Osu Kannon Temple, Nagoya

Ōsu Kannon is a prominent Buddhist temple, part of the Owari Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage circuit, emphasizing its religious significance. The temple's origins date back to around 1333 in Ōsu-gō, Nagaoka village, within what is now Hashima city in Gifu Prefecture. It was initially constructed under the sponsorship of Emperor Go-Daigo, who appointed Shōnin Nōshin as the first head priest. According to tradition, Nōshin had a divine vision of Avalokitesvara, the Buddha of Compassion, known as Kannon in Japanese, which inspired the temple's dedication and its name.

The temple was relocated to its current site in Nagoya in 1612 by the influential shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, after the original location suffered from frequent flooding. In the 1820s, a significant portion of the temple was destroyed by fire, but it was meticulously reconstructed in the 1970s, preserving its historical and architectural integrity. The main hall of Ōsu Kannon is notable for its large, red paper lantern, which is a focal point for visitors. Worshippers tie small paper notes with their wishes onto the wires holding the lantern, a traditional practice believed to bring good fortune.

Ōsu Kannon is also renowned for its extensive library, housing approximately 15,000 classical Japanese and Chinese texts. Among these is the oldest handwritten copy of the "Kojiki," a chronicle of Japan's ancient mythology and history, which is considered a national treasure. The library's collection includes many other valuable texts, some of which are designated as important cultural properties, reflecting the temple's role as a guardian of cultural heritage.

The temple is also a vibrant cultural hub, hosting a lively street fair on the 18th day of each month. This event attracts both locals and tourists, offering a variety of goods and traditional crafts.