Osaka is listed as one of the most liveable cities in the world by the most recent Global Liveability Index of The Economist. Interestingly, it is the only Asian city in its top 10 list, with Vienna ranking at first, and Tokyo, guess what? Nowhere to be found.
Travelers fly to Osaka for its delicious food, particularly okonomiyaki and takoyaki, as this fantastic city is also known as “the kitchen of Japan.” But, apart from its gastronomic scene, no Osaka tour will be complete without discovering its temples.
This city holds a reputation of being Japan’s first commercial capital – a city of merchants – and also the location of the country’s central government then. Thus, you can just imagine how its magnificent temples coexist with this brilliance, treating every tourist into a journey through spiritual traditions and architectural glory. Let’s take a look at the must-visit temples in Osaka.
1. Shitenno-ji
If you are a fan of those Netflix historical series with East Asian themes – those characters wearing Japanese royal attire back then – you’ll experience those moments in temples like Shitenno-ji. Prince Shotoku, widely known for championing Japanese Buddhism, founded it in 593, even before the Middle Ages, and became the first Buddhist temple to receive official endorsement from the state.
Though what you see here now are reconstructions, the temple is able to preserve its illustrious five-level pagoda, main golden hall, and tranquil garden, bringing magic in every corner.
Hours: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka 543-0051, Japan
2. Hozen-ji
Meanwhile, this temple is a bit difficult to find as it is tucked away from the Minami district’s downtown. But, once you stumble upon this place, you can interact with a Buddhist deity via the moss-covered Nishimuki Fudo Myo’o statue by sprinkling them with water so they can grant your wishes.
What’s unique about this temple is that you can play with the cats lurking around the area. You might also want to visit at night, where the temple grounds are dramatically illuminated, then make your way to the Kappo and sushi restaurants nearby.
Hours: 24/7
Address: 1-2-16 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0076, Japan
ALSO READ: BEST MUSEUMS IN OSAKA
3. Katsuoji
On the other hand, this temple is not within the main city grounds but in Osaka’s outskirts, in the mountains of Minoo City, so it’s going to be a little outdoor adventure going here.
The site where Katsuoji Temple lies was first occupied during the Nara period by priests Zensan and Zenchū. Today, you’ll find Daruma dolls around. Paint an eye on a Daruma doll, and your wishes will come true, as they are treasured as symbols that usher you to victory.
Hours: 8 AM-5 PM, 8 AM-6 PM on Saturdays
Address: 2914-1 Aomatani, Minoh, Osaka 562-8508, Japan
4. Isshin-ji
If Mexico has the scary Day of the Dead festival, Japan has the Isshin-ji Temple. Here’s why. Founded in 1185, this Pure Land Buddhist temple is known for primarily memorializing the deceased. Its other name is “the temple of Buddha statues made from human bones,” as devotees here create Buddha statues from the ashes of the dead, a practice that started only in the early 1900s though to honor the dead. Now, that’s scarier.
Hours: 5 AM-6 PM
Address: 2-8-69 Osaka, Tennoji Ward, Osaka 543-0062, Japan
ALSO READ: THINGS TO DO IN OSAKA
5. Hirokawadera
This historic temple sits at the foot of the beautiful Mount Katsuragi and was founded by a monk in the 600s. During the Heian period, it was renovated to become a sacred site for esoteric Buddhism. Later on, a poet and monk named Saigyo Hoshi spent his last days here at this temple. Today, you’ll see the works of this poet displayed. Travelers also visit here to immerse with nature, particularly with the mountain and the awe-inspiring cherry blossoms.
Hours: 10 AM-5 PM
Address: 4-3 Hirokawa, Kanan, Minamikawachi District, Osaka 585-0022, Japan
6. Daitoku-ji
There may not be a lot of cherry blossoms here, but it’s brimming with the colors of autumn. Nestled in Mount Ushitaki, where gorgeous views of autumn foliage are, this temple was established by the founder of the Japanese mountain asceticism tradition, Shugendo.
During the Sengoku period, wars devastated the temple grounds, yet the iconic 13-meter-high vermilion pagoda, the Tahoto Pagoda, as you see today, managed to stand high and proud.
Hours: 24/7
Address: 1178 Osawa-cho, Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
ALSO READ: BEST GUIDED TOURS IN OSAKA
7. Shinganji
Shinganji was built during the time of samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century. Eventually, it also served as the base of Sanada Yukimura, a famous samurai, during the Siege of Osaka in 1614. The Siege damaged the temple, but Sanada’s relative spearheaded its reconstruction in 1622. It may not be the most beautiful temple in Osaka but definitely a must-visit.
Hours: 8 AM-5 PM
Address: 2-22 Esashimachi, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0016, Japan
Your Osaka adventure comes full circle when you visit its best temples. Some of them are located within the city, so it’s the perfect place to unwind before you head out to dig into great Osaka food or to relax after shopping around. Meanwhile, others are located at the foot of mountains, so if you consider yourself an outdoorsy traveler, you’ll appreciate them.
Want to discover more of Osaka with a local? Join our Osaka Free Walking Tour and experience Osaka’s rich food, culture, and history.
Comments