Shitennoji Temple

Shitennoji Temple is Japan’s first state-sponsored Buddhist temple, founded approximately 1,400 years ago by Prince Shotoku with the aim of creating a peaceful nation. The current buildings faithfully reproduce the architectural style of the Asuka period at the time of its founding, and the temple layout is known as the Shitennoji-style garan arrangement, the oldest architectural layout in Japan. The temple grounds feature many attractions, including a treasure house preserving artifacts from the time of its founding, a five-story pagoda, and the Pure Land Garden symbolizing the Buddhist paradise. The principal image of worship is Kuse Kannon Bosatsu, believed to save people from worldly suffering. While the temple belonged to the Tendai sect for a period, it was originally a non-denominational temple that studied eight Buddhist schools. In 1946, it became independent as the head temple of Washu, a sect that takes a broad, non-sectarian approach to Buddhism. Temple fairs are held on the 21st and 22nd of each month, during which the grounds are lined with antique dealers and street stalls.