Shitennoji Temple Introduction: Shitennoji Temple is the earliest Buddhist temple in Japan and one of the most believed by Japanese people. The temple was built in 593. The main deity is dedicated to the salvation Guanyin Bodhisattva. According to legend, it was built by Prince Shotoku. However, the existing buildings are no longer built in ancient times. Most of the temples, including the golden hall and the five-story pagoda, were rebuilt after the war.