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Shitenno-ji Temple

4.3 (200)Tourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipPoint Of InterestEstablishment

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

What other travelers are saying about Shitenno-ji Temple

Nice area but in the middle of multiple large buildings. The pagado is well maintained and was able to enter but only the first floor. Worth the 500 yen for about an hour.
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Jon Testa
Apr 18, 2025
It is one of Japan's oldest Temples and the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. Entrance fee 500 Yen for Adults and 300 for Children.
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George Trantas
Apr 18, 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
It wasn't something on our Radar but being 15 minutes walk away from our accommodation and some time, we walked and it was totally worth it. The original being such and old temple was what made me want to go and with vast grounds and lots to look at, great online explanations via QR code, it was worth every bit. Small fee (Y500) to get into the main temple but very picture worthy.
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Graeme Southcott
Mar 7, 2025
We visited Shitennō-ji Temple beginning of January in the morning. There weren’t a lot of people, so it felt very peaceful. It’s the perfect place to take amazing photos. We went up the pagoda, you have to take your shoes off at the entrance and you are not allowed to take pictures inside, which I think made us admire its beauty even more. The entrance was ¥500 at the time. Totally worth the visit.
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Diosemil Sanchez
Feb 26, 2025


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