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
- Other
- 毎月21日 「大師会」弘法大師の縁日
毎月22日 「太子会」聖徳太子の縁日
「春季彼岸会」
春分の日と前後3日間の合計7日間が春のお彼岸です。
期間中、四天王寺では境内の諸堂にてご先祖供養が行われます。また、境内には数多くの露店も出ています。
8月9日～16日 「万灯供養」
お盆の先祖供養のために行われる行事です。
毎夕刻より約1万本のご先祖の霊名が記されたローソクに火が灯され、般若心経にあわせ、僧侶が伽藍内を練り歩きます。夕闇に映し出されるこの光景は、幽玄で神秘的な美しさを感じさせます。
「秋季彼岸会」
秋分の日と前後3日間の合計7日間が秋のお彼岸です。
期間中、四天王寺では境内の諸堂にてご先祖供養が行われます。また、境内には数多くの露店も出ています。
※行事の詳細・開催状況等は四天王寺公式サイトでご確認ください。
四天王寺公式サイト：https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/
・年間行事一覧：https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/year.html
・行事一覧ページ：https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/event/index.html
