⛩️ Shitennoji Temple｜Osaka's oldest temple, step into the spiritual world of Prince Shotoku

📍 Location 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City ⸻ 🚉 Transportation • From Osaka Namba: Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Tennoji Station and walk about 10 minutes. • From Osaka Station: Take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Tennoji Station and walk about 12 minutes from the station. • Tips: You can also visit Tennoji Zoo and Tsutenkaku near Shitennoji, which is a suitable area for a half-day stroll. ⸻ 📝 Personal experience Shitennoji Temple is Japan's oldest state-run Buddhist temple, founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku. Walking into the temple, you can really feel an atmosphere that is different from that of the temples in Kyoto. It lacks the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots and has more of the quiet solemnity of history. The sun was shining brightly the day I came. The red five-story pagoda was very eye-catching under the blue sky, and the ancient buildings around it were arranged in an orderly manner, giving people the illusion of traveling through a thousand years. The stone garden and cemetery area in the temple are also very peaceful, with many local Japanese coming to worship or meditate. People who don’t pursue punching in will like the quietness here. However, it is recommended to come on weekdays, as there are more activities in the temple on weekends and the atmosphere will be more lively. Overall, Shitennoji is a good place to experience the depth of Buddhist culture without being too commercial. #AprilDestinations2025 #JapanTravel #OsakaItinerary