About Shitennoji Temple
Shitennoji Temple is one of the Japanese oldest Buddhist temples built in 593 by the Japanese Prince Shotoku. The temple is purely built and dedicated to the Shitenno, (Four Heavenly Kings), person who are believed to protect Buddhism. Located in Osaka city, Shitennoji temple includes Impressive surroundings, Quiet grounds and numerous Buddhist artifacts. Prince Shotoku built such a beautiful temple for Japanese people to remember the glory and power of the newly introduced Buddhism and traditional Japanese gods. Temple contains some of the complex features such as a 5 story pagoda that can be entered and ascended and the Main Hall where Prince Shotoku statue is adored.
Visit Main Hall, where visitors encounter walls painted and depict some of the murals that tell the story of Shakyamuni Buddha and it helps visitors to know more about temples and how Buddhism was introduced to Japan.
Backpackers also take leisurely walks in the midst of the Gokuraku Jodo Garden, made in the Western Gardens of Buddhist mythology. And we can see more beautiful walkways and turtles lazily in its ponds. Treasure house is another popular attraction in Shitennoji Temple, home to some of the rare authentic paintings belonging to ancient Buddhism. Along with scripts, artifacts and valuable belongings also available to explore here.
Do not skip visiting the temple ground floor where market activities took place. The 21 and 22nd floor of the temple are filled by the stalls of flowers, food courts, delicious cold soba shops and traditional Japanese noodles soups. Due to fire and wars, Shitennoji has undergone many renovations and reconstructions, despite of its hustle today it stands as a most preserved historical and architectural marvel in Japan.
Related Search: Where to Stay in Osaka?
Shitennoji Temple Timings
Shitennoji Temple is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from April to September. From October to March, the Temple opens from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Remember, Rokuji Isando Prayer Hall opens from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm every day.
Shitennoji Temple Entrance Fee/Tickets
Shitennoji Temple is completely free to enter and visitors need not pay any entry fees. But make sure that some parts of the temple require an entrance fee to enter, such as;
- For Treasure House: For Adults: 500 Yen
For Children’s: 300 Yen
- Gokuraku Jodo Garden: For Adults: 300 Yen
For Children: 200 Yen
- Cushin Garan: For Adults: 300 Yen
For Children: 200 Yen
Note:
- Children include junior high school students or younger, high school students and
university students. - Tickets and Entrance Fees are subject to change, so make sure to check the updated
entry fees of Shitennoji Temple at its respective website.
Related Articles: Nijo Castle, Kyoto, Japan.