Shitennoji Temple
temple
Shitennoji Temple
四天王寺
Overview
Japan's oldest official temple from 593 AD with a legendary monthly flea market.
Founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, Shitennoji is one of Japan's oldest state-sponsored Buddhist temples, though most current structures were rebuilt after World War II following original designs. The cloistered Central Precinct aligns along a south-north axis, with a 39-meter pagoda leading back to the main hall, which enshrines a statue of Shotoku as Kannon. The adjacent Gokuraku Jodo no Niwa garden, designed around a tea master's vision of the narrow path to salvation between rivers of anger and greed, offers a quieter space to sit among lotus ponds.
Local tips
Visit on the 21st or 22nd of the month for the massive antique and flea market. The Gokuraku-jodo garden behind the main temple is surprisingly serene and often overlooked.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 四天王寺
- Nearest station
- Tennoji Station (12 min walk)
- Reservations
- not required
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