Temple & shrine · Osaka
Shitennoji
四天王寺
Shitennoji is one of Japan's oldest temples, traditionally said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku in 593. Its central precinct keeps the ancient layout in which the middle gate, five-storey pagoda, main hall and lecture hall stand one behind the other in a straight line.
The grounds are big, open and busy with local life. The gates never close, so you can walk in at any hour, and on the 21st and 22nd of every month a sprawling temple fair fills the paths with antiques, old kimono and snack stalls.
What to see and do
Walk the cloister around the pagoda and main hall, laid out on the ancient straight-line plan the temple is known for.
On the 21st and 22nd of every month the temple holds a fair, and the central precinct is open free on those days.
A strolling garden with ponds and streams, with its own small entry fee.
Rotating shows of temple treasures; the autumn 2026 show, 10 Oct–29 Nov, brings together rare medieval documents.
What’s on
Good to know
- Visit on the 21st or 22nd for the flea-market fair and free entry to the central precinct.
- The gates are open 24 hours, so you can see the pagoda from outside early in the morning or at night.
More art nearby
Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts
Opened in 1936 inside Tennoji Park. Japanese and Chinese art in a landmark east-meets-west building.
Shinsekai retro
Hand-painted signs, neon and oversized food models at the foot of Tsutenkaku.
Abeno Harukas Art Museum
An art museum on the 16th floor of one of Japan’s tallest buildings, with changing exhibitions.
KENPEI · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsIsshin-ji
Buddha statues made from the ashes of devotees, and a modern gate guarded by bronze warriors. A short walk from Tsutenkaku.