Enshrining a wooden statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Osu Kannon is a sacred Buddhist temple in the heart of Nagoya. It was originally built in the Kamakura period and moved to its current site in 1612, with the reconstructed buildings seen today crafted in the 20th century.

Pay your respects to the beautifully carved statue of Kannon that dominates the main hall of Osu Kannon and was created by the 8th-century Buddhist monk, Kobo Daishi. Below the main hall is the Shinpukuji Library where more than 15,000 classic Japanese texts are kept, including the oldest known copy of the “Kojiki” that details the country’s mythological origins.

Time your visit with the flea market that takes place bi-monthly in the grounds of Osu Kannon, where everything from antiques to souvenirs is for sale. The temple also lies adjacent to the covered shops and restaurants of the Osu Shopping Arcade, which is renowned for its J-pop, anime and cosplay stores.

Getting there

Osu Kannon is easily accessed from Osu Kannon Station, which is a 10-minute ride from central Nagoya. Chubu Centrair International Airport is just under an hour’s drive south.