Shitennoji

Shitennoji is a Buddhist temple complex located in Osaka, Japan. It was established in 593 CE by Prince Shōtoku (Shōtoku Taishi) with the aim of promoting Buddhism and state protection. The name Shitenno refers to the Four Heavenly Kings who guard the cardinal directions. The temple is widely regarded as one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and among the earliest state-sponsored temples.

Historically, Shitennoji was built with a layout reflecting traditional Chinese Buddhist design, arranged along a central axis with a gate, a main hall, and other ritual spaces. Like many ancient temples, it has suffered from fires and other disasters over the centuries, and most of the current structures were rebuilt or renovated in later periods, particularly in the early modern era.

The Goju-no-tō, a five-story pagoda on the northern axis, is a defining symbol of the temple and is one of the oldest surviving wooden pagodas in Japan. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The main hall (Kondō) and other halls have also undergone reconstructions, preserving the historic temple layout while accommodating newer functions.

Today Shitennoji remains an active temple as well as a historic site and museum complex. The Shitennoji Museum and treasure houses hold Buddhist statues, scriptures, and artifacts. The temple conducts religious services and seasonal rites and is a popular destination for visitors interested in Japan’s religious and architectural heritage. Its setting in Osaka’s Tennoji district situates it within a broader area of cultural and historical significance.