20 Temples in Osaka worth your time

A historic Tennoji temple housing cultural treasures and a former Shinsengumi base from the late Edo period.

What it is

• A Seizan Jodo sect temple also known by the mountain name Keiryusan.
• The temple serves as a sanctuary for the deity Amida Nyorai.
• The Shinsengumi used this site as their Osaka base in 1865.
• The temple faces west toward the busy Matsuyamachi-suji street.

What to see

• A nationally registered tangible cultural property mountain gate from the Edo period.
• The wooden gate features a traditional gabled roof with decorative tiles.
• A city-designated wooden statue of the deity Amida Nyorai.
• The temple grounds are located just north of the scenic Kuchinawa-zaka slope.

Getting there

• A ten-minute walk from Nippombashi Station leads to the temple entrance.
• The site is a twelve-minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station.

Read more about Mampuku-ji Temple

A 17th-century Jodo sect temple in Osaka featuring a rare Meiji-era gate that survived wartime destruction.

What it is

• A Jodo sect Buddhist temple founded in 1624 in the Tennoji area of Osaka.
• The primary enshrined deity of the temple is Amida Nyorai.
• War damage destroyed all original structures except for the main entrance gate.
• The temple is officially known as Okunenzan Daiunin Shōmyō-ji.

What to see

• The mountain gate is a registered tangible cultural property built during the Meiji period.
• A small-scale Koraimon style gate structure that survived historical war damage.
• Decorative roof tiles shaped like dragons on the historic gate.
• The temple grounds are located on the south side of the Kuchinawa-zaka slope.

Getting there

• A six-minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station.
• A ten-minute walk from Ebisucho Station.

Read more about Shōmyō-ji Temple

A historic Shingon temple known as Nyonin Koya, featuring National Treasure statues and the oldest wooden pagoda in Osaka.

What it is

• A Shingon Buddhist temple founded by Emperor Shomu and the monk Gyoki during the 700s.
• Known as Nyonin Koya because it historically allowed women to worship on the grounds.
• Served as a temporary imperial palace for the Southern Court during the medieval period.
• The seventh stop on the New Saigoku 33 Pilgrimage route.

What to see

• The Tahoto pagoda is the oldest wooden building located in Osaka Prefecture.
• The Main Hall houses three statues designated as National Treasures of Japan.
• A traditional garden attributed to the daimyo Hachisuka Iemasa.
• Structures repaired and rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori in 1605.

Getting there

• Accessible via a Nankai Bus departing from Kawachinagano Station.

Official site

amanosan-kongoji.jp

Read more about Kongō-ji Temple

A Shingon sect temple in Osaka known for its deity of breaking ties and historical connection to the painter Tanomura Chikuden.

What it is

• A Shingon Omuro sect temple located in Osaka City.
• Restored by Yuraku in 1597 and rebuilt by Kakuen in 1755.
• The twenty-second stop on the traditional Settu Pilgrimage route.
• Served as historical lodging for the famous painter Tanomura Chikuden.

What to see

• The Hashihime Daimyojin deity enshrined for the purpose of breaking ties.
• Stone lanterns inscribed with Konpira Daigongen from its former enshrinement.
• The Kosodate Jizo statue located within the temple grounds.

When to go

• An annual prayer service is held on January 21st.
• The temple holds an Obon ceremony every year on August 20th.

Getting there

• A three minute walk from Tanimachi Kyuchome Station.

Read more about Jimyō-in Temple

A Jodo sect temple in Osaka featuring a historic Edo-period gate and a designated cultural property statue of Amida Nyorai.

What it is

• A Jodo sect temple located in the Tennoji Ward of Osaka.
• The temple was moved to its current location in 1603.
• It is dedicated to the main object of worship, Amida Nyorai.
• The site houses the graves of famous puppeteers Yoshida Eizo I and II.

What to see

• A mid-Edo period mountain gate registered as a national tangible cultural property.
• The mountain gate is a one-ken Yakuimon style wooden structure.
• A wooden Amida Nyorai statue designated as a city cultural property.
• The historic gate is the only original structure that survived war damage.

Getting there

• An eight-minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station.
• A twenty-minute walk from Osaka Uehommachi Station.

Read more about Chōshin-ji Temple

A historic Shingon temple founded by Prince Shotoku, housing a protected Heian-period statue and serving as a Lucky God pilgrimage site.

What it is

• A Koyasan Shingon temple founded by Prince Shotoku between 593 and 628
• The first station of the 88 Temples of Settsu Province pilgrimage
• Dedicated to the main deity Daisho Kangiten and the lucky goddess Benzaiten
• Relocated to the Shimanouchi area in 1879 after serving as administrator for Ikutama Shrine

What to see

• A wooden statue of Sho Kannon dating back to the Heian period
• An Important Cultural Property designated by the Japanese government
• Rebuilt structures following the destruction of the 1945 Osaka air raids
• Enshrined Benzaiten figure as part of the Osaka Seven Lucky Gods

Getting there

• Located a five-minute walk from Nippombashi Station

Read more about Hōan-ji Temple

A historic Jodo Shu Buddhist temple in Osaka featuring a registered Edo-period gate and the deity Amida Nyorai.

What it is

• A Jodo Shu Buddhist temple located in the Tennoji Ward of Osaka City.
• The temple is known by the mountain name Joshozan.
• Amida Nyorai is the primary deity enshrined within the temple grounds.
• The site is situated between the Kuchinawa-zaka and Genseiji-zaka slopes.

What to see

• A wooden main gate built in seventeen forty-nine during the Edo period.
• The gate is a registered tangible cultural property with a gabled tile roof.
• The historic entrance measures two point eight meters in width.
• The temple structure faces west toward Matsuyamachi-suji street.

Getting there

• The temple is a six minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station.

Read more about Daikō-ji Temple

A historic Rinzai Zen temple in Yao featuring samurai graves and a thirteen-story pagoda rebuilt by Tokugawa Ieyasu.

What it is

• A Rinzai Nanzen-ji sect temple founded between 1410 and 1414.
• The mortuary temple for founder Hatakeyama Mitsuie and the Yusa clan.
• Site of the funeral for powerful daimyo Miyoshi Nagayoshi in 1566.
• Rebuilt with funds from Tokugawa Ieyasu after burning down in 1615.

What to see

• A thirteen-story stone pagoda dedicated to Hatakeyama Mitsuie.
• Designated cultural property graves of Miyoshi Nagayoshi and Miyoshi Yoshitsugu.
• Historical documents designated as Yao City cultural properties.
• The Torin-an sub-temple which serves as the Yusa family temple.

Getting there

• The temple is a fifteen-minute walk from JR Kyuhoji Station.

Read more about Shinkan-ji Temple

A historic Soto Zen temple founded by Prince Shotoku, featuring a protected forest and a unique Inari shrine.

What it is

• A Soto Zen Buddhist temple located in Takatsuki City.
• The temple is dedicated to the Sho-kanzeon Bodhisattva.
• Tradition credits the founding of the temple to Prince Shotoku.
• The site originally belonged to the Tendai sect before converting in 1739.

What to see

• The surrounding forest is a designated city protection area.
• The Tsukimi Nanten Inari shrine is located on the temple grounds.
• The western mountains where the Ishikawa Toshitari epitaph was discovered.
• The area behind the temple which was once used as a clay quarry.

Getting there

• The temple is a ten minute walk from Akutagawa Elementary School bus stop.

Read more about Jigan-ji Temple

A Rinzai Zen temple and former retirement villa housing the historic graves and artifacts of the Okabe samurai clan.

What it is

• A temple of the Myoshin-ji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism founded in 1668
• The former retirement villa of Okabe Nobukatsu converted into a family temple
• A site dedicated to the primary deity Shakyamuni Buddha
• The final resting place and memorial site for the Okabe clan lords

What to see

• Thirteen stone pagodas standing within the temple grounds
• The clan graves designated as a city historical site
• Portraits and various artifacts belonging to the Okabe lords

Getting there

• A five-minute walk from the Kamisuya bus stop
• An eight-minute walk from the Yamashitacho bus stop

Read more about Senkō-ji Temple

A historic Jodo Buddhism temple in Osaka featuring four registered Tangible Cultural Properties dating back to the seventeenth century.

What it is

• A Jodo Buddhism temple founded by Homei in 1318
• The temple is dedicated to the main deity Amida Nyorai
• It became a branch of the famous Chion-in temple in 1663
• Four of the onsite structures are registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan

What to see

• The main hall which was originally constructed in 1694
• A historic bell tower dating back to 1713
• The temple gate and kitchen built during the 1790s
• Two distinct stone towers known as Karizuka located on the grounds

Getting there

• The temple is a ten-minute walk from Shin-Fukae Station

Read more about Hōmyō-ji Temple (Osaka)

Kannō-ji Temple is an ancient Nichiren temple in Sakai, known for its Star Descent rituals and zelkova carvings.

What it is

• A Nichiren sect temple in Sakai City, Osaka.
• Commonly known as Niwadani Myoken.
• Founded in 645 by Hodo Sennin, according to legend.
• Considered a sacred site for Star Descent rituals.

What to see

• The main object of worship is Myoken Bosatsu.
• Myoken-do hall features zelkova wood carvings.
• One of the Three Great Myoken of Osaka.

When to go

• Manto Kuyo memorial service occurs every August 16.

Getting there

• Part of a Sakai City hiking trail.
• The hiking route starts from Izumigaoka Station.

Read more about Kannō-ji Temple

This temple, built in the eighth century, has a 400-year-old gate and a unique 1,043-armed Kannon statue.

What it is

• Temple built in the eighth century by Emperor Shōmu.
• Dedicated to praying for the safety of the country.
• Patronized by the Fujii Clan in the ninth century.

What to see

• Tall wooden gate from 1601 at the west entrance.
• Gate is an example of Momoyama period architecture.
• 100-year-old wisteria.
• Statue of Thousand-armed Kannon with 1,043 arms.
• Kannon statue has 40 large arms holding treasures.
• Kannon statue has 1,001 smaller arms with eyes on palms.

When to go

• Kannon statue displayed to the public on the 18th of each month.

Address

大阪府藤井寺市藤井寺1丁目16-21 Map

Official site

www.fujiidera-temple.or.jp

Read more about Fujii-dera Temple

This is Japan's oldest state-sponsored Buddhist temple, offering a spiritual refuge in Osaka.

What it is

• Oldest state-sponsored Buddhist temple in Japan.
• Founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku.
• Dedicated to the Four Celestial Kings.
• Spiritual refuge for the people of Osaka.

What to see

• Symmetrical Central Precinct with main buildings.
• Inner Gate with statues of Guardian Kings.
• Five-storied pagoda, 39 meters tall.
• Kondo (main hall) with Prince Shotoku statue.
• Kodo (lecture hall) with Amida Buddha statue.
• Stone torii outside West Gate, from 1294.

When to go

• April 22 for gagaku performances on stone stage.

Address

大阪府大阪市天王寺区四天王寺1丁目11-18 Map

Official site

www.shitennoji.or.jp

Read more about Shitennō-ji Temple

Ancient temple in a park, birthplace of lotteries, dedicated to Benzaiten.

What it is

• Ancient temple in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture.
• Founded by En no Ozuno in 650 or 658.
• Main deity is Benzaiten, one of Japan's four.
• Considered the birthplace of Tomikuji, the origin of lotteries.

What to see

• Temple grounds are within Minoh Park.
• Main hall rebuilt in 1656 by Emperor Go-Mizunoo.
• Kuri building rebuilt in 1699.
• Registered tangible cultural property.

When to go

• Minoh Tomi lottery held every October 10th.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from Hankyu Minoh Station.

Address

大阪府箕面市箕面公園2-23 Map

Official site

www.ryuanji.org

Read more about Ryūan-ji Temple

Konyoji Temple, founded in 1076, offers important Buddhist statues and historical artifacts.

What it is

• A standalone temple in Nose-cho, Osaka Prefecture.
• Founded in 1076 by Omi-no-kami Minamoto no Nakanobu.
• Rebuilt in 1574 by devotees after being burned down.
• Renamed Konyoji in 1606.

What to see

• Many Buddhist statues are housed here.
• A seated Dainichi Nyorai statue is a National Important Cultural Property.
• A standing Senju Kannon statue is an Osaka Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property.
• A seated Shaka Nyorai statue is an Osaka Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property.
• A bronze ganokuchi has an inscription from 1394.

Address

大阪府豊能郡能勢町野間西山167 Map

Read more about Kon'yō-ji Temple

Kannō-in Temple is a historic Buddhist site with important cultural properties and a beautiful garden.

What it is

• A Kōyasan Shingon-shu temple in Yao City, Osaka Prefecture.
• Formal name is Tenkawa-san Jingū-ji Kannō-in.
• The 12th temple of Kawachi Saigoku Reijo.
• Developed as the Jingū-ji of Onchi Shrine.

What to see

• Main hall and a Kannon-dō.
• Garden attributed to Sōaiseki.
• Eleven-faced Kannon statue, a national important cultural property.
• Fudō Myōō painting, a prefectural important artwork.
• Onchi Shrine is in the vicinity.

Getting there

• 25 minutes walk from Kintetsu Osaka Line Onchi Station.

Address

大阪府八尾市恩智中町5-14 Map

Read more about Kannō-in Temple

Nyo-gan-ji is an ancient temple rebuilt by Kukai, housing significant Buddhist statues.

What it is

• It is a Shingon-shu Omuro-ha temple.
• Founded by Shotoku Taishi during Emperor Yomei's reign.
• Kukai rebuilt it in 817, renaming it Nyo-gan-ji.

What to see

• The current main hall was rebuilt during the Kyoho era.
• Main hall enshrines a Sho Kannon Bosatsu statue.
• A Jizo Bosatsu statue, attributed to Ono no Takamura, is in the main hall.
• The Miroku-den enshrines a Miroku Bosatsu statue.
• A wooden colored standing Sho Kannon is a prefectural cultural property.
• A wooden standing Jizo Bosatsu is a city cultural property.

Address

大阪府大阪市平野区喜連6丁目1-38 Map

Read more about Nyogan-ji Temple

A unique urban temple in Osaka with ancient statues and magic mirrors, easily accessible.

What it is

• A temple in Dōjima Avanza, Kita-ku, Osaka.
• Said to be the origin of the Dōjima place name.
• Originally a hall built where a timber ship drifted ashore.

What to see

• A Yakushi Nyorai statue from the Muromachi period.
• Jizō Bosatsu and Kōbō Daishi statues.
• Distinctive Yakushidō with magic mirrors.

When to go

• Setsubun for exorcism and demon-expelling events.
• Twice a month for sutra chanting by Nara monks.

Getting there

• One minute walk from JR Kitashinchi Station.

Address

大阪府大阪市北区堂島1丁目6-20 Map

Official site

www.avanza.co.jp

Read more about Dōjima Yakushidō

This quiet alley offers traditional dining and a mossy statue, a retreat from Dotonbori's crowds.

What it is

• Quiet cobblestoned backstreet, Hozenji Yokocho.
• Home to stylish kappo restaurants.
• Named after Hozenji Temple, where prayer for 1000 days grants wishes.

What to see

• Muted red lanterns.
• Wooden storefronts.
• Moss-covered statue of Buddhist deity Fudo Myo-o.
• Large wooden signs with calligraphy at entrances.

Getting there

• Around the corner from Dotonbori district.
• Extends west from the northwest corner of Sennichimae district.
• Sennichimae district is south of the Dotonbori Canal.

Address

大阪府大阪市中央区難波1-2-16 Map

Official site

houzenji.jp

Read more about Hōzen-ji Temple