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Shitennoji
大阪市天王寺区四天王寺１丁目１１−１８
Located in Tennoji Ward, Osaka City, this is the head temple of the Wa sect. It is one of the oldest fully-fledged Buddhist temples in Japan, founded by Prince Shotoku in 593 CE (Suiko 1). The principal image is Kannon Bosatsu (the Bodhisattva of Compassion). The temple's name and origin stem from a vow made by Prince Shotoku during his battle against Monobe no Moroya; he enshrined statues of the Four Heavenly Kings to pray for victory and pledged to build a temple to house them upon winning. The 'Shitennoji-style temple layout,' which arranges the Middle Gate, Five-Story Pagoda, Golden Hall, and Lecture Hall in a straight north-south line, is the oldest temple layout in Japan and became the standard for subsequent Japanese temple architecture. Prince Shotoku also established the Four Hospitals system (Jingden-in, Shiyaku-in, Ryobyoin, and Hiden-in), pioneering social welfare. Although it belonged to the Tendai sect for a long time, it became independent in 1946 CE (Shōwa 21) and became the head temple of the Wa sect.
History
Traditionally founded by Prince Shotoku, this is the first official temple of Japanese Buddhism and the head temple of the Wa sect. It is known for its 'Shitennoji-style temple layout,' where the central temple structures are arranged in a straight line.
Blessings
It is believed to grant the fulfillment of wishes and good health.
What visitors say
The vast temple grounds within Osaka City offer a quiet and serene atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy strolls through gardens and ponds that change with the seasons. The central structures, including the Five-Story Pagoda and Golden Hall, are impressive, and it is possible to climb to the top floor of the pagoda. Goshuin (temple seal stamps) are issued at the sutra registration office. Separate fees are required to visit the Treasure Museum and the gardens.
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:30 – 16:00
- Tuesday: 8:30 – 16:00
- Wednesday: 8:30 – 16:00
- Thursday: 8:30 – 16:00
- Friday: 8:30 – 16:00
- Saturday: 8:30 – 16:00
- Sunday: 8:30 – 16:00
Annual events & festivals
- January 14Doyadoya
A vigorous naked festival where young men in loincloths compete to seize amulets.
On January 14, the day marking the completion of the Shuse-e rite, young men wearing loincloths, divided into red and white teams, compete to seize amulets bearing the Gyu-o-hou-in seal. This vigorous naked festival is counted as one of Japan's three great bizarre festivals.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Naked festival with participants in loincloths
- ・Competition for amulets
- ・One of Japan's three great bizarre festivals
- Around February 3Setsubun-e (Bean-Throwing Rite)
A Setsubun Buddhist service to ward off evil and invite good fortune.
A Setsubun Buddhist service is performed to ward off evil and invite good fortune, with prayers for protection from misfortune and the attraction of blessings.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Bean-throwing
- ・Warding off misfortune and inviting blessings
- April 22Seireikai Bugaku Daihogyo (Grand Dance and Music Rite for the Sacred Spirit)
A grand rite where Bugaku (sacred dance and music) is dedicated in memory of Prince Shotoku at the Ishidai (Stone Stage).
The most important rite of the year, held on the anniversary of Prince Shotoku's death. The Tennoji Bugaku, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, is performed brilliantly on the Ishidai, which is an Important Cultural Property.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Tennoji Bugaku on the Ishidai
- ・Commemoration of Prince Shotoku
- ・Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property
- 21st and 22nd of every monthDaishi-e and Taishi-e (Festive Days)
Monthly festive days: the 21st for 'O-daishi-san' and the 22nd for 'O-taishi-san'.
On the 21st of every month (the festive day of Kobo Daishi, known as 'O-daishi-san') and the 22nd (the festive day of Prince Shotoku, known as 'O-taishi-san'), a festival is held within the temple grounds, bustling with many stalls.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Festive days on the 21st and 22nd
- ・Stalls selling antiques and vintage clothing
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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