Shitennoji Temple

四天王寺

4.4Est. 75Osaka, Kansai

JTA Approved

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

Loading details...

Want to visit Shitennoji Temple?

Build a trip to Osaka