【Osu Shopping Street】 The most energetic shopping district in Japan, with around 1,200 shops

Located on the south side of the Sakae area, the heart of Nagoya, Osu Shopping Street is a large-scale shopping district that spans from Osu 2-chome to 3-chome. It comprises the following nine streets: Osu Hondori, Osu Kannon Dori, Niomon Dori, Monzenmachi Dori, Akamon Dori, Banshoji Dori, Higashi Niomon Dori, and Shintenchi Dori. As you pass through the arcade with its lively atmosphere, you'll understand why it's called "the most energetic shopping district in Japan." Approximately 1,200 shops line the streets.
Name
Osu Shopping Street
Address
2-chome to 3-chome vicinity, Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, , 460-0011
Phone number
+81-52-261-2287 (Osu Shopping Street Association)

CONTENT

Nagoya’s ultimate “food-walking” spot, enjoyable for all ages and genders

You’ll be amazed at the wide range of shops available, from popular Nagoya dishes and queue-worthy B-class gourmet restaurants to cutting-edge fashion, unique vintage clothing, and essential household appliances. The presence of places like Osu Theater and Banshoji Temple, where you can enjoy nostalgic experiences, also makes it a destination for people of all ages and genders.

With various events held throughout the seasons, there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy your visit any time of the year. When in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, it’s a must-visit area you won’t regret going to — in fact, it would be a shame to miss it!

Nagoya’s ultimate “food-walking” spot, enjoyable for all ages and genders

When it comes to Osu, it’s all about food-walking! It’s not an exaggeration to say that this is one of the area’s most frequently featured points in online articles and magazines. The shopping district offers not only long-standing Nagoya specialties but also a collection of popular, delicious dishes and trendy seasonal foods.

While there are plenty of cafes to relax in and restaurants for a hearty meal, the main attraction is the wealth of food-walking options available, as you stroll through the shopping streets. With attention-grabbing shops from different prefectures, you’ll find new and exciting food options every time you visit as the stores are constantly changing. It’s a perfect place to discover the latest trends in cuisine and taste exotic dishes you’ve never tried before. But don’t just stick to popular places — exploring hidden alleys and trying out more obscure shops might lead to delightful encounters.

Another interesting aspect of Osu Shopping Street is that several stores of the same type can be found within the district. Classic menu items, like fried chicken, pizza, and seasonal favorites, like summer shaved ice, can be enjoyed at various shops. We recommend trying a taste comparison challenge. It’s enjoyable on your own, but going in a group allows you to experience a wider variety of flavors and textures. There are also parks for taking breaks, so take your time and enjoy the area to the fullest.

Don’t miss the powerful festival events that have been passed down through the years

You won’t want to miss the events held in Osu, which aim to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. In summer, there are Bon Odori (traditional dance) competitions, firework displays, and performances by local artists. One event that particularly stands out is the large-scale Summer Festival, which takes place throughout the entire shopping district. On the first day of the two-day festival, the venue is filled with the lively rhythms of Brazilian percussion and glamorous dancers dressed in samba costumes. You’ll be thrilled by the authentic outfits and the impressive energy of the dancers! Their lively voices can be heard in every street, making the hot Nagoya summer even hotter.

In autumn, the Osu Townspeople’s Street Performance Festival takes place. It began as a citizens’ festival to rival the municipal Nagoya Festival. There are parades of Chindon-ya (musical street performers), expressive puppet performances, kendama (cup and ball) artists, and street performers from various regions showcasing their talents. Another highlight of the festival is the Oiran Dochu, a procession of women selected through public recruitment who serve as the festival’s beauties. Dressed in gorgeous kimonos, accompanied by men carrying umbrellas and other attendants, the women walk gracefully in their tall geta sandals, creating a captivating scene. You’ll feel as if you’ve time-traveled back to the Edo or Meiji period.

Offer a candle to one of Japan’s three great Kannon statues, which come from Gifu Prefecture

北野山真福寺宝生院

Originally located in Osu, Hashima City, Gifu Prefecture, the temple was known as Kitanosan Shinpukuji Hoshoin in the Owari Province’s Nagaoka district. The founding priest, Nohshin Shonin, devoted himself to prayer at Ise Grand Shrine, asking which deity should be enshrined for people in this world to receive salvation and blessings. One evening, he received a divine message in a dream, saying that the compassionate Kannon Bodhisattva would bring immeasurable benefits and be most appreciated by people.

Although it is said that the temple was moved in 1612 to protect a copy of the Kojiki (the Records of Ancient Matters) from the frequent floods in Hashima City, Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered Naruse Masanari, the lord of Inuyama Castle, to relocate the entire town to its current location. Now, as one of Japan’s three great Kannon statues, the temple enjoys immense popularity, with crowds forming a line from the nearby Osu Kannon Station during the first three days of the New Year.

The development of the Osu Shopping Street can be attributed to the continuous growth of Osu Kannon, which flexibly adapted to changes in the times. As the birthplace of the taishogoto (Japanese harp), a monument stands in its honor, attracting enthusiasts from all over the country to the annual Taishogoto Festival held every September. In recent years, a trend worth noting is the offering of candles by young entrepreneurs and freelancers living in Nagoya. They write their wishes and gratitude on the candles, conveying their hopes for business success and appreciation to the Kannon. Why not make an offering when you visit Osu Shopping Street?

AICHI

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