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First Japanese Temple, Shitennoji

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.

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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. (Due to the pandemic, some halls are not open. Inquiry necessary. *As of Aug 2021)
Buddhist services are held every 21st and 22nd. On the 22nd, there is a fair with almost 300 booths on the premises. *Covid-19 protocol applied

Highlights

  • Prince Shotoku had this first Japanese Buddhism temple built.
  • The historic temple with the original ground plan and treasures in store.
  • Five-story pagoda, the symbol of this temple, is open to the public. The top floor offers a view over Osaka City.
  • A fair on every 21st and 22nd on the temple grounds. Have some fun.

Photos

  • Five-story pagoda is the symbol of the temple

    Five-story pagoda is the symbol of the temple

  • The big west gate called Gokuraku-Mon

    The big west gate called Gokuraku-Mon

  • The Treasure Hall

    The Treasure Hall

  • Elegant Garden of Paradise

    Elegant Garden of Paradise

  • Prince Shotoku deceased on the 22nd. Every month on the 22nd, booths go up.

    Prince Shotoku deceased on the 22nd. Every month on the 22nd, booths go up.

  • Night View of Shitennoji Temple (pixta)

    Night View of Shitennoji Temple (pixta)

Reviews

5
  • 石玉卿

    四天王寺門口前擺著一個石頭做成的鳥居,也算是歷史相當悠久的一個古蹟,鳥居⛩通常放在日本神社或佛寺前面,整個山坡上都是滿滿的鳥居,當初都是有人可能許願為了還原捐獻的❤️也是照相的景點之一哦

  • 陳素貞

    大阪這個繁華現代的都市,還能夠保存一個完整的寺廟,實屬難得!

  • Chi Yun214

    四天王寺在當地佔有重要的地位,寺廟不大周邊有跳蚤市場活動,匯集很多人潮。

  • Wei Chen

    寺廟範圍大進來後可以感受到它的寧靜莊嚴,可以和附近的通天閣、新世界來個半日遊。

  • Tim 天

    大阪市區有名的寺廟,五重塔很值得付費上去參觀,如果持有大阪周遊卷可免費進場,很值得入內參觀。

Details

Name in Japanese
和宗 総本山 四天王寺
Postal Code
543-0051
Address
1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City, Osaka
Telephone
06-6771-0066
Holiday
Open every day
Hours
October-March 8:30am-4:00pm, April-September 8:30am-4:30pm
*May vary from building to building
Admission
Central Hall: Adult 300 yen, High school/college student 200 yen, Middle schooler and younger Free
Garden: Adult 300 yen, High school/college student 200 yen, Elementary school/ middle school student 200 yen
Treasure Hall: Adult 500 yen, High school/college student 300 yen, Middle schooler and younger Free
*Due to the pandemic, some halls are not open. Inquiry necessary. (As of Aug 2021)
Directions
1) From Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line, Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station, walk 5 min.
2) From JR or Osaka Metro, any line, Shitennoji Station, walk 12 min.
3) From Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line, Abenobashi Station, walk 14 min.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)