Ōsu Kannon (Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hoshoin)

Ōsu Kannon is a Shingon Buddhist temple located in the heart of Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This temple is one of the city's significant religious and cultural landmarks.

🏯 History

Ōsu Kannon was established in 1333 in Hashima, Gifu Prefecture, by a monk named Nōshin Shōnin. In 1612, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered the temple to be relocated to its current site in Nagoya to avoid recurring floods. The temple suffered damage from multiple fires, including during World War II, and was rebuilt in 1970.

🧘♀️ Highlights within the Temple
• Kannon Statue: A wooden statue of the Goddess of Mercy housed in the main hall, believed to have been carved by Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect.
• Shinpukuji Library: Located beneath the main hall, it holds a collection of over 15,000 ancient books, including the oldest manuscript of "Kojiki," a record of Japanese legends.
• Large Red Paper Lantern: Hanging from the ceiling of the main hall, devotees can write their wishes on paper and tie them to the lantern's strings.

🎉 Events and Festivals
• Antique Market: Held on the 18th and 28th of every month, featuring numerous stalls selling antiques, clothing, and collectibles.
• Setsubun Festival: Celebrated annually on February 3rd, with bean-throwing rituals to ward off evil spirits and welcome spring.

📍 Visitor Information
• Address: 2-21-47 Ōsu, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011
• Access: Just a 1-minute walk from Ōsu Kannon Station (Tsurumai Line), Exit 2
• Opening Hours: The main hall is open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Admission Fee: Free of charge

Ōsu Kannon offers a blend of spiritual tranquility and the bustling atmosphere of the surrounding shopping district, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to experience Japanese culture through both religion and daily life. If you have any questions or need more information about this temple, feel free to ask! 😊