Osu Kannon Temple

Osu Kannon (大須観音) is a Buddhist temple located in Naka Ward, Nagoya, Japan. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Belonging to the Shingon sect of Buddhism, the temple was originally founded in 1324 in what is now Hashima City, Gifu Prefecture, but was relocated to its current site in 1612 under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The current main hall of the temple was rebuilt in 1970 after being destroyed in World War II. It houses a large bronze statue of Kannon, the temple’s principal image, standing over 18 meters tall and weighing over 30 tons. The statue itself is not open to the public, but visitors can admire its grandeur from the outside.

The temple grounds are also home to a pagoda, the Osu Library, which holds a vast collection of valuable historical documents, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, and a museum. The temple is also surrounded by the bustling Osu Kannon Shopping Arcade, which features over 400 shops selling a wide variety of goods, from traditional Japanese souvenirs to modern fashion and electronics.

The temple is open to visitors year-round with free admission. It is particularly popular during the New Year holiday season when thousands of people visit to offer prayers and seek blessings for the new year. Additionally, the temple hosts lively festivals on the 18th and 28th of each month, attracting crowds to the temple grounds and the surrounding Osu shopping district.

Getting there

By Subway

From Nagoya Station:

1. Take the Higashiyama Line to Fushimi Station (3 minutes)
2. Transfer to the Tsurumai Line and go to Osu Kannon Station (2 minutes)
3. Take exit 2 and walk a short distance to the temple

Alternatively:

• Get off at Kamimaezu Station on the Tsurumai or Meijo lines
• 5-10 minute walk to the temple via the shopping arcade

By Bus

• Take the Nagoya City Bus (Meieki 13 line) from Nagoya Station Bus Terminal Bay 11
• Get off at the Osu Kannon stop

By Foot

• 15-20 minute walk east from Nagoya Station

Details

Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission	Free
Phone	+81 52-231-6525
Address	2 Chome-21-47 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011
Official Website	https://www.osu-kannon.jp/