Shitennoji Temple
Japan's oldest officially administered temple, founded by Prince Shotoku in 593 CE — predating both Nara and Kyoto. The five-storey pagoda, outer gardens, and treasure house sit in the middle of Osaka city almost unnoticed by most tourists. The first Sunday flea market draws thousands of antique hunters each month.
1–1.5 hours
¥500 (center precinct; free on 21st and 22nd of each month and during spring/autumn equinox services); garden ¥300
8:30–16:30 (Apr–Sep), 8:30–16:00 (Oct–Mar); last entry 30 min before close; outer grounds: always accessible.
Year-round
5 min walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station (Tanimachi Line)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Japan's oldest temple — founded in 593 CE by Prince Shotoku, 80 years before Nara's temples
- 2
The first Sunday of each month hosts a huge temple flea market (garakuta-ichi)
- 3
The inner garden (Garan) reproduces the original 6th-century temple layout exactly
Local Tips
Japan's oldest officially administered temple (593 AD, founded by Prince Shotoku). The five-story pagoda, Golden Hall, and lecture hall are reconstructed on the original foundations. The flea markets held on the 21st and 22nd of each month (Daishi-ichi and Tenjin-ichi) draw antique hunters from across Osaka. The geometric garden (Garan) is peaceful in the middle of central Osaka.
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