Buddhist temple
Saihōin
西方院（さいほういん）
Taishi, Minamikawachi District, Osaka Prefecture
南向山 Saihōin in Taishi, Osaka Prefecture, is a temple with the mausoleum of three nuns who served Prince Shōtoku. In its main hall the principal image, a standing Amida Nyorai said to have been made by the Prince, is enshrined.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: standing Amida Nyorai (said to be by Prince Shōtoku)
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, after Prince Shōtoku died in Suiko 30 (622), three women said to be the daughters of Soga no Umako, Ono no Imoko and Mononobe no Moriya became nuns, built a hall in front of the Prince's mausoleum and placed there the Prince's hair and an Amida Nyorai statue; this is regarded as the temple's beginning. The present main hall was rebuilt in Kan'ei 16 (1639).
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 西方院「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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