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Shitenno-ji Temple

Name: Shitenno-ji Temple
Address: 1-chōme-11-18 Shitennōji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051, Japan
Rating: 4.3

4.3 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Shitenno-ji Temple, founded in 593 AD by Prince Shotoku, is a significant Buddhist temple and one of Japan's oldest in Osaka. This temple is dedicated to the Four Heavenly Kings, guardians of Buddhism. Its historical and cultural importance makes it a key site in Japanese heritage.

The temple's layout follows the original design from over a millennium ago, featuring a central courtyard surrounded by key structures. The five-story pagoda is a highlight, allowing visitors to climb and explore each level. The main hall, Kondo, is another focal point, housing important Buddhist statues and artifacts.

One of the temple's remarkable features is the Gokuraku-jodo Garden, designed to represent the Buddhist paradise. The garden's serene ponds and carefully placed stones create a tranquil atmosphere ideal for reflection and meditation.

Shitenno-ji Temple hosts various events throughout the year, including the Doya-Doya Festival in January, where young men compete in a lively event to touch sacred objects for good fortune. The temple also celebrates seasonal events, with the cherry blossom season in spring drawing large crowds to admire the blossoms.

The Treasure House within the temple complex holds an impressive collection of historical artifacts, including ancient scriptures, sculptures, and ceremonial items. These exhibits provide insight into Japan's religious and cultural evolution.

Hours:

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (April to September)

*21st of each month 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (October to March)

*21st of each month 8:00 - 4:30

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All Year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

Central Temple:

300 yen (Adults)

200 yen (university and high school)

Treasure Museum:

500 yen (Adults)

300 yen (university and high school)

Honbou Japanese Garden:

300 yen (Adults)

200 yen (university and high school)

Hours

Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Phone

+81 6-6771-0066

Website

www.shitennoji.or.jp

The area

Address

1-chōme-11-18 Shitennōji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051, Japan

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What other travelers are saying about Shitenno-ji Temple

Very well preserved Temple and accessible tower. Inside the temple thousands of relics with prayers or memorials of beloved ones. I used chatGPT voice with video captures to guide me and that was very useful. Be aware of pictures not allowed, please respect it. Just before you enter the site there is a delicious matcha and ice cream bar.

Öztürk Taspinar

May 27, 2025

Nice temple for up to 1 hour visit, especially if combined with a walk/visit to other places in the area. I didn't pay to enter the main temple building as it could be seen mostly from outside and I was satisfied with the overall experience.

Simon Tong

May 30, 2025

A beautiful peaceful temple that takes you back to the past. There was a ceremony at the time of our visit and the sound of the prayers and the drum in the background made it a unique experience.

Sandra B

May 29, 2025

A beautiful place... A peaceful place. The beauty of people and the nice and welcome of the people working inside..the temple.. And the smile of the gentlemen that sell to us incense stick to offer at temple ,his patience to explain to us the story of temple.. It's one of the most emotional places ever visited

Sir Engëlbert Alexandru Salvetti Möldovan

Feb 25, 2025

Amazing temple complex, like really genuinely impressive. I’ve been to A LOT of Buddhist temples in Japan, this was one of those places where you can feel a higher presence. I’ve been to Osaka before in the past, so was looking for something different. This place refreshed me. It was also very cool that they let you inside the pagoda. This place seems very sacred. Note to other tourists: of course make sure to be modest, and extra quiet. no pictures inside of any of the temples. But also, and mainly, i saw a lot of people entering the temple complex area with the pagodas without paying after close. I mean, doors were shut to all the temples so im sure nobody got to actually do anything. But it felt blatantly disrespectful, especially because there was a huge sign in English saying closed by the area where you’re supposed to pay. Only reason they were able to get in is because they went through the exit area. Just be mindful, Japan is a beautifully respectful place and it’s important that we tourists don’t ruin that.