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The five-storey pagoda of Shitenno-ji in Osaka

Shrines & temples

Shrines and temples in Osaka

Osaka is better known for food than temples, but it has one of Japan's oldest temples, the head shrine of thousands of Sumiyoshi shrines and a summer festival on the river.

34 places · 10 nationally protected

Shitenno-ji was founded by Prince Shotoku in 593, which makes it one of the oldest officially founded temples in Japan. Its layout of gate, pagoda and hall in a straight line is the original plan, rebuilt many times. Sumiyoshi Taisha, in the south of the city, is the head shrine of the Sumiyoshi shrines across Japan, which protect sailors; its main halls are in one of the oldest Shinto building styles.

Closer to the center, Osaka Tenmangu honors the scholar Sugawara no Michizane and hosts the Tenjin Matsuri every July, with boats on the river and fireworks. Tamatsukuri Inari stands by Osaka Castle, and Horikawa Ebisu fills with people praying for business at the Toka Ebisu festival in January.

Good to know

  • Shitenno-ji is a 10-minute walk from Tennoji, and the Hankai tram runs from there to Sumiyoshi Taisha: see both in one morning.
  • Sumiyoshi's arched bridge is steep and slippery when wet; there's a flat path around it.
  • During the Tenjin Matsuri, find a riverside spot early in the afternoon for the boat procession and fireworks.

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More Shrines & temples in Osaka

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Questions

What is the oldest temple in Osaka?

Shitenno-ji, founded by Prince Shotoku in 593. Its buildings have been rebuilt many times, most recently after World War II, but the original layout survives.

When is the Tenjin Matsuri?

Every year on July 24 and 25, centered on Osaka Tenmangu. The main day ends with a procession of boats on the Okawa river and fireworks.

Are Osaka's shrines and temples free?

Shrine grounds are free. Shitenno-ji's main grounds are free, but the inner precinct with the pagoda and the garden charge a small fee.

Sources

We checked the facts on this page against these sources.

Shrines & temples elsewhere in Kansai

More to see in Osaka