Shitennō-ji
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Shitennō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ōsaka, Japan. It is also known as Arahaka-ji, Nanba-ji/Naniwa-daiji, or Mitsu-ji 御津寺. The temple is sometimes regarded as the first Buddhist and oldest officially a
Chushin garan (中心伽藍)
Shitennō-ji seen from above (center) in the middle of Ōsaka, 2025
Model of the temple complex at the time of its construction, at Osaka Prefectural Chikatsu Asuka Museum
The rubble of the five-tiered pagoda after destruction by the 1934 Muroto typhoon
Prince Shōtoku
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Prince Shōtoku, also known as Prince Umayado or Prince Kamitsumiya, was a semi-legendary regent and a politician of the Asuka period in Japan who served under Empress Suiko. He was the son of Emperor
Shitennō-ji
…place in 1963. Shortly after World War II, Shitennō-ji became independent of the parent Tendai sect and formed the Wa sect (Wa-shū, 和宗) of Buddhism. Prince Shōtoku was known for his profound Buddhist faith when Buddhism was not widespread in Japan during the 6th century. In order to popularize Buddhism, Prince…
Prince Shōtoku depicted in the Kamakura period
Shōtoku as a Buddhist pilgrim at the age of fourteen. Colors on silk. Muromachi Period, 14th century.
Ukiyo-e by Yoshitoshi depicting Prince Shōtoku slaying Mononobe no Moriya for heresy against Buddhism
Section of the Commentary on Lotus Sutra, said to be written in Shōtoku's hand