Shitenno Ji Temple

If you’re in the Tennoji area, you shouldn’t miss Shitenno-ji Temple in Tennoji-koen park. Even if the concrete reconstructions suggest otherwise, this Buddhist temple is one of the oldest in Japan. It’s a pleasant place to explore and to soak up the spiritual vibes of the place.

[Shitenno-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow]

A bit northeast of JR Tennoji Station and very close to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station on the Tanimachi subway line, Shitenno-ji Temple is one of the oldest in Japan, dating back to AD 593. Unfortunately, all of the buildings are recent concrete reconstructions due to war damage. Still, it’s a pleasant place to explore and to soak up the spiritual vibes of the place.

[Shitenno-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow]

There’s a surprising amount to see here. In addition to the outer temple grounds, there are the inner precincts housing a beautiful garden, a treasure house, and a pagoda. The garden was designed based on descriptions of Amida Buddha’s Western Paradise, and makes a lovely diversion from Osaka’s urban landscape. It’s particularly gorgeous and worth visiting in spring when all the cherry blossoms are in bloom. You can also explore the rest of Tennoji-koen park.

[Shitenno-ji Temple - image © Florentyna Leow]

Those who like flea markets or antique fairs are in luck. Shitenno-ji temple hosts a large flea market on the 21st and 22nd of each month, with around 300 stalls selling secondhand clothes, antiques, handicrafts, and old kimonos. If you’re looking for something old and Japanese, you’ll probably find it here. Pick up some takoyaki and soak up the lively atmosphere here!

English name:
Shitenno-ji Temple

Japanese name:
四天王寺

English address:
1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, 543-0051

Japanese address:
〒543-0051 大阪市天王寺区四天王寺1-11-18

Opening hours (Central Temple):
April-September: 8:30am-4:30pm
October-March: 8:30am-4pm
Outside the hall: 24h

Admission (Central Temple):
Adults: 300
High and junior high school students: 200

Nearest Transport:
Subway: 5-minute walk from exit 4 of Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line.
Train and Subway: 12-minute walk from Tennoji Station.

Nearest Hotels:
Check availability and pricing for hotels near Shitenno-ji Temple on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Telephone:
+81-6-6771-0066

Website: Official Website (Japanese and English)

Near To Here:
Shitenno-ji Temple is located in Osaka’s Tennoji and Abeno area. See our complete list of things to do in the Osaka’s Tennoji and Abeno area, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Osaka map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
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• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

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