Osu Kannon is a Buddhist temple in Nagoya's Naka Ward, dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy and compassion. Its main hall is red, with a large lantern, and inside you can see statues of Kannon and other deities. The temple sits at the end of the Osu shopping arcades, so a visit pairs well with a walk through the shops. It is one of Japan's three major Kannon temples, and it is a good stop for a calm look at a temple in the middle of the city.
History of the temple
The temple was founded in 1333 in Ōsu, a village in Owari that is now Hashima in Gifu Prefecture. In 1612, Tokugawa Ieyasu had it moved to its present site, because he chose the original ground for Nagoya Castle.
The 1945 Nagoya air raids destroyed the temple buildings. The buildings you see today are postwar reconstructions, not the original structures from the 1300s.
Inside the temple grounds
The main hall is the centre of the site. Its red structure and large lantern are the first things most visitors notice, and statues of Kannon and other deities are kept inside. A statue of Hotei, one of Nagoya's seven gods of good fortune, is also housed here.
Steps lead up to the main building, and banners hang around the entrance. Cherry trees stand on either side of the hall. Pigeons gather in the open area, and for 50 yen you can buy bird feed to give them.
The library and its texts
Under the main hall is the Shinpukuji Library, which holds more than 15,000 classic Japanese and Chinese texts. The collection includes old manuscripts such as the Kojiki, the oldest historical writing in Japan.
The temple's official name is Kitanosan Shinpukuji Hoshoin. It is the branch headquarters of the Chisan school of the Shingon sect.
The Osu shopping arcades and the flea market
The Osu shopping arcades run beside the temple. Many of the streets are covered, and the shops sell discount electronics, second-hand kimono, clothes, and cheap souvenirs.
A flea market is held at the temple on the 18th and 28th of each month. Antique stalls are part of the market, and it has a large selection of old books.
Near the arcades, food stalls sell takoyaki, and a shop called Gin no An is known for taiyaki.
Getting there
Osu Kannon Station is on the subway, and the temple is a short walk from it. Fushimi Station is also close by, along Fushimi-dori. From Sakae Station, the temple is two stops away.
The temple's entrance and its parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee for Osu Kannon?
The temple grounds are free to enter. Incense, charms and other items can be bought at the temple.
How long do you need at Osu Kannon?
A visit to the temple itself usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Plan more time for the shopping arcades next door.
Is Osu Kannon wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance and the parking lot are both wheelchair accessible.
When is the flea market at Osu Kannon?
The flea market is held on the 18th and 28th of each month.
How do I get to Osu Kannon by subway?
Take the subway to Osu Kannon Station, a short walk from the temple. From Sakae Station, the temple is two stops away.
