Osu Kannon: The Heart of Nagoya's Cultural Heritage

• Helloこんにちは
  [kon-ni-chi-wa]
• Goodbyeさようなら
  [sa-yo-u-na-ra]
• Yesはい
  [ha-i]
• Noいいえ
  [i-i-e]
• Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [do-u-zo]
• Thank youありがとう
  [a-ri-ga-to-u]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [su-mi-ma-se-n]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [o-ge-n-ki-de-su-ka]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [ge-n-ki-de-su. a-na-ta-wa?]
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [e-i-go-wo-ha-na-se-ma-su-ka]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [wa-ka-ri-ma-se-n]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください
  [me-ni-u-wa-mi-se-te-ku-da-sa-i]
• I don't eat meat肉は食べません
  [ni-ku-wa-ta-be-ma-se-n]
• Cheers!乾杯!
  [ka-m-pa-i]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [o-ka-i-ke-i-wo-o-ne-ga-i-shi-ma-su]

• Help!助けて!
  [ta-su-ke-te]
• Go away!去って!
  [sa-t-te]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んで!
  [ke-i-sa-tsu-o-yo-n-de]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んで!
  [i-sha-o-yo-n-de]
• I'm lost道に迷いました
  [mi-chi-ni-ma-ya-wa-i-ma-shi-ta]
• I'm ill具合が悪いです
  [gu-a-i-ga-wa-ru-i-de-su]

• I'd like to buy......を買いたいです
  [...wo-ka-i-ta-i-de-su]
• I'm just looking見てるだけです
  [mi-te-ru-da-ke-de-su]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [i-ku-ra-de-su-ka]
• That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます
  [so-re-wa-ta-ka-su-gi-ma-su]
• Can you lower the price?値段を下げてもらえますか？
  [ne-da-n-wo-sa-ge-te-mo-ra-e-ma-su-ka]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [i-ma-na-n-ji-de-su-ka]
• It's one o'clock一時です
  [i-chi-ji-de-su]
• Half past (10)十時半です
  [ju-u-ji-ha-n-de-su]
• Morning朝
  [a-sa]
• Afternoon午後
  [go-go]
• Evening夕方
  [yu-u-ga-ta]
• Yesterday昨日
  [ki-n-o-u]
• Today今日
  [kyo-u]
• Tomorrow明日
  [a-shi-ta]
• 1一
  [i-chi]
• 2二
  [ni]
• 3三
  [sa-n]
• 4四
  [shi]
• 5五
  [go]
• 6六
  [ro-ku]
• 7七
  [na-na]
• 8八
  [ha-chi]
• 9九
  [ku]
• 10十
  [ju-u]

• Where's a/the...?...はどこですか？
  [...wa-do-ko-de-su-ka]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [ju-u-sho-wa-na-ni-de-su-ka]
• Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せてもらえますか？
  [chi-zu-de-mi-se-te-mo-ra-e-ma-su-ka]
• When's the next (bus)?次の(バス)はいつですか？
  [tsu-gi-no-(ba-su)-wa-i-tsu-de-su-ka]
• A ticket (to ....)(....)へのチケット
  [(...)-he-no-chi-ke-t-to]

The history of Osu Kannon dates back to 1333 when the Osu Kannon Temple was established. Originally built in the city of Kōfu, it was moved to its current location in Nagoya in 1612. The temple enshrines the Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, and has since become a spiritual center for the local community and a symbol of Nagoya's rich religious heritage.

During the Edo Period (1603-1868), Osu Kannon became a thriving pilgrimage site. It attracted visitors from all over Japan, drawn by the temple's reputation for miraculous healings. The area around the temple developed into a bustling marketplace, with vendors selling traditional crafts and religious souvenirs, contributing to the local economy and culture.

The Osu Kannon Temple suffered significant damage during World War II, particularly during the air raids on Nagoya in 1945. The temple was rebuilt in 1950, and this reconstruction marked a revitalization of the area. Despite the destruction, community efforts to restore the temple and its surroundings played a vital role in preserving local culture and history.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Osu Kannon transformed into a lively cultural district. The area became known for its eclectic mix of shops, theaters, and museums, reflecting Nagoya's vibrant urban culture. Events such as the Osu Kannon Temple's annual festivals continue to draw crowds, showcasing local traditions, food, and art.

Today, Osu Kannon is not only a spiritual site but also a hub for shopping and entertainment. The Osu Shopping District, located nearby, features a mix of traditional and modern stores, attracting both locals and tourists. The juxtaposition of historical architecture and contemporary commercialism illustrates Nagoya's dynamic evolution while honoring its past.

Osu Kannon is conveniently located in Nagoya and can be accessed from various neighborhoods. From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Line (light blue) toward Fujigaoka and get off at Osu Kannon Station. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes. Alternatively, if you're near Sakae, you can take the Meitetsu Seto Line from Sakae Station directly to Osu Kannon Station. Buses also connect Osu Kannon with other parts of the city, making it accessible from places like Kanayama and Fushimi.

Osu Kannon is a compact area that is best explored on foot. The neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, with many shops, temples, and eateries within walking distance. For those who prefer cycling, bike rentals are available nearby, allowing you to explore the area at your own pace. Public transport options include buses and the subway, with Osu Kannon Station being the main hub. Taxis are also available, but they can be more expensive.

Osu Kannon is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas, especially during festivals or events. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to avoid poorly lit streets at night and keep personal belongings secure.

In case of emergencies, dial 110 for police and 119 for fire or medical services in Japan. There are several hospitals and clinics around Osu Kannon for urgent medical care. It is also recommended to have travel insurance for additional peace of mind. For minor health issues, pharmacies are readily available throughout the neighborhood.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, such as removing shoes when entering a temple. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers and keep noise to a minimum. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do use a slight bow when greeting locals; a handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food and offer thanks to vendors. Don't waste food or leave a mess.

To experience Osu Kannon like a local, visit the Osu Shopping District, where you can find everything from vintage clothing to unique souvenirs. Engage with shop owners, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about their products. Don't miss the Osu Kannon Temple, especially during festivals when the area comes alive with stalls and performances. For a local dining experience, seek out small izakayas (Japanese pubs) in the backstreets, where you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine.