【Full Guide】The Oldest Temple in Japan. This is the Shitennoji Temple in Osaka!

Hi, I'm Kana. I'm a tour guide of Japan. Welcome to my channel. Today, I'm going to Shitennoji Temple in Osaka. Let's get started! Shitennoji Temple is located on south of Osaka City. It's a 15 minutes walk from Tsutenkaku Tower. Shitennoji is one of the oldest temples in Japan. It was built by Prince Shotoku in 593. There is no one in Japan who does not know Prince Shotoku. He is one of the symbols of Japanese culture and peace. He instituted a class system based on talent and merit. The color of the cap was different for each rank. He also established a seminal article constitution. The idea that harmony is to be valued is still important today. Gokurakumon means the gate that leads to paradise. This gate was rebuilt in 1963. There is a temple ring on the gate post. It is considered a symbol of Buddha. It is said that if you turn it clockwise, you can practice virtue. The central temple of Shitennoji is one of the oldest architectural styles in Japan. First, please purify yourself with an incense burner before entering. It is said that Prince Shotoku placed six Buddhist statues and his six heirs in the pagoda. Ten Buddhist paintings and wooden statues of the four heavenly kings are enshrined on the first floor. The inside of the tower has a six-story structure that can be accessed by spiral stairs. It is a memorial service for the ancestors of believers above the second floor. The principal image is enshrined and four heavenly kings protect it on all sides in the main hall. Kodo is a lecture hall where scriptures are taught. It is one of the oldest architectural styles in Japan, called the Shitennoji-style garden layout. Kodo, Kondo, Goju-no-to, and Jumon are lined up in a straight line from north to south, and corridors surround them. This garden style was introduced from China. Anyway, do you know about the four heavenly kings? They are four guardian deities of Buddhism and protect the east, west, north, and south. There are many lanterns lined up in the corridor. They are a type of eternal memorial service. It means entrusting the ashes to a temple without having a private gave. It is called Nio-mon because it enshrines the statue of Nio, the guardian deity. It opens its mouth to express the beginning of things. It closes its mouth to express the end of things. It is believed that the blue dragon that lives in the pond beneath the main hall protects the temple. It was considered as an important well within the central temple. Goshuin, a red-ringed stamp, is a certificate of visit to a shrine or temple. The design of each goshuin differs depending on the temple or shrine. It is said that the sound of the bell in the attic can be heard all the way to paradise. This is the central dojo where large-scale memorial services are held. Bugaku is danced on the stage every April in memory of Prince Shotoku. The New Year's Eve bell and the good luck bell ring here. Like the yellow bell tower, it is said to lead to a distant paradise. This is dedicated to Prince Shotoku and the center of the face. The statue of Prince Kannon is enshrined in the basement of the Taisho Okuden. It is said that Kumano Gongen is enshrined inside and prayed for safety on the Kumano pilgrimage. Hotei-san is enshrined here. Many women come to pray for the health of their children. He is one of the seven gods who gives blessings. Tanshikai Festival is held on the 21st of every month and many stalls are lined up. I visited the day before so I could see the stalls being set up. Kobo Daishi was the founder of the Shingon Safety of Esoteric Buddhism. He traveled throughout Japan and contributed to the development of Japanese Buddhism. He admired Prince Shotoku and trained here for two years in his youth. This is connected to the cane of the statue. When you ring it, the earthly dials will be removed. Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu, also deeply respected Prince Shotoku. Finally, I'd like to show you the specialty of Stenrose Temple. It is shaped like the bell of the temple and it's filled with bean paste inside the sponge cake. How about Stenrose Temple? If you like it, please visit there. Thank you for watching. Don't forget to like the video. Please subscribe to my channel. See you in the next video.