Banshoji (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Banshoji?
What makes it 44% Baby-Friendly: Grounds are stroller-friendly and free, yet there are no published nursing rooms, diaper tables, or feeding corners, so carers must plan a short visit or use facilities in nearby malls.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly grounds: Flat, wide walkways make moving a stroller easy.
- Free interactive shows: Mechanical doll and fog/light shows captivate visitors of all ages.
Challenges:
- No baby-changing rooms: The temple has no confirmed diaper-changing facilities; bring a travel changing pad.
- Limited seating and shelter: Few benches are available and crowds form during show times.
What is Banshoji?
- A 16th-century Buddhist temple in Nagoya’s Ōsu district founded by daimyō Oda Nobuhide in 1504
- A historic site tied to the legacy of Oda Nobunaga and the childhood hostage years of Tokugawa Ieyasu
- An ensemble of classical Buddhist structures anchored by a stone gate, framed by paper lanterns and housing an eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva statue
What is so special about Banshoji for with baby?
- Free mechanical doll and fog/light shows entertain both adults and children
- Flat lantern-lined paths and a quiet courtyard allow easy stroller use and nap breaks
- Collect goshuin stamps and draw omikuji fortunes for memorable family keepsakes
- Monthly mochi blessing on the 28th offers a unique local ritual experience
- Pair with nearby Osu Shopping Arcade for baby-friendly facilities and snacks
Note: Banshoji is 44% Baby-Friendly. You may want to consider other Baby-Friendly Things to Do in Nagoya for a more suitable experience.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Flat grounds and short shows let families with a baby explore comfortably in about 1-2 hours.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Banshoji
Watch Karakuri Mechanical Doll Show:
See two animatronic dolls reenact a historic incense ceremony and warrior dance.
Tip: Check show times at Emadō hall (10:00–18:00) and arrive 5 minutes early for a good view.
Stroll Under Paper Lanterns & Stone Gate:
Walk the smooth, flat pathway lined with lanterns beneath the temple’s stone gate.
Tip: Use a stroller—the wide pathways are easy to navigate.
Collect a Goshuin Temple Stamp:
Add the temple’s calligraphy seal to your stamp book for a lasting souvenir.
Tip: Carry ¥300 and ask at the office; visit midweek to avoid lines.
Play a Fortune Slip (Omikuji):
Draw a paper fortune for each family member.
Tip: Use ¥100 coins and tie bad fortunes to the nearby rack.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Banshoji
- Combine with Osu Arcade: Visit nearby Osu Shopping Arcade for restrooms, snacks, and extra space for baby breaks.
- Go on weekday mornings: Arrive early on a weekday to avoid crowds and midday heat.
Reviews of Banshoji
Queen PushyCat
I thought it’d be quite interesting to see a temple in the middle of a shopping area. The temple looks super grand. I definitely recommend stepping in to take a look. Collected my goshuin here!
Jerid Beasley
Great shrine, not very foreigner friendly. I paid for 2 goshuin, one hand written(very pretty) and a pink leaflet. Did not receive the leaflet and when I brought it up they didn't understand that I didn't get it. Have to show every goshuin I had, over 50 and my receipt in order to get it without double paying. I think it was a communication error but I felt like they though I was trying to steal o...
Sze Mei NG
It looks very grand and modern theater. It doesn't look like a historic temple. Banshoji Temple was established for Oda's family by Oda Nobuhide (Oda Nobunaga's father) in 1540. It was relocated to Osu when Nagoya Castle was built in 1610. There are 2 Karakuri mechanic dolls exhibited to perform "Kouwakamai" dance (Nobunaga danced before going to the battle of Okehazama) and express the scense No...
Horatio Tan
An interesting temple right in the middle of the Osu Shopping Streets. It's also located in front of Don Quixote entrances.
夏美
I visited the Bansho-ji temple on the last day of my trip. It is a unique temple located inside Osu Shopping arcade, near Don Quijote. I bought an amulet to commemorate my visit, and I went inside to give thanks and pray to the Gods. By the way, the amulet and goshuin booth is open until 6:00pm. If you have spare time, why not visit the temple whilst you are in the shopping arcade premises.
When is the best time to visit Banshoji (Nagoya, Japan)?
On the 28th of each month around 6 PM, line up for a free protective mochi blessing. In summer evenings, look for the white dragon light and fog show after sunset.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Temple donation | JPY 100 |
| Omikuji fortune slip | JPY 100 |
| Goshuin stamp | JPY 300 |
| Omamori charm | JPY 500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Banshoji
Address: 3-chōme-29-12 Ōsu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011, Japan
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About Banshoji
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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