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All 197 Osaka Attractions »

Shitennoji Temple

1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 543-0051, Japan
+81 6-6771-0066
As featured in 3 days in Osaka and 3 other guides
Ranked #11 of 176 attractions in Osaka
4.0 of 5 stars 52 Reviews
Type: Religious Sites
Fee: No
Owner description: The oldest temple in Japan, built over 1,400 years ago, this temple is famous for its symmetrical design and even has an architectural arrangement... more » Owner description: The oldest temple in Japan, built over 1,400 years ago, this temple is famous for its symmetrical design and even has an architectural arrangement named after it,”Shitenno-ji-style temple layout.” « less
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52 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Perth, Australia
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012

Good half day trip to see a picturesque castle. Lovely walk from the train station to the castle.

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Kansas City, Missouri
Senior Contributor
49 reviews 49 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2012

Go on the 21st. That is the day of the temple sale, a flea market where the whole temple complex is full of vendors.

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See 6 more reviews by KosMarkov for Osaka
Saigon
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2012

The first Buddhist temple in Japan dated back to 593 A.D., the Temple is not only devoted to Buddhists but also tourists that wish to experience a legacy of picturesque pagodas and pavilions. From the outer gate, a traditional Japanese fountain and souvenir boutiques welcome guests whilst sanctuary halls, flower garden, Turtle Lake and wooden steeple await inward steps. Sophisticated... More

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See 2 more reviews by Frankie_Lam for Osaka
Denver
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 March 2012

the temple is located on fair amount of land with everything from a 5-Story Pagoda with a stone garden surrounding it, numerous water features including a turtle pond, and a large number of shrines. Go during cherry blossom season!

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See 3 more reviews by JAYDenver for Osaka
Osan, South Korea
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I am amazed at how quite and peaceful the gardens were when they are set in the middle of a busy area. The temple is absolutely breathtaking with such history and devotion. I truly enjoyed the brief moment of zen before my return.

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Singapore
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
47 helpful votes 47 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 March 2012
2
people found this review helpful

The temple pales in comparison to those in Kyoto and Nara but the interesting bits are that 1) it is the major temple in Osaka, set on a large estate and 2) this temple with its grounds juxtaposed with the urban metropolis just outside. We also liked the flea market around the temple.

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See 7 more reviews by B0 for Osaka
Singapore, Singapore
1 review
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 March 2012

As many reviewers has suggested, the market (on the 21st of every month) was worth a visit. I've bought a few sets of kimonos there. A comfortable set of walking shoes is recommended as it took us a few hours to finish our roaming around of all the stores. Cheapest kimono I've bought was only 300 yen, with no haggling... More

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Utrecht, The Netherlands
Top Contributor
119 reviews 119 reviews
Reviews in 48 cities Reviews in 48 cities
42 helpful votes 42 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 March 2012

The temple complex is rather big. It is easy to walk around and have a look. All seems to be very well kept.

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See 3 more reviews by DiederickPhoto for Osaka
Stockport
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 March 2012

A bit cold and wet the day we went but a beautiful temple, magnificent Buddha (no photos allowed) and a stunning Zen garden. Truly tranquil

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See 4 more reviews by Ferdia18 for Osaka
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 December 2011

Lots of big and smaller temples and shrines still 'in use'. Interesting to see the locals and tourists alike praying and visiting. A very serene atmosphere.

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See 4 more reviews by Jeroen1975 for Osaka

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