Background

Osu Kannon Temple: Nagoya's Spiritual Heart

Discover Nagoya's Osu Kannon Temple: A historic Buddhist sanctuary and cultural hub in the heart of the city, adjacent to the vibrant Osu Shopping Arcade.

4.2

Osu Kannon Temple, formally known as Kitano-san Shinpuku-ji Hōshō-in, is a prominent Buddhist temple in Nagoya, Japan, dating back to the Kamakura period. Dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, it houses a revered wooden statue carved by Kobo Daishi. The temple also features the Shinpukuji Library, containing over 15,000 ancient texts, including national treasures.

A brief summary to Osu-kannon Temple

  • Monday 6 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-7 pm
  • Friday 6 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on the 18th or 28th of the month to experience the lively flea market held on the temple grounds.
  • Explore the Osu Shopping Arcade next to the temple for a wide array of shops, restaurants, and unique finds.
  • Check the temple's event calendar for festivals and performances throughout the year.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the intricate wood carvings and the large red paper lantern in the main hall.
  • Visit the Shinpukuji Library beneath the main hall to see ancient Japanese and Chinese texts, including national treasures.
widget icon

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 approximately 10-12 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.

  • Walking

    From the Osu Shopping Arcade, Osu Kannon Temple is easily accessible by foot. Simply follow the signs or the flow of people towards the large red lantern that marks the entrance to the temple. The walk is short and offers a glimpse into the vibrant atmosphere of the shopping district.

  • Bus

    The Nagoya City Bus provides access to Osu Kannon Temple. Check local bus routes for the nearest stop to the temple. A single bus ride costs a flat rate of 210 yen. The Meguru sightseeing bus also stops at Osu Kannon Temple and costs 210 yen per ride or 500 yen for a day pass.

Unlock the Best of Osu-kannon Temple

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Osu-kannon Temple

Osu Kannon Temple, officially Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hōshō-in, stands as a significant Buddhist temple in the heart of Nagoya. Originally constructed in the early 14th century in what is now Gifu Prefecture, the temple was relocated to its current site in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu to protect it from repeated flooding. This Shingon Buddhist temple is dedicated to Kannon (Avalokiteśvara), the Buddha of Compassion, and houses a wooden statue of Kannon said to have been carved by the revered monk Kobo Daishi. Over the centuries, Osu Kannon has faced numerous challenges, including fires and wartime destruction, but it has been consistently rebuilt, with the current structure dating back to 1970. The temple's main hall features a large red paper lantern, and pilgrims often attach wishes to the lantern's wires, hoping for Kannon's blessings. Beneath the main hall lies the Shinpukuji Library, which holds over 15,000 classic Japanese and Chinese texts, including several designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, such as the oldest known copy of the Kojiki, a chronicle of Japan's early history and mythology. Osu Kannon is not only a place of worship but also a vibrant cultural hub. A flea market is held on the temple grounds on the 18th and 28th of each month, offering a variety of antiques, souvenirs, and local goods. The temple is located adjacent to the Osu Shopping Arcade, a network of covered streets with over 400 shops and restaurants, sometimes compared to Tokyo's Akihabara due to its numerous electronics, anime, and cosplay shops. Throughout the year, Osu Kannon hosts various festivals and events, including Setsubun in February and the Osu Street Performers Festival in October.

Popular Experiences near Osu-kannon Temple

Popular Hotels near Osu-kannon Temple

Select Currency