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Osu Kannon: Markets and Events at Nagoya's Renowned Temple

Osu Kannon Temple sits in Nagoya, and is one of Japan’s Three Major “Kannon” Temples, long with Sensoji Temple in Tokyo and Tsu Kannon in Mie. Kannon temples worship Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Osu Kannon in particular is known to bring luck in business prosperity and household safety, and hosts many unique events throughout the year.

History of Osu Kannon Temple

In 1324, Osu Kannon Temple was established in Gifu prefecture a sub-temple of Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto, after receiving a direct blessing from the emperor.

The temple was built in between two rivers, making it prone to frequent floods.

Due to the constant damage, the temple was then moved to its current location in Nagoya.

The temple housed many important texts, and the move to Nagoya was to prevent those items from being damaged.

In the Temple Grounds

Here is an introduction to the recommended spots of Osu Kannon Temple

Hondo – 本堂

The Hondo, or main hall, was re-built in 1970 after it was destructed in previous fires and wars. Other temple buildings were never rebuilt, but the main hall was rebuilt twice.

Hondo of Osu Kannon Temple

Fumonden – 普門殿

Fumonden

At the Fumonden, each of the twelve zodiac animals are worshipped and celebrated.

Which of the eight gods in the hall you worship depends on your birth year. Entrance into the Fumonden is free.

Goshuin Stamp – 御朱印

At Osu Kannon, you can purchase an original temple stamp (goshuin) booklet for ¥1,500. There are five different designs to choose from. A temple stamp and a direct writing cost ¥500, while just a stamp is ¥100.

Goshuin(御朱印)

You can get more stamps from different shrines in the Osu area. At Miwa Jinja Shrine in the Osu Area, you can receive a colorful goshuin stamp.

Events

Here are the events at Osu Kannon Temple

Osu Kannon Antique Market – 大須観音骨董市 (18th and 28th of every month)

Every 18th and 28th of the month, an antique market is held on the Osu Kannon grounds.

The market opens at sunrise and ends at sunset, but visitors should make sure to arrive on time before all of the goods sell out.

Aside from typical antique goods like plates and clothes, you can also find handmade accessories.

There are even rare items like magazines from back in the day and other limited goods.

Osu Kannon Antique Market

Also on the 18th of every month, there is a free amazake tasting for the first 200 people in line. Amazake is a sweet rice drink, and is usually drunk in the colder months.

The amazake tasting begins at 3p.m., when the antique market is reaching its peak capacity.

Hahazuka Kuyo (Teeth Memorial) – 歯歯塚供養 (Aug. 8)

“Hahazuka Kuyo” is a memorial service for teeth. Bring in your used dentures and baby teeth and have them rest at the teeth mound on the temple grounds.

This is the only temple in Japan where you can bring in both fallen teeth and “fake” teeth (like dentures) can be brought in.

Take some time to say appreciate and let go of your fallen and used teeth at the Hahazuka Kuyo.

Taisho Koto Festival – 大正琴大祭 (Sep. 9)

Every September, the Taisho Koto, a traditional string instrument, is celebrated at Osu Kannon.

The Taisho Koto a local performing arts specialty in the Osu area. Over 500 koto enthusiasts gather to perform on this day, and you too can participate for ¥1,500. Watching and listening to the performances is free of charge.

Taisho Koto Festival

Access

Nearest station: Osu Kannon Station 大須観音駅

From Chubu International Airport 中部国際空港

【Chubu Int'l Airport Sta.】Meitetsu μ (mu) Sky / for Shin-unuma
→【Nagoya Sta.】Higashiyama Line / for Fujigaoka
→【Fushimi Sta.】Tsurumai Line / for Toyoda-shi
→【Osu Kannon Sta.】about a 5-minute walk