What other travelers are saying about Shitenno-ji Temple
I visited Shitenno-ji yesterday, and honestly, I was surprised I had never been here before.
I studied Japanese more than 20 years ago, lived in Kyoto, and have visited Osaka many times over the years—but this was my first time at Shitenno-ji. If I had known how special this place is, I would have come much earlier.
The main hall is absolutely beautiful, featuring Buddhist life stories depicted in an art style that feels subtly Indian-inspired, very different from what you usually see in Japan. The hall at the back, illustrating the journey of Xuanzang (the monk behind Journey to the West), is equally impressive, with delicate and expressive murals.
A hidden gem is the Dragon Reflection Well—many visitors only notice the coins at the bottom, but if you look carefully, you’ll see a dragon image reflected in the water, created by the dragon carving on the roof above. A quiet, poetic detail.
What moved me most is the temple’s deeper meaning. Shitenno-ji is known as a “temple of the setting sun.” In ancient times, the elevated ground here allowed people to watch the sun set into the sea. It was a place for reflection—reminding visitors that life, too, moves toward its own sunset, and that awareness brings clarity, humility, and peace.
A truly underrated temple in Osaka—rich in history, art, and quiet wisdom. Highly recommended.
Shitenno-ji Temple holds significant historical and cultural importance as the country's first Buddhist and oldest officially administered temple, serving as a center for Buddhist learning and enlightenment.
Yes, visitors can go inside the 5-tier pagoda at Shitenno-ji Temple, which is 39.2m high, and climb to the top, although it is noted to be relatively narrow inside.
The temple features a central hall, a lecture hall, a five-story pagoda, and a beautiful Gokuraku-jodo garden. It also hosts various festivals and ceremonies throughout the year.
Shitenno-ji Temple's layout is unique, with all buildings in the garan (temple precinct) sitting on one line and surrounded by a corridor. It differs from other famous temples made by Prince Shotoku.
Other places of interest within Shitenno-ji Temple include the Rokuji-do, where monks held memorial mass six times a day, and the famous pond, Kame no Ike, which houses dozens of turtles.
Visiting Shitennō-ji 四天王寺 was a very good experience. As one of the oldest temples in Japan, it has a strong spiritual atmosphere, and it is known as a place related to Kōbō Daishi. Walking through the temple grounds feels peaceful, and you can really sense the history and religious importance of the site.
One of the nice things about Shitennō-ji is that the surrounding area is quite calm and not crowded with tourists. This makes it easier to enjoy the space, take your time, and appreciate the architecture and the quiet environment. The layout of the temple buildings, pagoda, and gardens creates a pleasant space to walk around and reflect.
Overall, it’s a lovely place for worship and a gentle escape from the busy parts of Osaka. The calm surroundings and spiritual atmosphere make Shitennō-ji a meaningful and relaxing visit. 🌿✨
Shitennō-ji greets visitors with a calm, expansive presence—neither cloistered like Kyoto’s temples nor grand in the way of Nara’s ancient shrines. Instead, it embodies a uniquely Kansai kind of serenity, a quiet confidence shaped by centuries of history. Passing through the weathered wooden gate and stepping onto the stone pathway, you feel as if each step draws you deeper into a living timeline.
The temple’s layout is dignified and symmetrical. From the lecture hall to the central gate, and finally to the five-story pagoda, the red-and-white structures stand out beautifully beneath the wide blue sky. The pagoda in particular shines with subtle touches of gold, its lines graceful and composed—solemn, yet approachable. It does not overwhelm with grandeur; rather, it invites you to slow down and appreciate its quiet harmony.
The pond at the front adds a soft rhythm to the space. Walking along the water’s edge, you see the reflections of the pagoda and drifting clouds ripple gently across the surface, as if time itself is breathing in slow motion. The warm tones of the autumn leaves along the stone railing echo the temple’s deep red beams, creating a tranquil and cohesive scene.
What makes Shitennō-ji truly captivating is its balance between the sacred and the urban. Despite being surrounded by modern buildings and steady foot traffic, once you step onto the main axis of the temple grounds, a peaceful clarity settles in. This is not a place where you must sit still to find calm; simply walking, pausing, and observing naturally brings your mind into a quieter rhythm.
Whether you’re drawn to historical architecture, searching for a pocket of tranquility within the city, or simply wishing to stroll through a space where past and present coexist gracefully, Shitennō-ji is one of Osaka’s most worthwhile destinations. It is a temple that has endured for over a millennium, yet continues to offer the same gentle, unadorned beauty to everyone who visits.
I had not done any prior research and arrived at the temple in the late afternoon, when it was already closed. What a pity! I was unable to access the main hall, but the exterior is already remarkably beautiful - striking architecture, small ponds, and lovely trees. Everything was very clean and well maintained. The outer grounds are free to visit, while entrance to the interior requires a paid ticket. The site is large, with several access points, and I ended up getting lost and entering through an adjacent cemetery. Upon arrival, I noticed a few local vendors packing up their stalls into their vehicles, suggesting there may be a small local market nearby. I imagine it is connected to the temple and to the historical heritage of Tokyo and Japan. If I return to Osaka, I will definitely plan to visit the interior area as well!
Beautiful temple, but some explanation in English could be provided. Also, you need to pay to enter (500 yen per adult), and the temple closes at 16:00 (they actually started closing everything down earlier today).
The tower (?) was closed, don’t know if you can go inside normally. You can enter the temple and no one asked anyone to remove shoes or to wear something to cover their legs (I was wearing shorts and so were many other tourists). Inside the temple, no photos are allowed, but it’s definitely worth a visit; it’s very pretty and well kept.
Outside, quite a big street market selling mainly books but also artwork, decorative items and souvenirs.
