Shitennoji Temple

The first full-fledged Buddhist temple in Japan, it is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku in 593, the first year of Emperor Suiko’s reign (1,400 years ago), to enshrine the Four Heavenly Kings in response to the victory in a battle between Mononobe Moriya and Soga Umako.

The layout of the temple is said to be “Shitennoji style,” with the central gate, five-storied pagoda, main hall, and lecture hall in a straight line from south to north, surrounded by a corridor.

It is said to be one of the oldest architectural styles in Japan.

To the north of the central temple complex, there are four buildings: Keiten-in, a place for Buddhist practice, Koyaku-in, a place to give medicine to the sick, Kare-sen-in, a place to treat the sick, and Gedain-in, a place for the aged and those without relatives.

Later, the temple was destroyed by fire due to numerous wars and other calamities. The current temple was rebuilt in 1963, strictly according to the original plan.

With a total site area of 33,000 tsubo (about 1.5 acres), or three times the size of the Koshien Stadium, the premises of Shitennoji Temple are home to many attractions, including Taishiden, a hall dedicated to Prince Shotoku, Kamei Fudo Hall, the first sacred site of the 36 Kinki Fudoson, and the Japanese garden, the Garden of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

On April 22 every year, the “Seireikai Bugaku Grand Buddhist Service” is held in memory of Prince Shotoku, and the “Tennoji Bugaku” is performed (designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property).