Shitennoji Temple, Osaka
The Shitennoji Temple is the first and therefore the oldest Buddhist Temple in Japan. It is located in the Tennoji-ku area of Osaka.
The Shitennoji Temple was built in 593 by Prince Shotoku who was instrumental in the rapid spread of Buddhism in Japan. He commissioned the temple to emphasize the importance of Buddhist chanting and meditation among the people. The buildings have suffered damage and have been rebuilt several times after the death of Prince Shotoku. The most recent renovation of the structure was in 1963. It remains the most popular among Buddhist shrines in the city and is the venue for many important festivals.
The Shitennoji Temple is built in honor of four heavenly Kings or the Shitteno. Four shrines dedicated to each God are placed in each direction. The shrine for Masunaga is in the South, Tamon in the North, Jokoku in the East and Hirome in the West. The complex consists of a five story pagoda, a golden hall that serves as a shrine of Prince Shotoku, a turtle pond and a garden called Gokuraku-jodo representing the Buddhist Paradise. The temple has from its foundations represented the power and prosperity of Japan. A major festival is held here on the 14th of January every year.
The Shitennoji Temple was built in 593 by Prince Shotoku who was instrumental in the rapid spread of Buddhism in Japan. He commissioned the temple to emphasize the importance of Buddhist chanting and meditation among the people. The buildings have suffered damage and have been rebuilt several times after the death of Prince Shotoku. The most recent renovation of the structure was in 1963. It remains the most popular among Buddhist shrines in the city and is the venue for many important festivals.
The Shitennoji Temple is built in honor of four heavenly Kings or the Shitteno. Four shrines dedicated to each God are placed in each direction. The shrine for Masunaga is in the South, Tamon in the North, Jokoku in the East and Hirome in the West. The complex consists of a five story pagoda, a golden hall that serves as a shrine of Prince Shotoku, a turtle pond and a garden called Gokuraku-jodo representing the Buddhist Paradise. The temple has from its foundations represented the power and prosperity of Japan. A major festival is held here on the 14th of January every year.
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Shitennoji Temple on Map
Sight Name: Shitennoji Temple
Sight Location: Osaka, Japan (See walking tours in Osaka)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Osaka, Japan (See walking tours in Osaka)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Osaka, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Osaka
Creating your own self-guided walk in Osaka is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Osaka Castle Park Walking Tour
Sprawling on the south bank of the 艑kawa (Yodo) River, Osaka Castle Park occupies a vast territory in the heart of Osaka. The second largest park in the city, it covers nearly two square kilometers with lots of greenery, sports and other facilities.
Apart from being an urban public venue, the area is also a historical site, dating back more than half a millennium. Back in 1496, during the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Apart from being an urban public venue, the area is also a historical site, dating back more than half a millennium. Back in 1496, during the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tennoji Shrines and Temples Walking Tour
Osaka is Japan鈥檚 third largest city. It is therefore not at all surprising to find within its boundaries many religious sites. Tennoji, a district of Osaka steeped in cultural and historical significance, is particularly rich in terms of beautiful temples and shrines.
Ikukunitama Shrine, nestled amidst the city's clamor, is a dedication to the deity Ikukunitama-no-mikoto, offering... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Ikukunitama Shrine, nestled amidst the city's clamor, is a dedication to the deity Ikukunitama-no-mikoto, offering... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Osaka Shopping and Dining Walking Tour
As well as being an exciting Western-style city full of cool entertainment and cultural attractions, Osaka is a great place for shopping. The appealing range of shopping venues here includes covered arcades, malls, thoroughfares, and more. Let's take a closer look at some of these locations.
Shinsaibashi Shopping Street is a bustling retail district renowned for its upscale stores and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Shinsaibashi Shopping Street is a bustling retail district renowned for its upscale stores and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Osaka Introduction Walking Tour
Osaka is the third largest city and second largest metropolitan area in Japan. The city has a long history that dates to the earliest days of Japan. In fact, it is thought that the area was the location where the first inhabitants of the island settled. Archaeological evidence shows there were settlers in the area more than 2,000 years ago.
The beginning of the third century brought many more... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
The beginning of the third century brought many more... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles