Shitennoji Temple (四天王寺) is a historic Buddhist temple located in Osaka, Japan. It was founded in 593 AD by Prince Shotoku, who played a pivotal role in the introduction and spread of Buddhism in Japan. The temple is considered the oldest officially administered temple in Japan.
The temple has a long and fascinating history, having been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries due to fires and natural disasters. The current temple buildings were reconstructed in the mid-20th century, but they retain the traditional architectural style of the original temple. The central temple complex follows the “Shitennoji-style Garan” layout, one of the oldest styles in Japanese Buddhist temple architecture, featuring a straight north-south alignment of the Chumon Gate, five-story pagoda, Kondo (Golden Hall), and Kodo (Lecture Hall), all enclosed within a roofed corridor.
One of the main attractions is the five-story pagoda, rebuilt in 1957 and standing as a prominent symbol of the temple. The Kondo (Golden Hall), another major attraction, houses the principal image of worship, a statue of Kannon Bosatsu (the bodhisattva of salvation), along with many other important religious artifacts and treasures.
Visitors can explore various gardens and courtyards throughout the temple grounds, each with its own unique characteristics and history. The temple also offers the opportunity to visit the Shoriden, a multi-treasure pagoda built in 1961, which enshrines a seated statue of Prince Shotoku. The Treasure House (Homotsukan) exhibits a vast collection of temple treasures, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
Shitennoji Temple hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including traditional Buddhist ceremonies and cultural performances, providing visitors with insights into Japanese religious and cultural practices.
Details
| Hours | April to September / 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM October-March / 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM The gate of Shitennoji Temple is open 24 hours on day, you worship from the outside of the hall can be freely any time. |
| Admission | Central Temple ・Adults: 300 yen ・High school and university students: 200 yen ・Elementary school and junior high school students: Free ・Kindergarten child: Free Garden ・Adults: 300 yen ・High school and university students: 200 yen ・Elementary school and junior high school students: 200 yen ・Kindergarten child: Free Treasure Hall ・Adults: 500 yen ・High school and university students: 300 yen ・Elementary school and junior high school students: Free ・Kindergarten child: Free |
| Phone | +81 6-6771-0066 |
| Address | 1 Chome-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051 |