Shitennoji

Shitennoji is an ancient temple established by Prince Shōtoku in 593 and can be called a sacred site of Japanese Buddhism. As one of the seven great temples built by the Prince, it has continuously gathered the faith of people for over 1,400 years. With the four heavenly kings as guardian deities, the teachings of harmony that Prince Shōtoku expounded still live within this temple. Though it has been destroyed by warfare multiple times, it was rebuilt each time and now preserves its magnificent temple layout. Especially during the spring and autumn equinox periods, it is filled with many pilgrims at this most venerable spiritual site.