Shitenno-ji

Shitenno- ji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Japan. The oldest officially administered temple in Japan, Shitennoji was built by Prince Shotoku (574- 622 A.D.), the great cultural hero of early Japanese history who at the age of sixteen successfully triumphed over the opposition and brought about the adoption of Buddhism in the country.

The Prince, it was said, achieved his victory by praying to the Four Heavenly Kings, the soldiers of the Buddha. It was to commemorate that victory that in 593 A.D. he ordered the construction of Shitennoji Temple.

The temple was built not far from Osaka Bay, which played a vital role in trade and traffic. It was a strategic location which enabled a show of Japan's power and prosperity to the world. Despite repeated reconstructions, the layout of the temple compound has remained largely unchanged from the beginning.

Shitennoji is the favorite shrine of many Japanese people and is fondly regarded as the Buddhist altar of Osaka. Indicative of the temple's long history are the many annual events held here, including the Doya- Doya, the Shoryoe, and the Shitennoji Wasso.

Hours: Apr- Sep: 8:30a- 4:30p Tue- Sun, Oct- Mar: 8a- 4p Tue- Sun.

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Contact Information

Shitenno-ji
1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku
543-0051 Osaka

Tel. +81667710066

http://www.shitennoji.or.jp/