Sub-Culture, Antiques, Food, Fashion, Electronics, it’s all at Osu Kannon!

Less than a Kilometer from Nagoya’s bustling central Sakae district and easily accessible by taxi or subway, the Osu Kannon Temple is one of the cities landmarks. It’s also one of the more interesting and lively shopping areas, and well known as one of Japan’s must see sub-culture centers, with Maid café’s and Otaku specialty stores.

(Nagoya’s famous Osu Kannon Temple)

The temple’s bright red pillars and beams make it one of the more exciting and photogenic temples in the area, but the real appeal is the rows of shopping arcades, selling everything from computers, electronics, cameras, stereo systems old and new, to clothing, toys and collectables. Plus there are all sorts of great restaurants to enjoy too. If you don’t feel like a sit down meal, numerous stalls invite you to grab a light snack to go!

(Rows of shops along the Osu Arcade)

(Trash or Treasure, there’s an eclectic array of items for sale)

(Old kimono shops and new fashion outlets sit side by side)

If you visit on the 18th or 28th, there’s the added bonus of the Antiques Market in the Osu Temple grounds. Naturally there’s quite a bit of junk, but if you know what you’re looking for, there can be some real treasures amongst the trash! (Over the years I have picked up a late 1500’s set of Samurai armor, various sword fittings, antique cabinets, and a Sumo Banzuke, with the famous Sumo wrestler’s names hand painted on it.) There’s pottery, furniture, handcrafts, old coins, and a wide selection of old fabrics such as kimono and obi (sashes) too. Entry is free, and most of the dealers accept a little haggling too, which adds to the fun.

Writer
Chris Glenn

Chris Glenn is a bilingual radio DJ, TV presenter, producer, narrator, MC, copywriter, author and columnist, and Japanese historian, specializing in samurai castles, battles, armor and weapons. He is an inbound tourism advisor, and is often called upon as a lecturer and speaker on Japanese history and topics. He was born in Adelaide, South Australia in 1968, and has spent over half his life in Japan, most of that time in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Chris is dedicated to promoting and preserving Japans’ long history, deep culture, traditions, arts and crafts.