Shitenno-ji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Japan. The original buildings were constructed over 1,400 years ago at the behest of Prince Shotoku. The temple is especially known for the arrangement of its buildings in a straight north-south line - an arrangement that has come to be known as 'Shitenno-ji-style temple layout'. The outstanding symmetrical balance of Shitenno-ji's architecture has been greatly admired over the centuries. The temple was destroyed several times in fires caused by lightning and war, but has always been rebuilt.
