Shitenno-ji Temple

Shitenno-ji Temple was built by Prince Shotoku over 1,400 years ago in 593. It was the first Buddhist temple built by the state in Japan and the reasons were documented in Nihon-shoki. The temple complex was designed in the oldest temple architectural style in Japan known as Shitennoji-shiki Garan Haichi (Shitennoji-style Buddhist Temple Arrangement) with the Central Gate, Five-Story Pagoda, Kon-do Hall and Lecture Hall all aligned in a row from South to North. The temple was repeatedly burned down by fire throughout history, and the current temple building was rebuilt in 1963 as a faithful reproduction of its original appearance. There was a period when the temple belonged to the Tendai Sect of Buddhism, but it is now the main temple for the Washu Sect and does not belong to any particular sect. The temple is home to many treasures, including the Senmen Hokekyo Sassi (fan depicting the Hokkekyo Sutra), which has been designated as a National Treasure.

・Shoryoe Bugaku Daihoyo is an ancient performing arts illustrating the 1,400 years of history of Shitenno-ji Temple
Shoryoe Bugaku Daihoyo has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Culture Asset and is performed every April 22 in memory of Prince Shotoku. The performance brings together Buddhist service and Bugaku art, which demonstrates a striking reminder of magnificent picture scrolls, reviving a grand ancient memorial service in the present day.

・Lively street stalls line the temple complex on the monthly death anniversaries of Kukai and Prince Shotoku
Every month, Daishi-e and Taishi-e are held on the 21st and 22nd to mark the monthly death anniversaries of Kobo Daishi Kukai and Prince Shotoku respectively. Admission to Chushin Garan (inner temple complex) and the uppermost floor of the Five-Story Pagoda are free on these days. Some 500 lively street stalls line the complex, selling antiques, food and clothes.

・The Treasure House exhibits and houses treasures dating back to the temple's establishment
The Treasure House is located east of Chushin Garan (inner temple complex) and exhibits precious treasures dating back to the temple's establishment. It houses valuable works including Senmen Hokekyo Sassi (fan depicting the Hokkekyo Sutra), which is a National Treasure.