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Prince Shotoku had this first Japanese Buddhism temple built. One of the oldest architectural styles in Japan, Shitennoji Temple Building Layout, can be seen on the temple grounds. There are also valuable treasures from the founding time.
Prince Shotoku, the father of Japan’s Buddhism, had this first Japanese Buddhism temple built in 593. In the 8th century, the respect for him has changed into a religion, which is still active to this day. Since the temple was built by Prince Shotoku, it was reestablished as Washu (Japanese religion) in 1949.
The building layout on the grounds is called Shitennoji Style Temple Building Layout, known as one of Japan’s oldest architectural styles. From south to north, the middle gate, five-story pagoda, Golden Hall and worship hall stand in a line, surrounded by the corridor, which is seen in China and Korean Peninsula, suggesting the connection between ancient Japan and the continent. Though damaged by numerous disasters and wars, the support from people made repeated restorations possible.
A five-story pagoda is the symbol of this place. While it was being built, Prince Shotoku wished to save six realms/ways (hell, hunger, animals, demons, humans and heaven) and placed six tokens of Buddha’s ashes and six pieces of his hair inside the foundation stone, thus called “Six Way Saving Pagoda.” The interior, the 8th restoration, is open to the public and the top floor gives you a view over Osaka City. Besides the main hall, the Treasure Hall with valuable national treasures and important cultural properties, 10,000m² Gokuraku-jodo-no-niwa (Garden of Paradise) with a lovely pond to stroll around, and more spots are enjoyable to visit.
Buddhist services are held every 21st and 22nd. On the 22nd, there is a fair with almost 300 booths on the premises.
Five-story pagoda is the symbol of the temple
The big west gate called Gokuraku-Mon
The Treasure Hall
Elegant Garden of Paradise
Prince Shotoku deceased on the 22nd. Every month on the 22nd, booths go up.
Night View of Shitennoji Temple (pixta)
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There’s a stone torii gate right in front of Shitennoji’s entrance, which is a pretty historic landmark. Torii gates ⛩ are usually placed in front of Japanese shrines or temples, and the whole hillside is filled with them. Many were donated by people who made wishes and wanted to give back ❤️. It’s also a popular photo spot.
It's pretty amazing that such a complete temple has been preserved in a modern and bustling city like Osaka!
Shitennoji Temple holds an important place in the area. The temple itself isn't very big, but there's a flea market nearby that draws a lot of people.
The temple grounds are huge. Once you enter, you can really feel the peaceful and solemn atmosphere. You can easily combine this with a half-day trip to Tsutenkaku and Shinsekai nearby.
This is a famous temple in Osaka. The five-story pagoda is definitely worth paying to visit. If you have the Osaka Amazing Pass, you can enter for free. It's really worth checking out.
