Shitennoji Temple 4-E Shitennoji was the first Buddhist monastery built in Japan. It was built by Shotokutaishi sometime before 1400. It is architecturally famous for the balanced symmetrical layout. It is said that its vibrant appearance overwhelmed ambassadors from abroad. In the treasure house, some 500 works are kept among which are several Important Cultural Properties that were found.
Exhibits are open to the general public.
The temple in the courtyard enshrines statues of the kannon of salvation and the four deities from whom the sanctuary takes its name. On every 21st, street stalls and vendors set up shop under the eaves of the temple wall, which draws many people. Long ago, the town of Sumiyoshi sat on the coast and was where many set sail for overseas destinations. This is why seafarers revered Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine as the deity of navigation and prayed there for safe passage. Shrines with similar names are found throughout Japan, but this one is the head.