nara City, Shin Yakushiji Temple is a historic temple said to have been founded during the Nara period by Empress Komyo in prayer for the recovery of her husband, Emperor Shomu. At the time of its founding, the temple housed a row of large buildings, but today only the main hall remains. Believed to have been rebuilt during the Nara period, the hall's impressive, powerful pillars and stately roof convey the beauty of ancient Japanese architecture. While not flashy, its simple yet powerful beauty attracts many worshippers.

The greatest attractions of Shin Yakushiji Temple are the seated Yakushi Nyorai statue, the principal image of the temple, designated a National Treasure, and the twelve standing statues of the Heavenly Generals that surround it. The principal image, with its powerful gaze and striking, plump facial expression, is considered a masterpiece of Nara-period wooden Buddhist carving. The surrounding twelve heavenly generals, each with a different expression and pose, exude a sense of dynamism. It is rare to find all 12 statues still in existence, and they are truly impressive.
They are said to have powers that cure eye diseases.