SHITENNO JI TEMPLE

Shitenno-ji Temple is the oldest Buddhist official temple in Japan and was founded by Prince Shotoku Taishi. He played a pivotal role in introducing Buddhist culture to the country and formed the temple in 593. The building was continuously destroyed over the years due to fire. But it has been rebuilt with a few current buildings dating back to the 1970s.

The complex of Shitenno-ji Temple is bustling with street stalls, scheduled every month on the death anniversaries of Prince Shotoku and Kukai. Approximately 500 stalls are there, selling clothes, food, and antiques.

In addition to attending the ceremonies, you can also attend the everyday prayer which happens in the hall at 6 p.m. After that, head to the museum which houses several national treasures and cultural properties. You can also take a walk in the Gokuraku Jodo Garden where several ponds, streams, and cherry blossom trees are waiting for you.

Highlights

• Explore the admirable Buddhist Temple of Japan which was founded by Prince Shotoku in 593 and has survived numerous wars and disasters.
• Immerse yourself in the cultural bliss of Ganzan Daishi-do Hall and the worship hall where prayer is conducted every day at 6 p.m.
• Check out the treasure museum of this temple where several cultural properties and national treasures are kept intact for the explorers and historic lovers.
• Be a part of the Manto Kuyo event held within the premises of the temple between 9th August and 16th August; held to remember the ancestors.
• Wander through the Gokuraku Jodo Garden which is named after the Buddhist paradise and is surrounded by clear streams, ponds, and beautifully bloomed cherry blossom trees.

How To Reach

• By Car: Shitenno-ji Temple is approximately 6.3 km from Osaka Castle and takes 7-10 minutes to reach.
• By Train: Take a train from Ōsakajōkōen to the Shitenno-ji Temple. It will take you approximately 12 minutes to reach the destination.
• By Subway: Board a subway from Temmabashi in Osaka. You will reach Shitenno-ji Temple in 10 minutes.
• By Walk: If you are at Tennoji Station, you can reach the Shitenno-ji Temple within 11 minutes.

Best Time To Visit

You can visit Shitenno-ji Temple throughout the year as it is always open to the public.

• Best Season: The best season is at the end of March and the beginning of April when there are cherry blossoms everywhere.
• Best Day in the Week: Visit on weekdays to get a wholesome experience of the temple without crowds.
• Best Time of the Day: The best time to visit is early morning when there is minimal crowd.

Other Essential Information

• Although the ground admission fee is free, there is a nominal charge to explore the Treasure House and Gokuraku-jodo Garden.
• Walk in the Gokuraku Jodo Garden where there are spacious lawns and small ponds.
• The temple ground is only open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., so plan your travel accordingly.
• Attend the fall festival, spring festival, and New Year’s Eve which give you a glimpse of the Buddhist celebrations.
• There is paid parking at the temple premises but it can get extremely congested during peak seasons.