Shitenno-ji, founded in 593 CE by Prince Shotoku, is Japan's oldest officially administered temple and predates even the famous Horyuji Temple, making it a cornerstone of Japanese Buddhism's introduction from Korea.

Despite being destroyed by war and natural disasters multiple times throughout history, Shitenno-ji has been faithfully rebuilt in its original 6th-century style each time, with the most recent reconstruction following World War II bombing in 1945.

The temple's layout follows the ancient Shitenno-ji-shiki style, with a straight line arrangement of the gate, pagoda, main hall, and lecture hall, serving as a model for many early Japanese Buddhist temples.

The temple holds a flea market called Daishi-ichi on the 21st of each month. This tradition, dating back to the Edo period, offers visitors a variety of items, from antiques to street food.