Osaka Travel: Shitennoji Temple

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Shitennoji Temple

of 19 most visited
sights in Osaka

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Shitennoji (四天王寺, Shitennōji) is one of Japan's oldest temples and the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. Although the temple's buildings burned down several times throughout the centuries, they were always carefully reconstructed to reflect the original 6th century design.

The outer temple grounds are free to enter, but admission to the inner precinct, the Gokuraku-jodo Garden and the treasure house is paid. In the pebble covered courtyard of the inner precinct stand a five-storied pagoda that can be entered and ascended and the Main Hall (Kondo) in which Prince Shotoku is enshrined as a statue of Kannon.

A short walk away, the Gokuraku-jodo Garden was designed based on descriptions of the Western Paradise of the Amida Buddha. Also on the temple grounds stands a treasure house that displays paintings, scriptures and other valuable belongings of the temple in periodic, themed exhibitions.

Gokuraku-jodo Garden

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How to get there

Shitennoji is a short walk from Shitennoji-mae-Yuhigaoka Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line. Alternatively, it can be reached in a ten minute walk north of JR Tennoji Station on the JR Loop Line.

How to get to and around Osaka

Google Map

Hours and Fees

Inner precinct
Hours:	8:30 to 16:30 (until 16:00 from October through March)
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	300 yen

Gokuraku-jodo Garden
Hours: 8:30 to 16:30 (until 16:00 from October through March)
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed: Frequent closures, particularly during the first ten days of many months.
Admission: 300 yen

Treasure House
Hours: 8:30 to 16:30 (until 16:00 from October through March)
Closed: Long closures between exhibitions
Admission: 500 yen

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Hotels and Ryokan

Osaka offers a wide range of accommodation for all budgets. The most convenient base for exploring the city and its surroundings is the Umeda district around JR Osaka Station. Also convenient is the Namba district, the city's prime nightlife area. The Shin-Osaka Station area does not offer much entertainment and dining options, but is most convenient for travelers using the shinkansen.

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Hilton Osaka Hotel
Very convenient high-class hotel just across JR Osaka Station.
Reserve through Agoda or Japanican

Hotel Granvia Osaka
Very conveniently located inside JR Osaka Station City.
Reserve through Agoda or Japanican

Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport
Directly connected to the terminal building, this is the most convenient hotel at Kansai Airport.
Reserve through Agoda or Japanican

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka Hotel
Often considered Osaka's leading luxury hotel, located a short walk from JR Osaka Station.
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Tours and Packages

Osaka Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Osaka and surroundings.

User Ratings

Ratings for Shitennoji Temple:

japan-guide.com Rating:		outstanding
User Rating (by 217 users):	78/100	recommended

Best rated sights nationwide (out of 725):

404. Sainokawara Park (Kusatsu Onsen) 79/100

405. Whirlpools (Naruto) 78/100

406. Gujo Town (Gujo-Hachiman) 78/100

407. Science Museum (Nagoya) 78/100

408. Yamate and Motomachi (Yokohama) 78/100

409. Shitennoji Temple (Osaka) 78/100

410. Tokyo Water Bus (Tokyo) 78/100

411. Mount Unzen (Shimabara Peninsula) 78/100

412. Hakone Tozan Railway (Hakone) 78/100

413. Zuiganji Temple (Matsushima) 78/100

Most visited sights nationwide (out of 836):

153. Korakuen Garden (Okayama) 451

154. Shinkyo Bridge (Nikko) 446

155. Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone) 445

156. Hiking Trails (Kamakura) 445

157. Mount Hakodate (Hakodate) 440

158. Shitennoji Temple (Osaka) 437

159. Hida Folk Village (Takayama) 430

160. Kamo Shrines (Kyoto) 429

161. Kitano (Kobe) 427

162. Zenkoji Temple (Nagano) 425

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Japanese Links

Shitennoji Temple
Official website.

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