Greater Tokyo

TOCHIGI

Shimotsuke Yakushiji Temple Ruins

This Buddhist temple was the greatest in the Kanto provinces and was known for having one of the three most majestic ordination platforms in the country alongside the Todaiji temple and the Kanzeon-ji Temple. Built at the end of the seventh century, in the mid-eighth century, it is said to have been so prosperous. Today, a portion of the site of its ruins are maintained as a public park."