History:

is a temple dedicated to the Shitennō, or “Four Heavenly Kings”. It is located in Osaka, Japan, and was founded by Prince Shōtoku in the 6th century. It is noted for the five-story pagoda, the Avatamsaka Temple, built as part of the temple complex. It is also home to the Kōfukuji Temple, the grave of Prince Shōtoku, and many other historical artifacts. Its grounds include a museum and gardens, and it is a popular park for cherry blossom viewing. It is one of the best temple in Japan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Shitennō-ji is the oldest officially administered temple in Japan, founded in 593. 2. It is the first Buddhist temple in Japan, founded by Prince Shōtoku. 3. The temple is located in Osaka City and is dedicated to the four heavenly kings, or Shitennō. 4. The temple is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. 5. It is one of the oldest existing Buddhist temple in Japan, with some structures dating back to the Asuka period (710-789). 6. Shitennō-ji is a sub-temple of the Senju-in temple of the Shingon sect of Tibetan Buddhism. 7. Shitennō-ji hosts several festivals each year, including the Saidai-ji Eyo festival attracting between 10,000 to 30,000 people. 8. It is also home to a large collection of national treasures, important cultural assets, and historically significant Buddhist statues and paintings. Here are some facts about the Japan temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Japan

Worship Method:

, Shitennō-ji is a temple that is associated with both Buddhism and Shintoism. The temple is known for its five great mandala halls- representing the five elements and five elements of wisdom. In the main hall, the main rituals include the chanting of sutras, reciting mantras, offering incense, and bowing in reverence to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas depicted on the mandala-like altar. Additionally, the temple offers a range of special services such as memorial services, rituals of confession, and memorial ceremonies for the dead. Visitors make offerings to the altar, bow their heads three times in reverence, and then bow one more time with their hands together in prayer. There are also statues of a god and a goddess in the main hall, and worshippers can light incense as an offering for them. Other rituals that take place at Shitennō-ji include offerings to the four guardian gods of the temple, as well as memorial services. The temple is often visited during festivals such as Setsubun, Yukemono, and Ondo Matsuri, among others. During these festivals, people will often make offerings and pray to gods and Buddhas at Shitennō-ji. Traditionally, worshippers also return to the temple in order to donate money or products, such as rice or cloth. The temple also holds classes about Buddhist principles and teachings. After attending these classes, worshippers will again return to the temple to offer their thanks to the gods and Buddhas. In conclusion, Shitennō-ji offers a range of rituals for worshippers to take part in, both during and after festivals, as well as to learn more about Buddhism. By practicing these rituals, worshippers can not only express their gratitude to the gods and Buddhas but also cultivate a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings. This most visited temple in Japan

Opening Timing:

The main temple gate of Shitennō-ji is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm every day. top temples in Japan

How to reach:

Shitennō-ji is located in Tennōji-ku, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. You can get to Shitennō-ji by taking the JR Loop Line and getting off at Tennōji Station. From there, it is a 5-minute walk to the temple. Other forms of accessing the temple from Tennōji Station include taking a bus (lines 66, 69, 88 and 91) to the Shitennōji-mae stop or a taxi to Shitennō-ji. famous temples in Japan