Osu Kannon Nagoya
A historic Buddhist temple and a gateway to Nagoya's vibrant Osu Shopping Street, offering spiritual calm and endless retail therapy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Osu Kannon Nagoya
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Buddhist temple and a gateway to Nagoya's vibrant Osu Shopping Street, offering spiritual calm and endless retail therapy.
"A serene and spiritual temple nestled right next to the vibrant Osu Shopping District."
🎯 Arrive Early or Late
Beat the crowds by visiting early morning or late afternoon.
🛍️ Explore Side Streets
Discover hidden gems and unique shops by venturing off the main arcade.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Osu Kannon Temple
Main Hall
A historic Buddhist temple with a striking red main hall and a peaceful atmosphere, offering a spiritual respite.
Osu Shopping Street
Surrounding the temple
A bustling arcade with over 1,200 shops offering everything from electronics and fashion to street food and souvenirs.
Omikuji (Fortune Slips)
Temple grounds
Draw a fortune slip for guidance and blessings, a popular ritual for visitors seeking good luck.
Omamori (Amulets)
Temple gift shop
Purchase protective amulets for good luck, prosperity, and safe journeys.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bustle
Temple Meets Market
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early or Late
Beat the crowds by visiting early morning or late afternoon.
🛍️ Explore Side Streets
Discover hidden gems and unique shops by venturing off the main arcade.
🙏 Pray and Draw Fortune
Participate in temple rituals like drawing omikuji for good luck.
🍜 Sample Street Food
Indulge in local delicacies like taiyaki and takoyaki from nearby vendors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early or Late
Beat the crowds by visiting early morning or late afternoon.
🛍️ Explore Side Streets
Discover hidden gems and unique shops by venturing off the main arcade.
🙏 Pray and Draw Fortune
Participate in temple rituals like drawing omikuji for good luck.
🍜 Sample Street Food
Indulge in local delicacies like taiyaki and takoyaki from nearby vendors.
✨ Buy an Omamori
Take home a protective amulet for good fortune and prosperity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Osu Kannon is a beloved spiritual and commercial hub in Nagoya. Visitors praise its serene temple atmosphere, the vibrant energy of the surrounding shopping street, and the delicious street food. Some note that it can get very crowded, and the presence of pigeons might be a minor concern for some, but overall it's considered a must-visit for its unique blend of culture and commerce.
"Osu Kannon (Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hoshoin) @ Nagoya ⛩️📿🇯🇵
🗓️ Visited: 17 April, around noon
🚶♂️ Just a short walk from Osu Park and Osu Shopping Street
A serene and spiritual temple nestled right next to the vibrant Osu Shopping District.
As always, we stopped to pray for good fortune, wealth, and a safe journey. 🙏 The atmosphere was calm and welcoming, a peaceful contrast to the busy arcades nearby.
We drew an omikuji (fortune slip) and received a chū-jō-kichi—a moderately good blessing from Kannon-sama, reassuring us that our trip would go smoothly. It gave us a comforting sense of clarity and peace.
To carry the blessings with us, we also bought a protective omamori (amulet) for good luck and prosperity. 🍀✨
🧘♀️ Highly recommended for a moment of reflection and spiritual grounding—especially if you’re already exploring the Osu area."
Quing_刘妈妈
"Osu Kannon Shrine is a peaceful gem nestled in the heart of Nagoya’s vibrant Osu shopping district. With its striking red architecture and massive paper lantern, the shrine instantly invites curiosity and calm. Despite being surrounded by bustling shops and modern life, the moment you step onto its grounds, there’s a shift — a quiet, almost sacred stillness. Locals come to pray, offer coins, and draw omikuji (fortunes), while visitors often find themselves lingering longer than planned, soaking in the serene atmosphere. Pigeons flutter around the stone steps, and the scent of incense drifts through the air. Osu Kannon isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to pause, reflect, and feel connected to Nagoya’s spiritual roots."
CVM T
"The place is nice, but it was really crowded. There were many pigeons, and while the nature was beautiful, there was quite a bit of droppings that made it a bit dirty. But it's okay — overall, it's still a great place."
Fireflies 94
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Osu Kannon is easily accessible via public transport. Take the subway to Osu Kannon Station (Meijo Line) or Kamimaezu Station (Meijo/Tsurumai Lines). It's also a short walk from Sakae district.
Yes, Osu Kannon is conveniently located near the Osu Shopping District and is a short subway ride from other popular spots like Nagoya Castle and Oasis 21.
Walking is the best way to explore Osu Kannon and its surrounding shopping streets. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
While there are parking lots in the Osu area, public transportation is generally recommended due to potential congestion and cost.
Yes, from the airport, take the Meitetsu Nagoya Line to Kanayama Station, then transfer to the Meijo Subway Line to Osu Kannon Station. The journey takes about 40-50 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Osu Kannon Temple itself is free. You can explore the temple grounds and main hall without purchasing a ticket.
The temple grounds are generally open from early morning until evening. Specific hours for the main hall or library may vary, but it's typically accessible during daylight hours.
No tickets are required to enter or browse the Osu Shopping Street. It's a public area with numerous shops and eateries.
Yes, you can purchase omamori (amulets) and other religious items at the temple's gift shop. The surrounding shopping street also offers a vast array of souvenirs.
Osu Kannon hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Osu Matsuri. Check local listings for dates and details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can pray, draw omikuji (fortune slips), buy omamori (amulets), admire the temple architecture, and explore the adjacent Osu Shopping Street for shopping and dining.
Yes, Osu Kannon and the surrounding shopping street can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during holidays. Visiting early or late can help.
Osu Kannon is one of Japan's three major Kannon temples, founded in 1333. It's known as a 'God of Study' and is visited by students praying for academic success.
Yes, there are often many pigeons around the temple grounds. While some find them charming, be aware of potential droppings.
The street features a wide variety of shops, including electronics, fashion, anime goods, traditional crafts, and street food vendors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Osu Shopping Street is famous for its street food, including taiyaki, takoyaki, and various snacks. There are also many restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
While many street food options are meat-based, you can find some vegetarian-friendly snacks like taiyaki (check ingredients) and explore restaurants that may offer plant-based dishes.
You can find various cafes and shops in the Osu area that offer matcha-flavored treats and drinks.
Many small eateries and popular spots like 'Gin no An' for taiyaki and nearby takoyaki stalls are highly recommended by visitors.
Yes, Osu Shopping Street has a diverse range of dining options, including some international restaurants, with mentions of Brazilian food being available.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the striking red main hall, the grand gate with its large lantern, and the contrast between the temple and the bustling shopping street.
Photography is generally allowed in the outdoor areas of the temple. Be respectful and check for any specific signage regarding photography inside the main hall or sacred areas.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can offer beautiful lighting. However, the vibrant atmosphere of the shopping street is also great for capturing lively street photography.
Look for the colorful shops, unique street art, and the diverse range of people and cosplayers that frequent the area, especially during events.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is good for both temple architecture and street scenes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the temple and the arcade.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🛍️ Shoppers and Foodies
🧘 Spiritual Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Osu Kannon Temple Experience
Beyond its spiritual significance, the temple grounds offer opportunities for reflection. Drawing an omikuji (fortune slip) is a popular activity, with many hoping for good blessings and clarity for their journeys. Purchasing an omamori (amulet) is also a common practice for those wishing to carry good luck and protection with them. The presence of numerous pigeons is a notable feature, adding to the temple's unique ambiance, though visitors should be mindful of the droppings.
Exploring the Osu Shopping Street
The Osu Shopping Street is also a culinary adventure. It's renowned for its delicious street food, with popular items like taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste) and takoyaki (octopus balls) being must-tries. Numerous small eateries and cafes cater to all tastes, offering local specialties and international flavors. Exploring the side streets can lead to even more hidden culinary gems and quirky shops, making it an ideal place to spend an afternoon or evening. During special events like the World Cosplay Summit, the area transforms into a lively spectacle of pop culture.
Osu Kannon's Historical Roots
The temple's library is said to house important classical works, further underscoring its scholarly and historical importance. The blend of ancient spiritual practices with the modern commercial energy of the shopping street creates a unique cultural tapestry that draws visitors seeking both historical insight and contemporary experiences. It’s a place where centuries of devotion meet the dynamism of modern Japanese urban life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit