Osu Kannon (Hoshoin Temple)

Map

History & Origins

It was founded in 1333 (the 3rd year of Genko) by imperial order of Emperor Go-Daigo in Osu-go, Nagaoka-no-sho, Owari Province (present-day Hashima, Gifu Prefecture). In 1612 (the 17th year of Keicho) it was moved to its present location on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu. It flourished under the protection of the Owari Tokugawa family and is also known for holding the Osu Bunko, a precious collection of classical texts.

Highlights

In the grounds, notable for the vermilion Niten-mon gate and the white main hall, Hotei-son of the Nagoya Seven Lucky Gods is also enshrined. On the market days of the 18th and 28th of each month, the grounds and the surrounding shopping arcade come alive. The bean-throwing and treasure ship procession of the Setsubun ceremony (February 3) is a winter tradition of Nagoya. It is also Temple No. 1 of the Owari 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.

Visitor Guide

It is right by Exit 2 of Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Subway Line (about a 1-minute walk). Worship in the grounds is free and the temple is open every day. Combined with a stroll through the Osu Shopping Arcade, it takes about 60 to 120 minutes. There are many coin-operated parking lots nearby.

Best Season

The market days on the 18th and 28th of each month are the liveliest. The February Setsubun bean-throwing and the Halloween parade in the Osu Shopping Arcade at the end of October draw particularly large crowds.

Blessings

Annual Events

• February

  Setsubunae (Setsubun Service) and Bean-Throwing

  A winter tradition of Nagoya, in which bean-throwing prayers and a treasure ship procession are held on February 3.

• Monthly

  Ennichi (Temple Fair Day)

  Temple fair days are held on the 18th and 28th of every month, with stalls lining the grounds and the surrounding shopping street.

Travel Plan

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