Shitennoji Temple｜Osaka's Oldest Temple, Step into the Spiritual World of Prince Shotoku

📍 Location
1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City

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🚉 Transportation
• From Osaka Namba:
Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to "Tennoji Station," then walk about 10 minutes.
• From Osaka Station:
Take the JR Osaka Loop Line to "Tennoji Station," then walk about 12 minutes after exiting.
• Tip:
Near Shitennoji, you can also visit Tennoji Zoo and Tsutenkaku Tower, making it a great area for a half-day stroll.

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📝 Personal Thoughts

Shitennoji is Japan’s earliest Buddhist temple established by the state, founded by Prince Shotoku in 593 AD. Walking inside, you can truly feel an atmosphere different from Kyoto’s temples; it lacks the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots and instead carries a solemn historical calmness.
The day I visited, the sunlight was beautiful, and the red five-story pagoda stood out vividly against the blue sky. The surrounding ancient buildings were arranged harmoniously, giving a sense of traveling through a thousand years. The stone garden and cemetery area inside the temple were especially peaceful, with many local Japanese coming to pray or meditate quietly.
For those not chasing photo ops, this place’s tranquility is very appealing. However, I recommend visiting on weekdays, as weekends tend to have more temple events and a livelier atmosphere.
Overall, Shitennoji is a great spot to deeply experience Buddhist culture without it being overly commercialized.

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