Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Osu Kannon is a Shingon Buddhist temple located in Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. Its official name is Kitanosan Shinpukuji Osu Kannon. The principal image of worship is Nyoirin Kannon Bodhisattva. It was originally built in the Kamakura period and is said to have been moved to its current location in the early Edo period. Although it was destroyed by fire in an air raid during World War II, it was later rebuilt and is now a popular center of religious faith in the area, as well as a lively tourist area integrated with the unique Osu Shopping Street.
The charm of this temple lies in its calm atmosphere, typical of an ancient temple, and the unique scenery of the mix of casual restaurants, second-hand clothing stores, and electronics-style shops around the approach to the temple. It is a spot visited by a wide range of people, from young to old, who can enjoy visiting the temple and strolling around the town at the same time.
Highlights
- Main Hall (Osu Kannon): The main hall enshrines Nyoirin Kannon as its principal image. You can worship here and receive amulets.
- The temple grounds: Temple scenery including the main gate, approach, and stone lanterns. There are also many photo spots (please be aware of photography etiquette within the temple grounds).
- Osu Shopping Arcade: An arcade street that stretches around the temple. It has a wide variety of shops, including restaurants, second-hand clothing stores, camera and electronic parts stores, and subculture stores.
- Festival (Juhachika Mairi): A festival held mainly on the 18th of each month, where street stalls and flea markets are often set up, allowing you to experience the excitement of the local area.
- Food: This is an area where you can enjoy eating as you stroll around, including Kishimen noodles, kushikatsu, taiyaki, and Taiwanese sweets.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Subway: About 1-3 minutes walk from Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Line (right outside the exit).
- Subway: About 5-10 minutes on foot from Kamimaezu Station (connects to the Meijo Line and Tsurumai Line). Convenient access from Sakae.
- From Nagoya Station: Approximately 10-20 minutes by subway or city bus (travel time may vary depending on transfers).
- By car: There are coin parking lots in the area, but they tend to be crowded or full on weekends, holidays, festivals, and New Year's visits, so we recommend using public transportation.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Temple visit only: 15 to 30 minutes
- Visit to the shrine + strolling and eating around Osu Shopping Street: 1-2 hours
- If you want to spend some time shopping and visiting cafes: 2 to 4 hours
Nearby spots
- Osu Shopping Street: A main street where restaurants, second-hand clothing stores, subculture shops and more are gathered.
- Yabacho/Sakae area: Shopping, department stores, and Nagoya cuisine spots (a few minutes to 10 minutes on foot or by subway).
- Nagoya City Science Museum/Nadia Park: A popular facility for families (just a few subway stops away).
- Nagoya Castle: A popular tourist spot with easy subway access.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The temple is extremely crowded on weekends, national holidays, the festival day on the 18th of each month, and New Year's Day. Please be considerate of those around you when stopping to take photos or eat or drink.
- Temple etiquette: Be careful when handling incense and offerings. Photography may be prohibited inside the main hall, so please check the posted notices. When worshiping, please be quiet and observe proper etiquette when offering money and praying.
- Managing valuables: On busy days, the risk of pickpocketing and leaving valuables behind increases, so please keep your valuables on you and keep them safe.
- Footwear and Accessibility: As there are stone pavements and stairs, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. There are steps within the temple grounds and in some stores, and some areas may be difficult to access with wheelchairs or strollers.
- Seasonal notes: It gets very hot in the summer, so be sure to bring plenty of water and heat protection, and in the winter, be sure to pack warm clothes. When it rains, you can find some shelter in the arcade, but it may get crowded.
Osu Kannon is a unique area where the tranquility of a historic temple coexists with the bustle of the surrounding shopping district. You can enjoy visiting the temple and walking around the town in a short amount of time, so be sure to stop by when you're sightseeing in Nagoya.
