Tsubosakadera Temple is a Buddhist temple in Nara that is unique due to its Indian-style elements made of white marble including Buddha statues and relief carvings. These pieces were presented to the temple as gifts from India in recognition of the temple’s international activities in assisting people suffering from leprosy.
This temple has a long history dating all the way back to the 8th century. It was founded by an ascetic monk who allegedly discovered a statue of a thousand-armed Kannon bodhisattva where the temple now stands. The monk thereafter became famous for his healing skills, and it is said that he cured the Empress’ eye disease. These are the early origins of the temple’s ongoing efforts to help cure eye diseases and leprosy.