Where 1,400 Years of Faith and Peace Endure in Osaka
🌟 What is Shitennoji Temple?
Founded in 593 AD by Prince Shotoku, Shitennoji is widely considered Japan’s first officially established Buddhist temple. Despite wars, fires, and centuries of reconstruction, the temple remains a spiritual and architectural symbol of Osaka’s deep-rooted history. Its serene grounds, five-story pagoda, and peaceful garden offer a calming retreat from the urban buzz.
🔭 Why Visit Shitennoji Temple?
🛕 Historic Significance: A temple that shaped Japanese Buddhism
📸 Architectural Beauty: Traditional layout with iconic pagoda & main hall
🌸 Seasonal Events: Plum blossoms in February, cherry blossoms in April
🪷 Gokuraku-jodo Garden: A peaceful Pure Land-style Japanese garden
🕊️ Tranquility: Less crowded than Kyoto temples, perfect for reflection
🎑 Monthly Flea Market: Local goods, antiques & street food on temple grounds
📸 Featured Zones
| Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| Central Temple Complex | Includes the main hall, pagoda, and inner gate (paid entry) |
| Five-Story Pagoda | Climbable structure with sacred relics |
| Gokuraku-jodo Garden | Strolling garden inspired by Pure Land paradise |
| Lecture Hall (Kodo) | Used for prayers and ceremonies |
| Outer Grounds | Free-access area with ponds, turtles, and vendors |
🎟️ Admission & Booking
| Area | Price | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Central Temple Complex | ¥300 | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Gokuraku-jodo Garden | ¥300 | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Flea Market Entry | Free | 21st & 22nd monthly (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM approx.) |
| Outer Grounds | Free | Open 24 hrs (lighting after sunset may vary) |
💡 Tip: The 21st of every month (Kobo Daishi Day) brings a lively temple market!
🚨 Visitor Tips
📷 Photography OK outside, but limited inside halls—check signs
🧘 Silence is appreciated—especially inside the prayer areas
📿 Respect rituals—feel free to observe but avoid interrupting monks
🪷 The garden is best in early spring and autumn
👟 Wear comfortable shoes—the stone paths are wide but long
🚉 Access
Nearest Station:
🚇 Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station (Tanimachi Line) – 5 min walk
🚇 Tennoji Station (JR / Subway) – 10–12 min walk through Tennoji Park
🚉 Osaka Uehommachi Station (Kintetsu) – 20 min walk or short bus ride
From Major Areas:
🚄 Osaka Station → Subway Midosuji Line to Tennoji → Walk (25 min total)
🚄 Namba Station → Subway Tanimachi Line to Shitennoji-mae (10 min)
✈️ Kansai Airport → JR to Tennoji → Walk or transfer to subway (45 min)
🏨 Nearby Recommended Hotels
🏨 Hotel Bali Tower Osaka Tennoji – Themed rooms with onsen & entertainment
🛏️ Via Inn Abeno Tennoji – Budget-friendly & walkable to the zoo
🏨 Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel – Luxury views from Abeno Harukas nearby
🍴 Top 3 Local Eats Near Shitennoji
🥢 Kushikatsu Daruma (Shinsekai)
Deep-fried skewers in nearby retro district
🕒 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | 📍 Shinsekai
🍜 Menya Teru (Tennoji)
Craft ramen with rich broth near temple grounds
🕒 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | 📍 East of temple gate
🍡 Traditional Sweets Stand (Temple Market Days)
Try dango, taiyaki, and handmade mochi during flea markets
🕒 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (monthly 21st–22nd) | 📍 Temple outer path
📍 Address & Contact
Shitennoji Temple (四天王寺)
📍 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0051, Japan
📞 +81-6-6771-0066
🌐 https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/
✨ Shitennoji invites you to walk through Japan’s spiritual past—where sacred architecture and seasonal beauty come together in perfect peace.