Head temple of the Japanese sect Shitennoji
Founded by Prince Shotoku in the first year of the Suiko era (593), this is the first official Buddhist temple in Japan. There are many things to see, such as the layout of the temple buildings that has been passed down since the temple was first built, and the buildings associated with various sect founders that transcend the boundaries of sects.
As one of the first state-sponsored temples of Japan that was founded by Prince Shotoku in 593, it has weathered numerous damages from disasters and wars to still survive until the present day. The temple transcends the conventional boundaries among the sects as it holds arrangements of the Shitennoji temple that conveys the oldest temple of Japan, and dedications to Saicho (Dengyo Daishi), Kukai (Kobo Daishi), Honen, Shinran, etc. The central temple was recreated during the Showa era to mimic the form of the original building, in addition to the 6:00 PM worship hall at the northern section and the Gansan Daishi-do Hall are recognized as important cultural properties of Japan. In addition, there is a treasure museum that holds many numerous national treasures and important cultural properties, along with numerous stalls that pop up within the premise on festive days such as the 21st and 22nd of every month. *Please see the Shitennoji temple website for more details regarding each event.
Basic information
- Business hours
- April to September 8:30 - 16:30 *21st of each month 8:00 - 17:00
October to March 8:30 - 16:00 *21st of each month 8:00 - 16:30
Rokujido 8:30 - 18:00 *21st of each month from 8:00
- Holidays
- No designated days closed (some temporary closures of gardens)
- Price
- Main temple: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for high school students
Treasure Museum: 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for high school students
Honbo Garden: 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary, middle and high school students
- Access
- 5-minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line
- Address
- 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, 543-0051
- Telephone
- 06-6771-0066
- Fax
- 06-6773-4921
- URL
- https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/
- Other
- The 21st of every month is the "Daishi-e" festival of Kobo Daishi
22nd of every month "Taishikai" Prince Shotoku Festival
"Spring Higankai"
The spring equinox lasts for a total of seven days, including the Vernal Equinox and the three days before and after.
During this period, memorial services for ancestors are held in the various halls within the grounds of Shitennoji, and many outdoor stalls are also set up within the temple grounds.
August 9th to 16th “Manto Memorial Service”
This is an event held during Obon to honor ancestors.
Every evening, approximately 10,000 candles bearing the names of ancestors are lit, and monks parade through the temple grounds to the accompaniment of the Heart Sutra. This spectacle, reflected in the twilight, is filled with a profound and mystical beauty.
"Autumn Higankai"
The autumn equinox lasts for a total of seven days, including the autumnal equinox and the three days before and after.
During this period, memorial services for ancestors are held in the various halls within the grounds of Shitennoji, and many outdoor stalls are also set up within the temple grounds.
*Please check the official Shitennoji website for details on events and their status.
Shitennoji Official Website: https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/
・List of annual events: https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/year.html
・Event list page: https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/event/index.html
