Kitayama Jūhakken-do, Historic leper colony in Nara, Japan.
Description
Kitayama Jūhakken-do is a medieval care facility in Nara with multiple buildings that served patients with leprosy. The grounds contain structures that held isolation areas and spaces for medical treatment during that period.
History
Founded in 1243 by Buddhist monk Ninshō, this facility became one of Japan's leading care centers. Its establishment marked a turning point in medieval healthcare and how institutions approached patient care.
Culture
This place shows how religious communities took in and cared for people facing stigma and isolation during medieval times. Such sites shaped how people thought about responsibility toward those suffering from illness.
Practical
The site is best explored through guided tours that explain the medical and social aspects of the facility. It helps to prepare for a quiet walkthrough since you will be seeing various areas of the historic buildings.
Did you know?
The facility enforced strict separation rules where even people who tested negative for leprosy lived under the same conditions as infected patients. This system reveals how early medicine struggled with diagnosis and treatment challenges.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Nara).
Tōdai-ji
905 m
Tōdai-ji Daibutsu
910 m
Shōsōin
584 m
Great Buddha Hall
929 m
Nigatsu-dō
1.1 km
Nara Juvenile Prison
291 m
Tamon'yama Castle
432 m
Statue of Fukūkensaku Kannon of Hokkedō, Tōdaiji
1.2 km
Hannya-ji
394 m
Konbu-in
1.2 km
Nara Prefecture Cultural Hall
1.2 km
Chisoku-in
673 m
Neiraku Museum
1.2 km
Shiki no Niwa
682 m
Saifuku-ji
850 m
Irie Taikichi House
1.1 km
Jōfuku-ji
58 m
Aska (Nara Dreamland)
1.2 km
Todai-ji Museum
1.2 km
Hokke-dō
1.2 km
Kōnoike Athletic Stadium
614 m
Belfry, Todaiji
1.1 km
Founder's Hall, Todaiji
1.1 km
Tōdai-ji Tegaimon
545 m
Gokō-in
332 m
Shōsō
594 m
Hannya-ji Rōmon
361 m
東大寺八角燈籠
979 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes