What other travelers are saying about Shitenno-ji Temple
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.
This was one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I visited in Osaka. Founded in 593 AD by Prince Shōtoku, it’s considered Japan’s first officially established Buddhist temple, and even though the current buildings are reconstructions, they still follow the original 6th-century layout. The five-story pagoda stood tall in the center, its red and white beams glowing in the morning sun, while raked gravel and stone paths gave the whole area a calm, timeless feel. We explored the quiet courtyards, admired the elegant wooden halls, and picked up a goshuin stamp to mark our visit. Before leaving, we stopped by a small area filled with rows of red-bibbed Jizō statues - a touching and colorful tribute to protection and compassion.
The temple has entrance fee, but the grounds around it - don't and are quite enough. Not so many tourists as in Kyoto, so it's a pretty calm visit. Most worth notable is they painted the guardians in red and blue - the beginning and ending.
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.
