Japan Guide
Kansai
Shitennō-ji
One of the first Buddhist temples in Japan, the temple has retained its classical layout but contains none of the buildings originally erected in 593 AD; the oldest feature of this windswept, concrete complex, with turtle ponds and a five-storey pagoda at its centre, is the late thirteenth-century torii at the main entrance gate. The treasure house (Tues– Sun: April– Sept 8.30am–4.30pm; Jan– March & Oct– Dec 8.30am–4pm; ¥300; 
06/6771-0066, 
www.shitennoji.or.jp ), in the modern white building behind the central courtyard, contains gorgeous orange costumes and enormous mandalas, carved with fantastic birds and dragons, which are used for the ceremonial bugaku dances held at the temple on April 22, August 8 and October 22. The main entrance to the temple is five minutes' walk south of Shitennō-ji-mae subway station and fifteen minutes north of the Tennōji overground station.