Osu Kannon (Hosho-in)

Osu Kannon (Bōshōin) is a historic temple located in Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Its official name is Kitanozan Shinpukuji Bōshōin. Founded in 1324, it is a venerable Kannon sacred site said to be one of Japan’s Three Great Kannon temples, alongside Asakusa Kannon and Tsushima Kannon. Though situated in the heart of Nagoya, it remains a beloved place of worship supported by a long history and deep faith, attracting many visitors even today.

Osu Kannon was founded by the monk Nōshin Shōnin. The temple was originally established in Ōsu-go, Nagaoka-shō, Owari Province, in what is now Ōsu, Hashima City, Gifu Prefecture. By imperial decree of Emperor Go-Daigo, it was organized as the bettō temple of Kitano Tenmangū, and in 1333 it was granted the temple name “Kitanozan Shinpukuji Bōshōin.” It is said that Nōshin Shōnin spent one hundred days in prayer at Ise Grand Shrine, seeking a principal image to save the people, and after receiving a revelation from Kannon Bosatsu, enshrined that sacred statue as the temple’s main deity.

Later, the temple also received deep devotion from Emperor Go-Murakami, and with the improvement of its temple grounds and donations of temple lands, it developed greatly as an imperial prayer temple. During the Sengoku period, it received land donations from Oda Nobunaga, and in 1612, at the beginning of the Edo period, it was relocated to its present site in Ōsu, Nagoya, in connection with the construction of Nagoya Castle by Tokugawa Ieyasu. This relocation helped form the surrounding temple district and front approach town, laying the foundation for the prosperity of present-day Ōsu.

The temple belongs to the Shingon sect Chisan school and is currently classified as a bettō honzan. As Nagoya’s foremost Kannon sacred site, it is visited by many people who pray for household safety, business prosperity, protection from misfortune, academic success, and success in entrance examinations. Because it is a temple connected to Kitano Tenmangū, it is also widely known as a place to pray for academic achievement.

Within the grounds is the Ōsu Bunko, which houses valuable cultural assets. It contains approximately 15,000 precious volumes, including the oldest extant manuscript of the Kojiki, designated as a National Treasure, as well as Buddhist texts and classical works collected by Nōshin Shōnin, making it extremely important in the history of Japanese scholarship.

Various annual events are also held at Osu Kannon throughout the year. During the New Year’s visit period, the temple grounds are packed with worshippers, creating one of Nagoya’s defining New Year scenes. At Setsubun, the “Fukunokami Oni-oi no Gishiki” and the treasure ship procession, said to have continued since the Muromachi period, are held, drawing large crowds praying for health and good fortune. In addition, on the monthly temple fair days on the 18th and 28th, an antique market is held, with stalls selling antiques and old tools lining the grounds, making it popular with tourists as well.

The present main hall was rebuilt in 1970 after being destroyed by war. The grounds also enshrine Hotei-son, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Nagoya, attracting the faith of people seeking good fortune.

Osu Kannon is conveniently located about a three-minute walk from Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Subway Line, and after visiting the temple, visitors can also enjoy food sampling and shopping at the adjacent Osu Shopping Street. Combining history and faith, culture and bustle, Osu Kannon is truly one of Nagoya’s must-see attractions.