Shitennō-ji
四天王寺
One of Japan’s earliest state temples, founded by Prince Shōtoku in 593, with its central compound laid out in a straight line and a lively antiques market on the 21st of each month.
Shitennō-ji was founded by Prince Shōtoku in 593 and is considered one of Japan’s earliest state-sponsored temples. Its highlight is the “Shitennōji-style” layout, in which the Central Gate, five-story pagoda, main hall and lecture hall stand in a straight north-south line. Visitors can climb inside the five-story pagoda. To the east is the Honbō Garden, the “Garden of the Western Paradise,” a quiet pond garden. Most of the temple grounds are free, but the central compound and the garden charge separately (about 300 yen each). On the 21st of each month (the feast day of Kōbō Daishi) and the 22nd, hundreds of stalls sell antiques and miscellaneous goods. Open about 8:30 to 16:30 (until 16:00 from October to March). It is about a 5-minute walk from Shitennōji-mae Yūhigaoka Station on the Tanimachi subway line, and can be combined with Tennoji Park and Shinsekai.
Opening hours
08:30–16:30 (until 16:00 Oct–Mar)
Nearby sights
- Tennoji Park & Tennoji Zoo
- Abeno Harukas
- Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku
- Den Den Town (Nipponbashi)
- Kuromon Ichiba Market
- Namba Grand Kagetsu
- Namba Yasaka Shrine
- Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi