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Osu Kannon Temple: Nagoya's Spiritual Heart

Discover Nagoya's Osu Kannon Temple: A serene escape blending history, culture, and vibrant shopping in the heart of the city.

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Osu Kannon Temple, officially known as Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hōshō-in, is a prominent Buddhist temple in central Nagoya. Originally built in the Kamakura period, it was moved to its current location in 1612. It's a place of worship and tranquility amidst the bustling Osu shopping district.

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Local tips

  • Visit on the 18th or 28th of the month for the antique market.
  • Explore the Osu Shopping Arcade for unique finds and local cuisine.
  • Check the temple's calendar for festivals and events.
  • The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Mail Hall) 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Temple Office).
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Osu Kannon Temple is easily accessible via the Nagoya Municipal Subway. Take the Tsurumai Line to Osu Kannon Station. The temple is a short walk from the station exit. From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Subway Line to Fushimi Station, then transfer to the Tsurumai Line. The one-way trip from Nagoya Station takes about 10 minutes and costs 210 yen. Alternatively, you can walk 5-10 minutes from Kamimaezu Station on the Tsurumai and Meijo Subway Lines, via the shopping arcade. A single subway ride costs between 210 and 340 yen depending on the distance. A one-day subway pass is available for 760 yen.

  • Bus

    To reach Osu Kannon Temple by bus, take bus 18 from bus stop 4 at Nagoya Station to the Nishi-Osu stop. A single bus ride costs a flat rate of 210 yen. Alternatively, the Meguru sightseeing bus stops at Osu Kannon Temple. A single ride on the Meguru bus costs 210 yen for adults. A one-day pass for the Meguru bus costs 500 yen for adults.

  • Walking

    Osu Kannon Temple is within walking distance of Sakae, Nagoya's shopping and entertainment district. From Sakae, walk west along Hirokoji-dori Avenue for approximately 20 minutes. The temple is located just off Hirokoji-dori, near the Osu Shopping Arcade.

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Discover more about Osu-kannon Temple

Osu Kannon Temple, also known as Hōshō-in, is a significant Buddhist temple in Nagoya's Osu district. Founded in 1333 in Gifu Prefecture, it was relocated to Nagoya in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu to protect it from flooding. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, and houses a wooden statue of Kannon carved by Kobo Daishi. The current temple buildings are 20th-century reconstructions, as the original structures were destroyed during World War II. The bright red pillars and beams make it a photogenic landmark. The temple's library contains over 15,000 classic Japanese and Chinese texts, including national treasures like the oldest copy of the Kojiki, Japan's chronicle of early history. Osu Kannon is not only a religious site but also a cultural hub. A flea market is held on the temple grounds on the 18th and 28th of each month, offering antiques, souvenirs, and vintage items. The adjacent Osu Shopping Arcade provides a vibrant mix of shops and restaurants, sometimes compared to Tokyo's Akihabara. The temple stages various events throughout the year, including the Osu Street Performers Festival and traditional ceremonies.

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