Sainenji Temple, Dempozan
Constructed in 645, Sainenji Temple is located on the holy site at which Buddhism was first introduced to Japan. The temple is also known as Naniwa no Ofuna-dera. Naniwa is the old name for Osaka and Ofuna means boat. The temple has this name because people pray here regarding shipping and fishing. The temple is one of four head temples in the Setsu, Kawachi and Izumi provinces, and is a syncretic temple of all sects of Japanese Buddhism.
Constructed in 645, the Indian sage Hodo built a sanctuary here upon arriving in Japan. This was the first Buddhist temple in Japan, and a site for the practice of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. It is also Japan's oldest columbarium for the interment of funerary ashes, and a syncretic Buddhist and Shinto temple. The site is revered for the worship of the deities Tenjin, Jizo, Kannon, Kobo Daishi, and Ryujin. It became part of a pilgrimage route encompassing three great Kannon temples in the Heian period, visiting Mt. Dempo, Mt. Koya, and Mt. Maya.
Basic information
- child
- Open
- Monday to Friday 10:00 - 16:00
- Holidays
- Saturdays and Sundays
- Directions
- 5-minute walk from Dempo Station on the Hanshin Namba Line 3-minute walk from the Torishima 2-chome bus stop via city bus from JR Nishikujo Station Take the (56) bus bound for Torishimashako-mae or the (59) bus bound for Hokko Yacht Harbor and get off at Kasugade
- Location
- 5-7-4 Dempo, Konohana-ku, Osaka, 554-0002
- Tel
- 06-6461-5602
- Fax
- 06-6465-7227
- URL
- http://www.city.osaka.lg.jp/konohana/page/0000001437.html
- Average time
- Within 30 minutes
- Other
- New Year's Shusho-e, Setsubun, Spring and Autumn Higan-e (Segaki-e), Nagarekanjo Osegaki-e, Ojuya, Nokotsu Eitai Shido Service (Spring and Autumn), Special Services (May, October, and December), Mizuko Kuyo, Dempo Tenjin, Kobo Daishi, Bishamonten, Hakuryu Daimyojin (Hachidairyuo), Kannon, Jizo, Hakuryu Daimyojin Prayer, Shomin Shinko no Hoko (folk religion)
