Osu Kannon (Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hoshoin) (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Osu Kannon (Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hoshoin)?
What makes it 63% Kids-Friendly: Kids can draw wishes on ema, snack in Osu arcade, or watch cosplay, but there are many stairs and no play zone, so interest fades after short visit; toilets lack child amenities.
Positives:
- Free admission: No entry fee lets you spend budget on activities and snacks.
- Central location: Temple sits at the start of Osu Shopping Arcade, so you can hop between shops and stalls.
Challenges:
- Crowds: Market days and weekends bring high foot traffic that can overwhelm young children.
- Temple steps: Main hall has steep steps; use side paths if strolling with toddlers or strollers.
What is Osu Kannon (Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hoshoin)?
- A Shingon Buddhist temple known as Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hoshoin, founded in the 14th century and ranked among Japan’s three major Kannon sites
- Houses a collection of 15,000 classical works, including rare Kojiki manuscripts that form part of the “Three Books of Japan”
- Relocated to Nagoya’s Osu district by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612, its establishment laid the foundation for the adjoining shopping arcade
What is so special about Osu Kannon (Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hoshoin) for with kids?
- Hands-on activities like ema drawing and omikuji fortune slips
- Antique Market stalls with free amazake on the 18th and 28th
- Street snacks and over 400 toy and anime shops in the arcade
- Seasonal events: Cosplay Summit parade in August, Setsubun bean-throwing in February
- Free admission and central location ideal for families
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 1-2 hours gives enough time to explore the temple, write ema, and browse the nearby arcade without tiring kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Osu Kannon (Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hoshoin)
Explore Antique Market:
Browse colorful stalls of antiques and crafts on the 18th and 28th of each month.
Tip: Arrive by 2:30 PM to join the free amazake tasting at 3 PM (first 200 people).
Write wishes on ema:
Let kids draw or write their wishes on wooden prayer plaques.
Tip: Buy one plaque per child (≈500 ¥) and hang them on the rack near the main hall.
Draw an omikuji:
Shake the box and draw a fortune slip for fun predictions.
Tip: Carry small coins (≈100 ¥ per slip) and tie bad luck slips on the rack to leave misfortune behind.
Snack on street food:
Try kid-friendly treats like taiyaki and crepes in Osu Shopping Arcade.
Tip: Look for stands near the temple entrance; snacks cost 300–600 ¥ each.
Browse toy and anime shops:
Explore over 400 shops selling toys, figures, and games.
Tip: Head down Banshoji-dori for affordable picks and quick breaks between temple visits.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Osu Kannon (Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hoshoin)
- Bring small change: Keep coins handy for ema, omikuji, and street snacks to avoid delays.
- Plan around markets: Visit on market days for extra stalls or choose weekdays for quieter temple grounds.
- Use side entrances: Enter via side gates and paths to minimize steps and keep kids comfortable.
Reviews of Osu Kannon (Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hoshoin)
Quing_刘妈妈
Osu Kannon (Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hoshoin) @ Nagoya ⛩️📿🇯🇵 🗓️ Visited: 17 April, around noon 🚶♂️ Just a short walk from Osu Park and Osu Shopping Street A serene and spiritual temple nestled right next to the vibrant Osu Shopping District. As always, we stopped to pray for good fortune, wealth, and a safe journey. 🙏 The atmosphere was calm and welcoming, a peaceful contrast to the busy arc...
Michiko Ichikawa
I didn't planned to go. But Shoutengai strees made me get there easily. 6/28/2025 they have frea market. Nagoya kinds. Also enjoy nearby street is good things to do. I bought 200yen candle to put.
Fireflies 94
The place is nice, but it was really crowded. There were many pigeons, and while the nature was beautiful, there was quite a bit of droppings that made it a bit dirty. But it's okay — overall, it's still a great place.
Charles Victor Tan
Osu Kannon Shrine is a peaceful gem nestled in the heart of Nagoya’s vibrant Osu shopping district. With its striking red architecture and massive paper lantern, the shrine instantly invites curiosity and calm. Despite being surrounded by bustling shops and modern life, the moment you step onto its grounds, there’s a shift — a quiet, almost sacred stillness. Locals come to pray, offer coins, and d...
Clover Jean
I went here a few times during golden week. Definitely crowded, but manageable. You can try to go very early or much later in the day to avoid crowds. I love the temple and all the shopping here. At the temple, be sure to buy some incense and charms. Donate coins and pray as well if you feel inclined. Most things around here open at 10am. There's a cool morning antique market that happens once a m...
When is the best time to visit Osu Kannon (Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hoshoin) (Nagoya, Japan)?
Visit on the 18th/28th for the Antique Market and free amazake at 3 PM. In early August, watch the World Cosplay Summit parade nearby. In early February, join the Setsubun bean-throwing ceremony on temple grounds.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission | JPY 0 |
| Ema plaques (4) | JPY 2,000 |
| Omikuji slips (4) | JPY 400 |
| Street snacks (4) | JPY 2,000 |
| Toy or souvenir | JPY 1,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 5,400 |
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 Osu Kannon (Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hoshoin)
Address: 2-chōme-21-47 Ōsu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011, Japan
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About Osu Kannon (Kitanosan Shinpuku-ji Hoshoin)
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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