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See & do · Landmarks & architecture

Shitennoji Temple

Tennoji
Closedvia Google
Opening hours
  • Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Restored Buddhist temple first built in 593 with a 5-story pagoda, statues & ponds with turtles.via Google

One of the oldest officially administered Buddhist temples in the country, featuring a classic five-story pagoda and a peaceful turtle pond.

Good to know
€; plan for 1.5 hours; the outer grounds are free to wander.

Reviews from Google

big sexya week ago
This place was absolutely 💯 magical❣️ There was soooo much to see. Everytime I thought, ok, I've taken all the pics of this area, something else would grab your eye. The endless stuff on the temple grounds was astounding. There were also multiple buildings that were roped off due repairs etc. Then there was the inner sanctum which required a small tribute to enter. More treasures to see, but no pics inside the structures. They say about 2.5 hrs to observe it all, but I was there 4.5 hrs just taking it all in. I became deeply moved when in the presence of the gigantic monument of Buda, never had this happen my entire existence. MAGICAL❣️
Yami Ana week ago
Shitennō-ji is one of the most memorable temple visits I’ve had in Osaka. The grounds feel spacious, calm, and very well maintained, with beautiful vermilion buildings, a striking pagoda, and peaceful walking paths that make it easy to slow down and just take it all in. I especially enjoyed visiting in the morning when it was quiet, but the temple also looks stunning in the evening with the warm lights against the deep blue sky ✨ There’s a strong sense of history and spirituality here, and it never feels rushed or overcrowded like some other major sights. The outer grounds are free to explore, and the paid area is well worth it if you want to see more of the temple’s main spaces. I also liked that there was a market atmosphere on one visit, which added a nice local touch. A beautiful and meaningful place to visit in Osaka.
Arnaud Valea month ago
I visited this outstanding temple complex on a rainy morning last year, which gave it a quiet, solemn atmosphere. There was a book fair taking place outside, though unfortunately, many of the stalls were "closed" or covered due to the rain, so the full vibe of the market was a bit lost. The temple itself is magnificent. The admission price for the main area is very affordable, and it is free if you are using the Osaka Amazing Pass. Inside, the statues are truly impressive in their scale and detail. A special mention must go to the ponds, which are surprisingly full of turtles, and the Gokuraku-jodo Garden, which is exceptionally well-maintained and peaceful. Even in the rain, it’s a beautiful place to walk through and appreciate traditional Japanese landscaping.
Jimmy Vee3 months ago
I've been to this place 3 times now. The first 2 times they did not have an entrance fee. Today they did but it was only ¥500 so it wasn't too bad I guess. The previous times I came here we're many years ago, so I forgot just how beautiful it was. It really is spectacular. It's a little out of the way, if you're walking from Namba or ebischo or anywhere in chuo ku it's really far away. It's odd because tennoji is so big. It covers an area all the way from tennoji zoo which is practically tsutenkaku all the way to beyond shitennoji so while it's all tennoji, tennoji is a huge place. It's a long walk from the station too. It's about 20 minutes walk from the park and 25 minutes walk from the station. The building is old and has a lot of history for all you history buffs. It was quite important in past events. If you like finding out all the facts of an ancient place then this is for you. If not it's still a spectacular place to visit. My favorite thing about this place is the turtles 🐢 in the most. 2025 visit Entrance fee for adults: ¥500 Kids:200 Facilities: both men's and women's toilets Places to sit: few and far between
Andrew T4 months ago
Visiting Shitennō‑ji during a light drizzle was incredibly calming and refreshing. The cool air and gentle rain gave the entire temple a peaceful, almost meditative mood. The stone paths, wooden halls, and garden areas looked beautiful with the soft sheen of rain, making the whole place feel quiet and chill. Even with the drizzle, walking around the grounds was soothing — the sound of raindrops, the cool breeze, and the tranquil atmosphere made it easy to slow down and enjoy the moment. It’s one of those places where you can just breathe, wander, and feel a sense of calm settle in. Shitennō‑ji is already a serene temple, but visiting it in cool, drizzly weather made it even more special. A perfect spot for anyone looking for a peaceful break in Osaka.
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