Shitenno-ji Castles, Palaces & Historic Buildings
Renowned for Its Harmonious Symmetry
Tennoji-ku
Osaka,
Osaka Prefecture, 543-0051
Japan
+81 6 6771 0066
+81 6 6773 4921
http://www.shitennoji.or.jp/Transport Options:
Train Available: Shitennojimae-yuhigaoka Station
Overview
Shitenno-ji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Japan. The original buildings were constructed over 1,400 years ago at the behest of Prince Shotoku. The temple is especially known for the arrangement of its buildings in a straight north-south line - an arrangement that has come to be known as 'Shitenno-ji-style temple layout'. The outstanding symmetrical balance of Shitenno-ji's architecture has been greatly admired over the centuries. The temple was destroyed several times in fires caused by lightning and war, but has always been rebuilt.Open Hours
Tu to Su from 08:30 AM to 04:00 PM
The temple claims to be one of the oldest in Japan, but the buildings are all new because they have been burnt down several times in history, the most recently druing the WWII. While you are at it, you can go inside the buildings although most of the treasures and statues are brand new too, but it only costs you 200 to 300 yen each. (Just walking around the temple ground is free of charge.) The best place is the garden (300 yen), which is hard to find, and it is only beautiful in Spring with lots of flowers. The best time to visit the temple is around Spring or Autumn equinox day because there is a large flea market. You may not find anything of value, but it is exciting enough. Also, I heard that there's a big used-books fair sometime in Fall. It is easy to get to the temple by subway and it's near Osaka Castle so if you are visitng Osaka Castle, give it a try.
