As one of the oldest, Buddhist temples in Japan, Shitenno-Ji has occupied an important place in the history of Osaka and Japan for almost 1500 years.  Once you pass through the gate of the temple grounds, your eyes are immediately drawn to the beautiful five tier pagoda that dominates the courtyard.  It is striking!   And the pebble covered courtyard is raked to perfection in perfectly straight rows.

The pagoda is famous for it's symmetrical design and is capped with a tall gold finial that protrudes roughly 8 feet  from the top.  Each floor of the pagoda contains several glass cupboards with hundreds of small golden colored charms bearing names of people who  made offerings to the temple.    It was originally built to house the Buddha's relics, but they have now disappeared. This pagoda is considered to be the symbol of Shitennoji.  (The Shitenno are the four heavenly kings of "Buddhism.)  It has been destroyed by fire several times and has been rebuilt each time. 

Something that is very rare:  This pagoda is open to the public and it's possible to climb (spiral staircase) all five floors, as long you put on the supplied slippers.  At the top there's a breathtaking view of the whole temple complex.