Osu-Kannon is a beautiful and serene Buddhist temple in Nagoya, dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kannon. The temple is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the bustling Osu shopping district, making it a perfect spot to pause and reflect.
The architecture of the temple is striking, with its grand red and white structure standing out against the urban backdrop. Inside, you can see statues of Kannon and other deities, and visitors often come to offer prayers for compassion and protection. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, with the scent of incense and the sound of gongs enhancing the spiritual ambiance.
Osu Kannon is a must-visit destination in Nagoya, Japan, especially for those interested in history and culture. This historic Buddhist temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, Kannon, offers a serene and spiritual experience. The temple is home to a revered wooden statue of Kannon, which is believed to have been carved by the saint Kobo Daishi. The atmosphere here is peaceful, with the striking red and black architecture adding to the temple’s grandeur.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Osu Kannon is its library, which houses over 15,000 ancient texts, many of which are designated as National Treasures. Among these texts is the oldest handwritten edition of the Kojiki, a significant artifact in Japanese history. The sheer historical value of these collections is awe-inspiring, and it’s incredible to think of the knowledge preserved within these ancient texts.
During our visit, our kids were captivated by the number of pigeons that flock around the temple grounds. The birds add a lively element to the tranquil surroundings, and our kids enjoyed feeding them and watching them soar through the air.
Osu Kannon is not just a place of worship but also a gateway to understanding Japan’s rich cultural heritage. For families traveling with children, the temple offers a unique mix of history, culture, and nature that makes it a memorable stop in Nagoya. We highly recommend taking the time to explore this beautiful temple and immerse yourself in its peaceful atmosphere.
I was expected to meet the pigeons... However since I arrived at about 4-5pm, they are all full and resting on high place. No more birds come down to the floor.
Please be reminded to visit earlier if you want to see huge group of birds!
Beautiful Buddhist temple in Nagoya city. Loved the bold red colors throughout the temple.
Quite an interesting place. There were a lot of pigeons around the temple and I saw people feeding them for good luck.
The goshuin counter for Osu Kannon was located at the back of the temple and there was no queue to get a goshuin. So that’s a plus!
Not a very big temple but you get to pray and offer incense at the top of the stairs. And it feels very zen just by being inside the temple grounds.
Next to the temple there is a pretty long shopping street with lots of affordable souvenirs as well as local delicacies. Great place to spend an afternoon in.
The Osu Kannon temple is one of the main temples in Osu Shopping areas. It is located at one end of the osu shopping district.This temple is dedicated to the goddess of mercy (main) - For spiritual gudiance, relief from suffering and protection plus good health and the laughing Buddha (secondary) for wealth, prosperity and happiness & contentment.
Hence this is a Buddhist temple, not to be confused with many other shinto shrines around the osu neighbourhood.
One can buy lucky charms and other items from the counter in the temple.
The temple is nicely built and clean and brightly coloured.
