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5 Power Spots and Historic Temples in Osaka to Visit

5 Power Spots and Historic Temples in Osaka to Visit

2021-07-14 Management office

When it comes to sightseeing in Osaka, there are many attractive spots such as Universal Studios Japan, Kaiyukan, Osaka Castle, and Dotonbori, but in fact, Osaka also has many wonderful temples with a rich history.
In this issue, we introduce five such temples.
It is a power spot full of blessings and energy, so please visit it when you go to Osaka.
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Shitennoji Temple



Located in Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City, the head temple of the Japanese sect "Shitennoji "is one of the seven major temples built by Prince Shotoku in 593 (the first year of Emperor Suiko).
During the battle between Mononobe Moriya and Soga Umako over Buddhism, Shotoku Taishi, who was with Soga Umako of the Chobutsu faction, vowed "that if he could win this battle, he would build a temple enshrining the Four Heavenly Kings and save the people of the world ".
Soga Umako won in a landslide and built "Shitennoji Temple "as he had vowed. "The Chronicles of Japan "states that the temple was built by Soga Umako.

Later, the temple was repeatedly destroyed by fire and rebuilt, but in modern times, the five-story pagoda collapsed and the central gate was destroyed by Typhoon Muroto in 1934.
In 1940, the five-story pagoda was rebuilt after much effort, but in 1945, almost the entire area was destroyed by war during the Osaka Air Raid.

However, since 1963, with the cooperation of people from various fields, the buildings, including the Garan, have been restored one after another.
Today, the building is a faithful reproduction of the structure as it was when it was first built, making it extremely valuable.

Shitennoji-style temple layout



The layout of the temple complex of Shitennoji Temple is as follows: from south to north, the central gate, five-story pagoda, main hall, and lecture hall are lined up in a row. A corridor surrounds the central gate.
This form is the oldest in Japan and is a typical architectural style of the Asuka period.
The total area of the temple is approximately 110,000 m2, and in addition to the temple complex, there is also the Seireiin Temple, which venerates the spirit of Prince Shotoku, and the Treasure House, which houses national treasures and important cultural properties.



Variety of good luck charms and souvenirs



Although the temple has a venerable history of more than 1,400 years, the amulets and souvenirs at Shitennoji are truly varied and many are innovative.
One of the most popular is the bra pad type "Mimune Mamori (御乳守) ". The idea is that you can put it inside your bra at any time and carry it with you on your skin.
Please note that the product may be too popular and out of stock.
Also, "Shotoku Taishi Kewpie "straps and other straps will be popular products available only at Shitennoji.

Access to Shitennoji is a 12-minute walk from Tennoji Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line, Midosuji Subway Line and Tanimachi Line, and a 5-minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line.

"Facility Information "
Name: Shitennoji Temple
Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, 543-0051, Japan
Phone number: 06-6771-0066
Hours: [Halls, central complex, and gardens ]April-Sep 8:30-16:30 October-March 8:30-16:00
      [Rokusang ]8:30~18:00
      [Visit from outside the hall ]24 hours
The material: [Center Garan ]Adult:300yen High school student・college student:200yen Under middle school student:No material
     [Garden ]Adult:300yen Elementary school student~College student:200yen Young children:No material
     [Treasure Museum ]Adult:500yen High school student・College student:300yen Under middle school student:No material
URL:http://www.shitennoji.or.jp/

Isshin-ji Temple



Located in Tennoji Ward, Osaka City, "Isshinji Temple "is a temple with large grounds, located adjacent to the Tennoji Zoo and Tennoji Park.

"Isshinji Temple "has a long history and was founded by Honen in 1185.
In 1600, Senchiyo, the eighth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, died prematurely, and his funeral was held at Isshinji Temple.
Since around the end of the Edo period (1603-1867), the temple has been open year-round for offerings (segaki) to all religious sects, and was popularly known as "Osegaki no tera (temple of segaki) ".
In 1887 (Meiji 20), the first Kotsubutsu (bone Buddha) was built, and the temple became more and more popular as a temple open to the general public.



Buddha made from the remains



"Isshinji Temple "is famous for its nosatsu, osegaki and osebutsu.
Obonbutsu is a statue of Amida Nyorai created by mixing water and cement with 10 years' worth of the ashes of those who have deposited their ashes.

Since its first construction in 1887 (Meiji 20), there are currently 8 skeletal remains of Buddha enshrined here.
Originally, there were 14 of them, but 6 of them were destroyed by fire in the war.

If you are unable to visit the grave, or if you have no successor to protect the grave, you will be able to rest easy knowing that your bones will be preserved as a "kotsu-butsu".
Combining the spirit of memorial services for ancestors and worship of Buddha.
In 2005 (Heisei 17), it was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Osaka City.



"Anyone can perform sutra chanting at Isshinji Temple ". All the necessary tools, such as writing brushes and ink, are provided, so if you want to calm your mind and unify your spirit, why not try it?
Access is a 15-minute walk from Tennoji Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line, Midosuji Subway Line, and Tanimachi Line, a 12-minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line, and an 8-minute walk from Emisucho Station on the Sakaisuji Subway Line.

"Facility Information "
Name: Isshinji Temple
Address: 2-8-69, Osaka 2-chome, Osaka, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, 543-0062, Japan
Phone number: 06-6771-0444
Hours of visitation: [General visitation ]5:00 - 6:00 p.m. [Bones, osegaki, etc. ]9:00 - 4:00 p.m. (until 11:00 a.m. on New Year's Eve)
      [Sanzenbutsu-do, Senzai-butsu ]9:00-16:00 [sutra chanting ]9:00-16:00 (registration until 14:00)
URL:https://www.isshinji.or.jp/index.html

Shououji Temple



"Katsuo-ji Temple "(Katsuo-ji), located in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture, is a temple of winning luck and famous for its winning dharma dolls.

"Katsuo-ji Temple "has a very long history, dating back to 727 when twin brothers Zenchu and Zentan, sons of Chifusa Fujiwara, established a hermitage and conducted ascetic practices.
In 765, Emperor Kohito's son Kaisei studied under Zenchu and Zentaku, and in 775, he founded Mirokuji Temple. This temple later became Katsuo-ji Temple.
Since the Heian period (794-1185), many emperors and other persons of high status visited the temple.
"In 880 (Genkei 4), the temple was named by the emperor after a prayer for the healing of Emperor Seiwa, which was so effective that the temple was named "Katsuo-ji Temple ", which means "to win over kings.
However, feeling too much awe, he decided to change the characters of "Wang "to "O "and named the temple "Katsuo-ji ". The temple has gained people's faith as a "temple of victory and luck.
The temple has a history of being visited by successive shoguns who prayed for good fortune.

A lot of Dharma dolls in the precincts of the temple



As you step into the precincts of Katsuo-ji Temple, you will see small dharma dolls placed in various places, such as on stairs and stone walls.
This is "Dharma lottery ". Many people dedicate this Dharma-mikuji to various places on the temple grounds before returning home, a scene unique to Katsuo-ji Temple.
They are small and cute dharmas, so of course you can take them home and display them at home.



And speaking of Katsuo-ji Temple, "is the winning dharma ".
At the awarding ceremony, choose a Dharma doll that you feel a "connection" with and write your goal on the back of the doll.
"Imbue the dharma with the spirit of gratitude "and put an eye in the right eye of the dharma, pledging to spare no effort to achieve your goal.

Then, one year after the date of your wish, you will visit "win dharma "with your left eye in it to dedicate it.
The "Kachi-Dharma Dedication Shelf," where many winners who have had their wishes come true are dedicated, is a sight to behold.
Each dharma must have had its own story.



Katsuo-ji Temple is located in a very natural setting. It seems to be a power spot where you can get a lot of energy.
Access is approximately 33 minutes by bus from Senri-Chuo Station on the Midosuji Subway Line.

"Facility Information "
Name: Katsuo-ji Temple
Address: Katsuo-ji, Mino-shi, Osaka 562-8508, Japan
Phone number: 072-721-7010
Hours of worship: [Weekdays ]8:00-17:00 [Saturdays ]8:00-17:30 [Sundays and holidays ]8:00-18:00 *Please come 15 minutes before closing time.
Admission: [Adults (high school students and older) ]400 yen [Elementary and junior high school students ]300 yen [Preschool children ]100 yen [2 years old and younger ]Free
URL:https://katsuo-ji-temple.or.jp/

Amanozan Kongoji Temple



Located in Kawachinagano City, Osaka Prefecture, "Amanozan Kongoji Temple "boasts a history of about 1,300 years and many cultural properties are still in existence.

Kongoji Temple was founded by Gyoki under the order of Emperor Shomu in 729-749 (Tempyo period, 729-749) during the Nara period (710-794).
It is said to be a sacred place where Kobo Daishi/Kukai stayed and practiced asceticism during the Heian period.
The temple fell into disrepair for 400 years, but was rebuilt around the end of the Heian period (794-1185).
"It was called Nyonin Koya "because women were allowed to visit Kobo Daishi and because two generations of female priestesses served as abbesses at the temple.
In addition, due to the influence of the patronage of Nobunaga Oda and Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the temple still holds many valuable buildings and temple treasures, including five national treasures and 29 important cultural properties.



Precincts selected as one of the 100 best places for greenery in Osaka



Amanozan Kongoji Temple is famous for its cherry blossoms. Cherry trees are planted here and there throughout the temple grounds, and the weeping cherry trees in full bloom against the Dabotou (pagoda) are especially beautiful.
The thousand-year-old cedar tree towering behind the Yakushido Hall radiates a strong life force and mysterious atmosphere, making it a popular power spot.
The temple grounds and surrounding area are filled with lush greenery and have been selected as one of the "100 best places for greenery in Osaka".
Access is approximately 23 minutes by bus from Kawachinagano Station on the Nankai Koya Line and Kintetsu Nagano Line.

"Facility Information "
Name: Amano-san Kongoji Temple
Address: 996 Amano, Kawachinagano, Osaka, 586-0086, Japan
Phone number: 0721-52-2046
Viewing hours:9:00~16:30
Admission: [Garan ]Adults: 200 yen Elementary school students: 100 yen [Honbo ]Adults: 400 yen Elementary school students: 200 yen * There is a common ticket (500 yen) for adults only for Garan and Honbo.
URL:https://amanosan-kongoji.jp/
https://www.instagram.com/amanosankongouji/?hl=ja
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100018347023463&ref=bookmarks
https://twitter.com/amanosankongouj

Osaka Naritasan Fudoson



"Osaka Naritasan Fudoson ", located in Neyagawa City, Osaka Prefecture, is a branch temple of "Daihonzan Naritasan Shinshoji "in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, and is famous for its traffic safety benefits.
The history of the Daihonzan Naritasan Shinshoji Temple dates back to the year 940, while the Osaka Naritasan Fudoson was founded in 1934.
By enshrining Fudo Myoo of Naritasan as a guardian deity in Korien, the front gate of Osaka and the back gate of Kyoto, it was decided to pray for the development of this area, and "Myoo-in, Osaka Annex of Naritasan "(Osaka Naritasan Fudo) was born.

Prayer for 100 cars at the same time



Osaka Naritasan Fudoson is very famous for traffic safety prayers. 1954 was the first year that a hall was built exclusively for this purpose in Japan.
Prayers are held in front of the cars, and up to 100 cars can be prayed for at the same time.
Many people visit the shrine throughout the year to pray for good luck, to visit the shrine for the shrine's opening, and for the seven-five-three-three mairi, etc.

Setsubun Festival crowded with bean-throwing by celebrities



Every year on Setsubun day (the day before the first day of spring), "Setsubun Festival "is held and celebrities and other guests are invited to a special stage to throw beans.
This annual event attracts many worshippers, but unfortunately the bean-throwing by guests was cancelled in 2021 due to the new coronavirus.
We hope that next year that lively Setsubun Festival will return.
Access is a 15-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride from Korien Station on the Keihan Electric Railway line.

"Facility Information "
Name: Osaka Naritasan Fudoson
Address: 10-1 Naritanishi-cho, Neyagawa, Osaka 572-8528, Japan
Phone number: 072-833-8881
Time:7:00~17:00
URL:https://osaka-naritasan.or.jp/

summary

In this article, we have introduced five temples in Osaka, power spots full of energy.
From Minoh City in the north to Kawachinagano City in the south, they are all wonderful temples with deep histories and full of sights.
When you go sightseeing in Osaka, be sure to stop by these temples full of attractions to heal your daily fatigue and receive power.

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