Osu Kannon Temple Tourism

Osu Kannon Temple, also known as Hosho-in, is a popular Buddhist temple in Nagoya, Japan. Originally built during the Kamakura Period in Hashima, it was moved to its current site by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612 to protect Nagoya Castle from malevolent influences. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and it houses a large wooden statue of Kannon as its primary object of worship. The statue is said to be carved by Kobo Daishi, one of Japan's most famous monks. What adds to the temple's appeal is the vast collection of classical Japanese and Chinese texts housed in the temple's library, including the oldest hand-written copy of the important Buddhist text the Heart Sutra. The temple grounds consist of several structures such as a main hall, a lecture hall, and a tahoto-style pagoda. The lively Osu shopping street surrounds the temple, offering a variety of shops, cafes, and the monthly antique market that attracts visitors and locals alike. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a cultural hub that hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.