Ōsu, neighborhood in Naka-ku, Nagoya
Ōsu is a large shopping district in Nagoya with more than 1,200 shops and restaurants spread across eight main streets and various alleys. The stores sell everything from electronics and second-hand clothing to local food, souvenirs, and specialty items.
The area began to develop in 1612 when the temple was moved here and shops opened around it. After World War II, the district declined due to competition from larger shopping centers, but was revived through local electronics and anime stores that made it known as an alternative shopping hub.
The name Ōsu comes from Ōsu Kannon temple, which was moved here in 1612 and gave the district its identity. Today, the streets mix traditional shops with modern stores, temples, and markets that reflect how locals spend their time and celebrate through festivals and gatherings.
The district is easily accessible by subway at either Kamimaezu or Ōsu Kannon stations, with shop hours varying throughout the day. Allow time to explore the alleys and side streets to find bargains and experience the rhythm of the neighborhood.
Beneath the temple lies a library holding over 15,000 old Japanese and Chinese books, including some of the earliest copies of important historical records like the Kojiki. Niomon-yu, a traditional public bathhouse, offers visitors an authentic local experience of bathing customs that still exist today.
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