Seireisan Yakushi-in is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon school of Buddhism located in Nishioka, Uozumi-cho, Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture. It is known as the seventh temple on the Akashi Saigoku Pilgrimage and the first temple on the Harima Eight Yakushi Pilgrimage, both of which are routes connecting Buddhist temples associated with particular devotional traditions.
The temple is affectionately known as the “Peony Temple” because of its beautiful peony garden. Each spring, the grounds are transformed by colorful blossoms, attracting worshippers and visitors who come to enjoy the flowers in a tranquil historic setting.
The history of Yakushi-in is linked to Gyoki, a renowned Buddhist monk who lived during the Nara period and is remembered for spreading Buddhism and helping communities throughout Japan. According to local tradition, Gyoki visited this area and thrust his priest’s staff into the ground. Sacred water sprang from the spot, and an image of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing and Medicine, emerged from the water.
Gyoki is said to have founded the temple to enshrine this sacred image. Since then, Yakushi-in has remained a place of Buddhist devotion, with visitors coming to pray for health, well-being, and spiritual protection.
The temple’s reputation as the “Peony Temple” dates back to the early Meiji period in the late 19th century. The resident priest at the time began planting peonies as medicinal plants. Over the years, the planting expanded into a garden covering approximately 2,000 square meters.
Today, the garden features around 2,000 peony plants representing approximately 50 varieties. During the spring flowering season, the large, richly colored blossoms create a striking display across the temple grounds. The peonies are the main attraction for many visitors, offering a seasonal highlight amid the peaceful atmosphere of this old temple.
The main hall houses Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing and Medicine, who is the temple’s principal image. Kobo Daishi, the Buddhist monk Kukai, and Senju Kannon, the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion, are also enshrined here. The hall provides a quiet place for visitors to offer prayers and reflect.
The grounds also contain a hall dedicated to Bishamonten, a Buddhist guardian deity associated with protection, strength, and victory. Often depicted as an armored warrior, Bishamonten is revered by worshippers seeking courage and safeguarding against misfortune.
Another notable feature is the Sazuke Jizo statue, erected in 1973 to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of Kobo Daishi’s birth. Jizo is a compassionate Buddhist figure widely revered in Japan as a protector and giver of blessings. The statue symbolizes the hope that visitors will receive good fortune and other blessings.
Yakushi-in also has a connection to Yutei Ishida, a distinguished painter who was active during the middle of the Edo period. The temple served as the family temple of his household, and works by the artist are still preserved on the grounds. This artistic heritage adds another dimension to a visit, allowing visitors to reflect on the history and culture of Akashi through the temple’s religious and artistic traditions.
Yakushi-in can be reached on foot from several nearby public transportation stops. From Uozumi Station on the JR West Sanyo Main Line, the walk takes approximately 20 minutes. From Sanyo Uozumi Station on the Sanyo Electric Railway, it takes about 10 minutes.
Visitors can also take Akashi City’s community bus, known as Tako Bus. Get off at the Botanji-guchi stop on the Nishioka Higashi route, then walk approximately three minutes to the temple.
Seireisan Yakushi-in brings together religious history, traditional Buddhist art, and the seasonal beauty of its peony garden. Its founding legend, historic halls, and association with Yutei Ishida offer glimpses into the cultural heritage of Akashi, while the spring blossoms provide a colorful reason to visit. For travelers exploring the Akashi and Kakogawa area, this quiet temple is a rewarding place to appreciate Japanese Buddhist traditions and enjoy a peaceful garden setting.