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Shitennō-ji, Osaka

, Osaka, Osaka

Description

Shitennō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Osaka and the head temple of the Wa Sect of Buddhism. Its name can be translated as "Temple of the Four Heavenly Kings" and it was established at the end of the 6th century AD, making is possibly the first Buddhist temple in Japan, although it had to be rebuilt several times over the centuries. The complex consists of a five-story pagoda, a main Golden Pavilion (Kondō) housing an image of the Bodhisattva Kannon, a Kōdō (Lecture Hall), a museum, and a garden in the northeast corner.

Access & Transport

The temple is located in the Tennoji district, about 2km southeast of Namba station. The Shitennōji-mae Yūhigaoka Station (Tanimachi line) is just 200m from the complex and Ebisucho Station (Sakaisuji and Hankaidenki-Hankai lines) is 1km / 15mins walk away. For those who elect to drive, there is a Times car park adjacent to the Shitennoji Temple Namdaemun.

Instructions & Recommendations

Note that there are separate fees for the Central Temple, the Garden, and the Treasure Hall (museum). The Tennōji Zoo and Tsutenkaku Tower are both about a 15mins walk away.

Meta review

This temple is generally listed as the most important in Osaka, or at least the most interesting for tourists to visit by travel blogs and guides but online reviews do not really confirm that; the feedback is indeed generally good but not exceptional. On some days it can get busy with local worshippers but otherwise it isn't crowded, and in fact not really straightforward to find without a map app, apparently. There are a few highlights such as the tortoise pond and the smell of incense but not anything unmissable, in particular when compared to some of Kyoto's temples.

Environmental & Social

We deem this attraction neutral from an environmental standpoint

Conclusion

One of the best temples in town but it doesn't measure up against the best in the country so your enjoyment, and therefore the decision of whether to invest time to go there, will depend on what you have already seen in Japan.

Key positive

Long history and some interesting sculptures / ornamentation

Witness local religious customs

Key negative

Visually, nothing really special

Suitability

No religious denomination restrictions and accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Opening times of the temples and Garden. The gates are open 24h/day

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY08:30 - 16:30

TUESDAY08:30 - 16:30

WEDNESDAY08:30 - 16:30

THURSDAY08:30 - 16:30

FRIDAY08:30 - 16:30

SATURDAY08:30 - 16:30

SUNDAY08:30 - 16:30

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2

MONDAY08:30 - 16:00

TUESDAY08:30 - 16:00

WEDNESDAY08:30 - 16:00

THURSDAY08:30 - 16:00

FRIDAY08:30 - 16:00

SATURDAY08:30 - 16:00

SUNDAY08:30 - 16:00

Pricing
Fee for the Temple.
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
JP¥300
Adult
18 - 64
JP¥300
Teen & Young
12 - 17
JP¥200
Child
3 - 11
JP¥0
Infant
0 - 2
JP¥0
The age thresholds are high school student and elementary/middle school.

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