Bansho-ji Temple
A grand temple in Nagoya's lively Osu Shopping Arcade, featuring a striking white dragon and historical Karakuri dolls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Dragon shows & arcade buzz
Bansho-ji Temple
Best Time
Dragon shows & arcade buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand temple in Nagoya's lively Osu Shopping Arcade, featuring a striking white dragon and historical Karakuri dolls.
"An interesting temple right in the middle of the Osu Shopping Streets."
🎯 Goshuin Collection
Collect unique Goshuin here! Traditional and colorful options available. Booth closes at 6 PM.
🐉 Dragon Show Times
Don't miss the giant white dragon's performance! Shows run 6 times daily. Check times upon arrival.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant White Dragon
Next to the entrance
An eye-catching, giant white dragon sculpture that performs a captivating dance show six times daily.
Karakuri Mechanical Dolls
Inside the temple
Witness two intricate mechanical dolls reenact the 'Kouwakamai' dance, a historical performance linked to Oda Nobunaga.
Osu Shopping Arcade
Surrounding the temple
Immerse yourself in a lively shopping street with diverse shops, eateries, and a unique blend of old and new.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Temple in a Bustling Arcade
Goshuin & Amulets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Goshuin Collection
Collect unique Goshuin here! Traditional and colorful options available. Booth closes at 6 PM.
🐉 Dragon Show Times
Don't miss the giant white dragon's performance! Shows run 6 times daily. Check times upon arrival.
🛍️ Arcade Exploration
Explore the surrounding Osu Shopping Arcade for local finds and snacks. Great for a post-temple wander.
🙏 Respectful Visit
While in a shopping area, remember it's a place of worship. Dress respectfully and be mindful of noise levels.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Goshuin Collection
Collect unique Goshuin here! Traditional and colorful options available. Booth closes at 6 PM.
🐉 Dragon Show Times
Don't miss the giant white dragon's performance! Shows run 6 times daily. Check times upon arrival.
🛍️ Arcade Exploration
Explore the surrounding Osu Shopping Arcade for local finds and snacks. Great for a post-temple wander.
🙏 Respectful Visit
While in a shopping area, remember it's a place of worship. Dress respectfully and be mindful of noise levels.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bansho-ji Temple is a unique spiritual site nestled within the vibrant Osu Shopping Arcade, offering a blend of historical significance and modern attractions like its iconic white dragon. Visitors appreciate the temple's grand appearance and the opportunity to collect Goshuin, though some have noted communication challenges with staff regarding purchases.
"It looks very grand and modern theater. It doesn't look like a historic temple.
Banshoji Temple was established for Oda's family by Oda Nobuhide (Oda Nobunaga's father) in 1540. It was relocated to Osu when Nagoya Castle was built in 1610.
There are 2 Karakuri mechanic dolls exhibited to perform "Kouwakamai" dance (Nobunaga danced before going to the battle of Okehazama) and express the scense Nobunaga throwing incenses at his father's funeral.
The gaint white dragon, Hakurayu, next to the entrance is very eye-catching. It will perform 6 times per day (11 am, 1 pm 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, and 8pm)."
Sze Mei NG
"I thought it’d be quite interesting to see a temple in the middle of a shopping area. The temple looks super grand. I definitely recommend stepping in to take a look. Collected my goshuin here!"
Queen PushyCat
"I visited the Bansho-ji temple on the last day of my trip. It is a unique temple located inside Osu Shopping arcade, near Don Quijote.
I bought an amulet to commemorate my visit, and I went inside to give thanks and pray to the Gods. By the way, the amulet and goshuin booth is open until 6:00pm. If you have spare time, why not visit the temple whilst you are in the shopping arcade premises."
夏美
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bansho-ji Temple is conveniently located within the Osu Shopping Arcade. The easiest way to reach it is by taking the Nagoya Subway Tsurumai Line or Meijo Line to Osu Kannon Station. From there, it's a short walk into the arcade, and the temple is easily visible.
Yes, Bansho-ji Temple is very accessible by public transport. Osu Kannon Station is a major hub, making it simple to reach from various parts of Nagoya.
The Osu Shopping Arcade is a large, covered street. Bansho-ji Temple is situated prominently within it, often near the Don Quijote entrance. Simply follow the flow of the arcade, and you'll likely spot its grand entrance.
While there might be parking garages in the vicinity of the Osu Shopping Arcade, public transportation is generally recommended due to the busy nature of the area.
Absolutely! Bansho-ji Temple is right in the heart of the Osu Shopping Arcade, making it easy to explore nearby shops, cafes, and other attractions within the arcade itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main grounds of Bansho-ji Temple is generally free. However, there might be separate charges for specific exhibits like the Karakuri dolls or for purchasing Goshuin and amulets.
The temple grounds are typically open daily, but the Goshuin and amulet booth usually operates until around 6:00 PM. The surrounding shopping arcade has its own hours, generally extending later into the evening.
The cost for a Goshuin at Bansho-ji Temple can vary, but typically ranges from ¥300 to ¥500. It's advisable to have cash on hand for these purchases.
Yes, the temple features performances by two Karakuri mechanical dolls reenacting historical dances. The giant white dragon sculpture also performs six times a day.
Yes, you can purchase amulets and Goshuin at the designated booth within the temple premises. These make for great mementos of your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can admire the grand architecture, witness the performances of the Karakuri dolls and the white dragon, collect Goshuin, and purchase amulets. The temple's unique location within a bustling shopping arcade also adds to the experience.
Yes, Bansho-ji Temple offers many photogenic spots, from the striking white dragon sculpture to the intricate details of the temple architecture and the lively atmosphere of the surrounding arcade.
The Karakuri dolls perform the 'Kouwakamai' dance, a historical dance that Oda Nobunaga himself is said to have performed before going into battle. They also depict scenes from his father's funeral.
While the temple itself offers a space for reflection, its location within a busy shopping arcade means it can be quite lively. For a more serene experience, try visiting during off-peak hours or focus on the inner temple areas.
The 'giant white dragon,' named Hakurayu, is a prominent sculpture near the temple entrance. It performs a dynamic dance show multiple times a day, drawing significant attention from visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Bansho-ji Temple itself does not typically have food vendors. However, it is located directly within the Osu Shopping Arcade, which is packed with diverse dining options, from local street food to restaurants.
Nagoya is famous for dishes like Hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice) and Miso Katsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce). You'll find many restaurants in the Osu Shopping Arcade serving these specialties.
The Osu Shopping Arcade offers a vast array of culinary choices. Explore the side streets and main thoroughfares for everything from ramen and udon to international cuisine and sweet treats.
While traditional Nagoya cuisine can be meat-heavy, the diverse nature of the Osu Shopping Arcade means you can likely find vegetarian or vegan-friendly options if you look for them, especially in more modern cafes or international eateries.
The arcade is lively throughout the day, but lunch and dinner times are particularly bustling. For a more relaxed dining experience, consider visiting slightly before or after the peak meal hours.
📸 📸 Photography
The giant white dragon sculpture is a must-capture subject. The temple's grand entrance, the Karakuri dolls (if accessible for photos), and the juxtaposition of the temple against the vibrant arcade backdrop are also excellent photo opportunities.
Generally, photography is allowed on the temple grounds, but it's always good practice to be respectful and avoid intrusive flash photography, especially during prayer times or performances. Check for any specific signage regarding photography restrictions.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both the grand scale of the dragon and the details of the temple. A wide-angle lens can be great for the arcade shots, and a prime lens with a wide aperture can help in lower light conditions within the temple.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around religious sites in Japan. It's highly unlikely you'll be able to fly a drone near Bansho-ji Temple. Always check local regulations before flying.
The dragon performances are scheduled throughout the day, so timing your visit to catch a show is ideal for dynamic photos. The ambient light within the arcade can be interesting at any time, but late afternoon might offer softer light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, consider timing your visit to coincide with the dragon's performance schedule. The arcade itself offers a lively environment, but it can get crowded, so keeping a close eye on little ones is advised. The availability of various snacks and treats within the arcade can also be a great motivator for younger visitors.
🛍️ Budget Travelers
The arcade itself is a treasure trove for affordable finds, from street food to unique souvenirs. You can easily spend hours exploring without spending a lot of money, making it a great way to experience Nagoya on a budget. Public transport to Osu Kannon Station is also relatively inexpensive.
⛩️ Culture & History Enthusiasts
The temple's relocation and integration into the modern Osu Shopping Arcade also present an interesting case study in urban development and the preservation of heritage. Visitors can delve into the temple's history through its architecture and the stories associated with its founding family. Collecting a Goshuin here also serves as a meaningful memento of this historical site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Bansho-ji Temple
The temple is particularly known for its connection to Oda Nobunaga's life. Visitors can witness two Karakuri mechanical dolls that perform the 'Kouwakamai' dance, a ritual Nobunaga is said to have performed before heading into battle. These dolls also depict scenes from his father's funeral, highlighting the temple's role in the family's spiritual life. The presence of these historical reenactments offers a tangible link to Japan's Sengoku period, making Bansho-ji a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts.
Beyond its historical ties, Bansho-ji is a vibrant spiritual center today. The striking giant white dragon sculpture, Hakurayu, is a modern addition that has become a major draw, with its performances captivating visitors. The temple also serves as a popular spot for collecting Goshuin (temple seals) and purchasing amulets, allowing visitors to take a piece of its spiritual essence home with them. The blend of ancient history, cultural performances, and contemporary spiritual practices makes Bansho-ji a truly unique destination.
Experiencing the Osu Shopping Arcade
Exploring the arcade is an adventure in itself. You'll encounter everything from quirky novelty shops to established retailers, creating a dynamic shopping experience. Many visitors enjoy simply wandering through, soaking in the atmosphere, and discovering hidden gems. The arcade is also a fantastic place to sample Nagoya's famous local dishes, such as Hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice) and Miso Katsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce).
The proximity of Bansho-ji Temple to the arcade means you can easily combine a spiritual visit with a shopping spree or a culinary exploration. It's a perfect example of how traditional Japanese sites can be integrated into modern urban life, offering visitors a multifaceted experience. Whether you're looking for souvenirs, a delicious meal, or just a lively atmosphere, the Osu Shopping Arcade has something for everyone.
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