Shitennoji Temple
One of Japan's oldest temples, said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku.
Known for the “Shitennoji style” layout, with the middle gate, five-story pagoda, main hall and lecture hall lined up north to south. Markets are held in the grounds on some days (check official sources for dates).
History & legend
- Tradition / theory
The Nihon Shoki chronicle records that Prince Shotoku began building the temple in 593.
- Fact
The main buildings today were rebuilt in the Showa era after war damage and other losses.
Nearby & related
- Oe ShrinePlaceholder imageHistory
Oe Shrine
A hilltop shrine in Yuhigaoka guarded by tigers instead of the usual lion-dogs.
- Kiyomizu-dera (Tennoji)Placeholder imageHistory
Kiyomizu-dera (Tennoji)
A temple on the Uemachi Plateau with a wooden stage modeled on Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera.
- TennojiPlaceholder imageMust-sees
Tennoji
A southern Osaka hub where a major terminal, shopping, a park and temples come together.
Stay nearby
Areas to stay with easy access to this spot.
Courses that include this spot
Seven Slopes & Ancient Temples
Descend the slopes from Ikukunitama Shrine to Oe Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera and Shitennoji through a quiet temple town.
Ikukunitama Shrine → Tennoji Seven Slopes → Oe Shrine → Kiyomizu-dera (Tennoji) → Tamade Falls → Shitennoji Temple
Tennoji: Ancient Temple and the 300 m View
Visit Shitennoji, then head to Abeno Harukas and take in Osaka from the Harukas 300 observatory.
Shitennoji Temple → Abeno Harukas → Harukas 300 (Observatory)