Shitenno-ji Temple

四天王寺

Shitennoji is a Buddhist temple in Tennoji Ward, Osaka. It was founded by Prince Shotoku in 593 and is known as the first official Buddhist temple in Japan. The grounds include the central temple area, gardens, a treasure museum and Seirei-in, where the prince is enshrined. Entering the outer grounds is free.

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Visitor information

Getting there: A 5-minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station (Osaka Metro); about 15 minutes on foot from JR Tennoji Station.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

Information may be out of date, so check the official website before visiting.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Allow about 40 minutes for the central temple compound and treasure house, and about 20 minutes for the Gokuraku Jodo garden.
Street stalls (about 500, many selling antiques, clothes and food) open on the 21st and 22nd of each month, at the spring and autumn equinox weeks and Obon, roughly 8:00–16:00, so the grounds are busier then.
The principal image is the Guze Kannon bodhisattva in the Kondo (main hall); visitors may simply look around.
Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Osaka and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.