As one of the oldest temples in Japan, and as the first temple to be built with the official support of the government, Shitennôji is one of the most significant temples in Japan. Built in Osaka in the 6th century C.E. under the oversight of famed Prince Shotoku, the temple garnered great respect and recognition by figures across Japan’s history. The temple was constructed during a time of war, and to bring the conflict to a swift and peaceful resolution, the temple was named Shitennôji, meaning the Temple of the Four Heavenly Kings. The Four Heavenly Kings are beings who guard the four cardinal directions of a temple from evil so that the Buddha inside may work without distraction. Like so many temples and shrines across Japan, Shitennôji has burned down and been rebuilt many times throughout its history, mostly due to lightning strikes. Each time however, the temple has been rebuilt to replicate the original 6th century architecture.

For the casual: 8. For the educated: 8.

Shitennôji is certainly a very entertaining temple to visit on the south side of Osaka. The streets leading up to the temple are lined with stores that sell a variety of temple accessories from private altars and effigies, to prayer beads and incense which wafts out into the streets. The surrounding neighborhood is simply a delight to wander through to catch the sights and sounds of the community.

The temple itself is a lovely complex with a large courtyard for markets and festivals. My only criticism of the temple is that the clean modern construction the grounds betrays the significance of the temple. The main buildings in the center of the complex house the main hall and the pagoda. Usually the pagodas at temples are inaccessable to enter so please take some time to climb up this one. The main hall houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha (the Historical Buddha), but in the image of Prince Shotoku. Prince Shotoku was known for being a major figure in early Japanese history, and one of his main contributions was establishing Buddhism as a recognized and supported belief system by the government.

One final note: the temple and the main road leading up to it align with the setting sun on the Spring and Autumnal Equinox. On these days, there is always a big festival at the temple with large crowds gathering to take photos of the sunset.

View of the temple grounds from inside the pagoda.