Yakushi-ji Temple is dedicated to Yakushi Buddha (Buddha of Medicine and Healing). Emperor Tenmu ordered construction of the temple, but his Empress succeeded him to the throne and had the temple completed in 698, in Asuka region. In 718, after Nara became the capital, the temple was moved to the present site. However all the temple buildings were destroyed by fires and disasters until the 16th century except the East Pagoda. At present, Yakushi-ji Temple has been making an effort to restore the temple. The Main Hall, the West Pagoda, the Inner Gate, the Corridors and the Lecture Hall have been reconstructed since 1976 with funds of the donations from the faithful people.

Toshodai-ji Temple was founded by Chinese high priest Ganjin in 759 as the temple for training of the Buddhist monks. Ganjin was invited to Japan by Emperor Shomu to teach the Chinese precepts and ordain the Japanese monks. The Main Hall was built about 1230 years ago,it is one of the greatest structures of Nara Period. Its row of eight front pillars with swelling of the center is impressive and reminiscent of the Parthenon in Greece. Regretfully it can not be seen now due to restoration until 2009. The Lecture Hall was originally built as the Morning Assembly Hall in the site of Nara Palace. Empress Koken donated it to the Toshodai-ji and it has come to the only one building of the Palace.

Nara was the capital of Japan from 710 to 784, called Heijo-kyo (Nara Capital). Archaeological excavation of the Palace Site has been continuing since 1958 and reached about one third of the total site until 2006. There were the Imperial Audience Hall, the State Hall, the Imperial Domicile, administrative offices and many other buildings in this site.The research work has revealed a great volume of historical facts ranging from the bureaucratic system of the palace to culture and customs of the Nara Period. The Suzaku Gate was the main entrance gate to the Heijo Palace and was restored in 1998.