Shitennoji Temple is said to be the oldest temple in Japan. It is said that the temple was built in 593 by Shotoku-Taishi (574-627). That was just after Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the Asuka Age .

Shotoku-Taishi was a prince of Emperor YOMEI. It is said that Shotoku-Taishi established the Seventeen-Article Constitution and established the Twelve -Courtly-Ranks in 604 and 603, respectively. These were the first constitution and the first county-ranks in Japan. It is also said Shotoku-Taishi built Horyuji Temple, where the world oldest wooden buildings remain.

The location of Shitennoji Temple is on Uemachi Plateau in downtown Osaka. Modern buildings in Osaka downtown are widely spread to the west side of Shitennoji Temple, but it used to be "Naniwa" Bay. "Naniwa" is the old name of Osaka.

To the north-east of Shitennouji, "Honbo" area is located. Honbo-Nishi Gate is the entrance of "Honbo" area.

"Honbo" area was re-built by TOKUGAWA Hidetada, the 2nd "Shogun" at the Edo Age, in 1623. These buildings in "Hojyo" area still remain.

These remaining buildings and gates are designated as important cultural properties of Japan.
"Hojo" area has a Japanese garden. This garden is said to express heaven or the land of perfect bliss.

When I visited Shitennoji Temple in early May, iris flowers were in full bloom. The view of the garden was very beautiful.

The Main Precinct is located to the south of "Hojyo" area. On the way from "Hojyo" area to the Main Precinct, you will see "Rokujido" Hall.

Originally, "Rokujido" Hall was located at another temple and moved to this location in 1623. Stone stage is located at the front of "Rokujido" Hall. These are also designated as important cultural properties of Japan.

Main Precinct keeps the original layout of buildings of the Buddhist temple when Shotoku-taishi built Shitennoji Temple. The precinct is surrounded by a corridor on the periphery. The middle gate connected to the corridor, Five-Storied Pagoda, Main Hall and Lecture Hall are aligned on the center axis from south to north. The Five-Storied Pagoda is located at the center of the Precinct. This is the original temple layout.

Unfortunately, these buildings were lost and damaged many times during the long history of Shitennoji Temple. The last was lost in World War II and the current buildings in the Main Precinct were rebuilt in 1963.

Naniwa Bay used to be seen to the west of Shitennoji Temple. The scenery of the sunset over Naniwa Bay would had been spectacular.

How to get there
Shitennoji Temple is just a 5 minute walk from Shitennoji-mae-Yuhigaoka Station on Tanimachi Line of Osaka Subway.

Other Historical Sites near by:
Ruins of Osaka Castle
Ruins of Naniwa-no-Miya Palace