Shitennoji Temple — Japan's First Buddhist Temple (593 CE)

Shitennoji (四天王寺) was founded in 593 CE by Prince Shotoku, making it one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples and the first built by the state. The temple complex follows the original Asuka-period layout with a five-story pagoda, main hall (kondo), lecture hall, and inner gate aligned on a north-south axis — this arrangement became the prototype for Japanese temple design.

The current buildings are 20th-century reconstructions (originals destroyed by war and fire multiple times), but the layout preserves 1,400-year-old design principles. The 21st of each month hosts a flea market (四天王寺骨董市) with 300+ vendors selling antiques, kimono, ceramics, and crafts.