Osaka, Japan

Shitennoji Temple

Old Train — I was just amused by this train because it seemed old-fashioned on the outside.

It was close to 4 PM when we were able to board the train. Temples usually close either 4, 5 or in between but if we can just view the exterior, we were okay with it. It was drizzling while we were walking towards it. We stopped by a convenience store when the rain became a little heavy and ended up buying the Japanese transparent umbrella.

Closed — It was just 4:20 PM but these shops were already closed. We were on our way to Shitennoji Temple.

Torii — The entrance through the stone Torii gate to the outer temple grounds. No fee.

Shitennoji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Japan and the first Buddhist one. Prince Shotoku founded it in 593. Too bad the inner temple grounds were already closed that we could not see the Gokuraku-jodo Garden. The temple has 3 gates and we entered through the Great Western gate or Gokuraku-mon, which also has the stone Torii gate.

West Gate — This is the Great West Gate with the purification fountain on the right.

This link explains how to visit a temple or a shrine specifically how to use the purification fountain. At least now we know the use of it and why people use it.

Post — The Shitennoji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Japan, founded in 593.

Buddhist — Shitennoji Temple is the first Buddhist temple in Japan, although it has been rebuilt over the centuries.

Prince — I believe this is Prince Shotoku’s statue as the founder of the temple.

Rebuilt — It was in 1963 when it was last completely rebuilt. It still reflects the original 6th century design.

Wheel — We asked a Japanese guy what was the use of this turning wheel but he said even with the written explanation, he could not understand it.

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