Ichibata Yakushi

Ichibata Yakushi stands on a forested mountainside above Lake Shinji in Izumo, founded in 894 according to temple records and dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing. The tradition of walking barefoot up the stone steps as an act of devotion still continues, and you'll often see older visitors making the climb slowly in bare feet. The view from the main hall takes in the lake and the surrounding Shimane plains. Inside the main hall, votive offerings and wooden plaques from people praying for recovery from illness cover the walls. The temple is less visited than Izumo Taisha but quietly significant to people in the region.