Osaka, the second-largest city in Japan, is known for its vibrant food culture and lively nightlife. However, despite its modern atmosphere, Osaka has a lot of historical landmarks to visit, particularly its 3,370 temples, the second-highest number in Japan. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore both the historical and cultural side of the city.
In this article, we will introduce five of them and provide essential tips to help you make the most of your experience.
Top 5 Most Famous Temples in Osaka
Shitennoji Temple
Shitennoji Temple, one of the first state-sponsored temples in Japan, was founded by Prince Shotoku in 593. With a rich history of over 1,400 years, it has experienced wars and natural disasters but we can still see the ancient architectural style.
Some of the architecture in Shitennoji Temple was designed as an important cultural property, and it also has a museum that holds over 500 national treasures and important cultural properties. It’s worth visiting if you are interested in history, culture and architecture.
Senko-ji Temple
Senko-ji Temple offers visitors a unique experience, a taste of heaven and hell. In the hell hall called Jigokudo, you can see the King of Enma, who judges people as good or bad and decides their fate in the afterlife. Of course, we don’t truly know what life in hell is like, but the temple depicts them through its paintings and statues of hell. It could be a fascinating way to better understand morality and the afterlife.
Isshin-ji Temple
Amida Nyorai, which is the principal focus of worship at Buddhist temples, is commonly seen at temples. Isshin-ji Temple also includes them, but they are very different from other temples. They have statues called Okotsu Botoke, which are made from a mixture of resin and ashes from deceased devotees. The first statue was built in 1887, and since then has been rebuilt every 10 years. However, they were lost during the bombing of Osaka in 1945, so now they only have 8 statues. The latest one was built in 2017, and it was formed from the ashes of 220,000 people. So, it’s no wonder that many people visit Isshin-ji Temple today.
Hozenji Temple
Hozenji Temple is a hidden spot in downtown Namba. Both locals and tourists visit there for its peaceful atmosphere. They have a famous stone statue covered in green moss, called The Mizukake Fudo. If you find the statue, you can choose to splash water on it. This is a traditional custom in Hozenji Temple, and it is said to bring you good luck. After that, explore the narrow alley, Hozenji Yokocho, where you can enjoy typical Osaka food such as Okonomiyaki and Kushikatsu.
Katsuo-ji Temple
Katsuo-ji Temple is famous for its “Kachi-Daruma”, and many people come to pray for success in their exams, recovery from illness, and achievement in sports and business. The symbol of Katsuo-ji Temple is the Daruma dolls, and there are 1,000 of them in different sizes everywhere around the temple. You’ll never get this kind of view anywhere else in Japan. Katsuo-ji Temple is also on a popular trekking course in the Minoh area. The course is rich in nature and well-maintained for hikers, especially during the fall season, many people visit there for the autumn foliage.
5 Ways to Enjoy Visiting Temples in Osaka
Explore the Artistry of Buddhist Statues
It is said that Buddhism was introduced to Japan over 1,400 years ago and has been developed with its rich history. In Osaka, Buddhist arts such as sculptures, paintings, and architecture, with their deep historical significance, can still be seen today. As mentioned before, the 5 temples in Osaka also have these treasures and you will be impressed by their intricate craftsmanship, cultural depth, and spiritual presence.
Feel a Seasonal Change
Most temples in Osaka live side by side with nature and place great importance on harmony. This is very Japanese, and the philosophy brings a deep awareness of the changing seasons, celebrating the beauty of each moment. In spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, while in summer, vibrant shades of green provide a refreshing coolness. In autumn, the temple grounds are adorned with brilliant fall foliage, and in winter, the snow-covered temple complex transforms into a magical, serene wonderland.
Refresh Your Mind Through Buddhist Practices
Some temples provide activities for visitors who are interested in the daily life of a Buddhist monk. In Shitennoji-Temple, meditation sessions are held twice a month for free. Isshin-ji Temple provides sutra-copying sessions. Both experiences can calm your mind and take time to reconnect with yourself, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Get Omamori
Omamori are traditional Japanese amulets, commonly sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, and the pattern of Omamori is different depending on where you acquire them. Each Omamori is crafted for specific purposes such as happiness, traffic safety, love, health, success and more. You can get them for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Collect Goshuin
Goshuin are red ink stamps. When you visit temples and shrines, a monk stamps your book with red ink and writes the name and deity enshrined there in calligraphy. No two are the same with handwriting that varies each time. You can collect them in a stamp book called “Goshuincho”, which is sold at temples and shrines. Each temple and shrine has a different design like Omamori. During special ceremonies or events, sometimes they offer limited-edition Goshuin.
Guide to Visiting Temples in Osaka
Manners for Worship
First, they prepare their body and mind through “Chozu”. Temples and shrines have Chozuya, which is a place to wash your hands and rinse your mouth. This is good manners before entering a sacred place. Here are the steps to follow:
- Take the wood ladle in your right hand and pour water onto your left hand
- Change the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand
- Change the ladle into your right hand again and rinse your mouth with your left hand
- Wash the ladle of the dipper
After purifying yourself in this way, now visit the deity to offer a prayer. First, you are supposed to toss a coin into the wishing well. There is no set amount for the offering. Next, moving in the traditional way, perform “Two bows, two claps, and a bow” in front of the worship hall. Bow twice, clap your hands twice, and then put your hands together and pray and bow again before you leave. It is not difficult. However, at temples, be sure not to clap your hands.
Tips for Visiting Temples
Many temples don’t allow people to take photos or record videos inside the main hall to respect the prayers. These kinds of rules are typically displayed on signs, so be sure to check and follow them. Even in the area where photography is allowed, be mindful not to disturb other visitors and it is better to avoid using flash.
When visiting temples, it’s also important to dress appropriately. Dressing respectfully not only shows consideration for the temple but also enhances the spiritual experience of your visit. Additionally, some temples require visitors to remove their shoes, so choose footwear that is easy to take off and put on.
Summary
Visitors can experience Japan’s traditional culture and history in temples in Osaka. Each of the five recommended temples has its own unique charm and highlights, from ancient architectural styles to spiritual practices such as sutra-copying or Zen meditation. These serene spaces offer a chance to calm your mind and deeply connect with Japanese culture.
