Eifuku-ji temple is where the grave site of prince Shotoku is located

Shotoku Taishi (prince Shotoku) was the person who introduced Buddhism to Japan first.
Literally he made the origin of Japanese Buddhism history.
Also as a great politician, he supported the reign of empress Suiko at the Asuka period.

According to a famous anecdote, he could understand talking from ten people at same time.
From this anecdote and other his achievements, he is a symbol of intelligence and gentleness to Japanese people today.

In Taishi town, Osaka, there is Eifuku-ji temple where Shotoku Taishi was buried after his death in 622.
The temple has majestic buildings, a tahoutou (two-storied pagoda) and the grave site of Shotoku Taishi.
In the grave site, Shotoku Taishi, his mother and wife have buried.

As a founder of Japanese Buddhism, Shotoku have been respected so much by people and Buddhist monks in later generations.
In addition, the founders of Japanese Buddhism sects or famous monks such as Kukai, Shinran, Nichiren, Ippen and others have visited the grave of Shotoku.

Once Eifuku-ji was burned down by Oda Nobunaga, the ruler in medieval time.
Later Toyotomi Hideyori, the son of following ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi, rebuilt the temple.
So most of buildings we can see there was build in 17th century.

Around the temple, there are also the grave sites of Ono no Imoko (the diplomat who was sent to China by Shotoku Taichi) or first three of Kawachi Genji clan (ancesters of Kamakura Shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo).
If you have a interest to Shotoku Taishi or the historical people, I recommend you to visit the area.