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Japan/Things to Do in Osaka, solo trip

Shitenno-ji (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Shitenno-ji?

85%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: Solo visitors can wander freely, collect a temple stamp, and climb the pagoda without waiting for others, and all paths are well signed in English, so independent exploration is smooth.

Google
Reviews4.3/ 5
(from 11,725 reviews)
Antique Flea Market At Shitennoji Temple in Osaka Japan, Arita Kutani Ware Ceramics, 2/3
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Antique Flea Market At Shitennoji Temple in Osaka Japan, Arita Kutani Ware Ceramics, 2/3
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【Full Guide】The Oldest Temple in Japan. This is the Shitennoji Temple in Osaka!
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【Full Guide】The Oldest Temple in Japan. This is the Shitennoji Temple in Osaka!
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Shitennoji temple, Osaka / Discover one the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan/ TT Travel Photography
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Shitennoji temple, Osaka / Discover one the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan/ TT Travel Photography
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Japan's Oldest Temple - Shitennoji Temple | Where To Travel | Osaka Japan | Cultured-ish Travels
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Shitennō-ji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, Osaka, Japan
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Shitennō-ji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, Osaka, Japan
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Positives:

  • Compact Layout: All main attractions lie within a short walking distance.
  • Quiet Corners: The pond area and gardens offer peaceful spots for solo reflection.

Challenges:

  • Uneven Pathways: Stone slabs and gravel paths can be slippery; wear sturdy shoes.
  • Limited English Signage: Most information boards are only in Japanese; download a map in advance.
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🏖️ Explore Shitenno-ji with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Shitenno-ji. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Shitenno-ji?

  • A Buddhist temple in Osaka founded in 593 under Prince Shōtoku, recognized as one of Japan’s earliest state-sponsored temples
  • An architectural ensemble that integrates Asuka-period design with Northern and Southern Dynasties Chinese influences in its red pillars, white walls and five-story pagoda
  • A historic precinct anchored by rare stone torii gates, ornate Buddhist statues and a turtle-filled pond centered on an ancient stone stage

What is so special about Shitenno-ji for solo trip?

  1. Explore 1,400-year-old Asuka-period halls and pagoda alone.
  2. Climb the five-story pagoda for unique skyline views.
  3. Feed and watch turtles in the central sacred pond.
  4. Collect a hand-stamped goshuin and draw an omikuji for cultural insight.
  5. Visit during monthly flea markets for local crafts and snacks.

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Solo travelers can explore the main halls, pagoda, and garden at an easy pace.

(View Shitenno-ji on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Shitenno-ji

Inner Precinct & Five-Story Pagoda:

Enter the central Garan to see Prince Shōtoku’s statue and climb the pagoda for rooftop views.

Tip: Arrive early to avoid ticket lines and frame the Osaka skyline from the top.

Turtle Pond Observation:

Watch hundreds of turtles on the sacred pond platforms near the stone stage.

Tip: Bring a small piece of lettuce to feed the turtles quietly.

Goshuin Temple Stamp:

Collect the temple’s calligraphy seal in a goshuin-chō for a unique souvenir.

Tip: Buy or bring a stamp book and carry exact change (300–500 yen).

Omikuji Fortune Slip:

Draw a paper fortune to learn your luck and tie bad omikuji on display wires.

Tip: Keep good fortunes in your wallet; tie bad ones neatly on the racks.

Treasure Museum Visit:

Browse national treasures like ancient sutra fans and Buddhist statues indoors.

Tip: Combine this with the pagoda ticket to save time; open 9:00–16:30.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shitenno-ji

  1. Arrive at Opening: Visit at 8:30 AM to enjoy the gardens before crowds arrive.
  2. Buy Exact Change: Keep small coins ready for ticket gates, stamps, and omikuji.
  3. Download Map: Get the official temple map in English from the website to navigate easily.
🏖️ Tour Shitenno-ji like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Shitenno-ji. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Shitenno-ji

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Linlin Chai

Linlin Chai

Aug 2025

One of the best temples in Osaka Japan , if you could go visit in daylight would be cool ! There were many Japanese people taking their dogs for a walk in the areas ! Very friendly people and interesting place to go ! Even at night! Give us a completely different perspective for our visit .

Nehal Ahmed

Nehal Ahmed

Aug 2025

We came to Shitennoji to see all the temples in the area. It is somewhat from the train station, we had to walk a bit during hot summer day. There’s a small entrance fee to get the tickets to enter. The premise has some really huge temples. They look amazing. Lots of tourists visit this spot for its spiritual values. It takes about half an hour to an hour to explore the area. Outside of the templ...

Michael Chiang

Michael Chiang

Aug 2025

As a tourist and a Buddhist, I cannot recommend this temple enough. Walking through the gates of the temple grounds, one can feel the history of the temple and realize how serene the temple is. The main halls of the temples are also air conditioned so it is a good place to escape from Osaka’s nasty summer heat. The main halls of the temples are not a place of worship, with the statues of Buddha an...

Joe C

Joe C

Jun 2025

It's a traditional Japanese temple with a tower which you can walk up and see the surrounding. It's not quite as beautiful as some other temples in Japan. I found the surrounding lacking a nice garden. However, when we visit, there was a market (kind of like a farmer's market and some local artists with their product). Not sure if it was a weekend thing.

James Milliss

James Milliss

Jun 2025

Went here on the 21st for the monthly flea market and it was such a good time. The temple itself is beautiful, but the market around it is what made the day – massive setup with heaps of cool old Japanese stuff, antiques, handmade bits, all sorts of random treasures. Was awesome just wandering around the temple grounds hunting through stalls. Plenty of local food stalls too – proper street food vi...

When is the best time to visit Shitenno-ji (Osaka, Japan)?

On the 21st and 22nd of each month, explore the flea market with around 300 stalls selling crafts and street snacks. In spring, spot seasonal blooms in the Pure Land garden and colorful foliage in autumn.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Osaka on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Inner Precinct & Pagoda ticketJPY 300
Treasure Museum ticketJPY 500
Goshuin stampJPY 300
Omikuji fortune slipJPY 100
Total EstimatedJPY 1,200

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Shitenno-ji

Address: 1-chōme-11-18 Shitennōji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051, Japan

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Shitenno-ji (Osaka)?

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About Shitenno-ji

Opening Hours

Monday:8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday:8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday:8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday:8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday:8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday:8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday:8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+81 6-6771-0066

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