Hotels near Shitennoji Temple

Founded in 593 AD by Prince Shotoku (the regent who introduced Buddhism to Japan), Shitennoji is the country's oldest officially established Buddhist temple. The complex includes a 5-storey wooden pagoda (a 1963 reconstruction matching the original 6th-century design), the Golden Hall (Kondo) housing a statue of the Healing Buddha, and a beautiful garden Gokuraku-jodo Garden representing the Buddhist paradise.

The temple has been destroyed by fire 7 times in its history and each rebuild has kept the original layout - the Shitennoji pattern (south gate, central pagoda, Golden Hall, lecture hall on a north-south axis) became the template for early Japanese Buddhist architecture. The 21st of each month sees a popular flea market across the grounds with 500+ stalls. Main grounds free; inner sanctum 300 JPY; treasure house 500 JPY.

Pro Tip: Time your visit for the 21st of the month for the temple market - one of the biggest and most authentic flea markets in Kansai with antiques, kimonos, ceramics, and street food. Goes from 08:00-16:00.