🎭 Osu Yokocho: Nagoya's popular entertainment district and cultural hub

Hello~ Today, I'm taking you on a tour of one of Nagoya's busiest and most unique streets— Ōsu Yokocho ! ✨
This is not only a paradise for daily life and shopping for Nagoya residents, but also a "comprehensive cultural street" that foreign travelers must add to their itineraries. A fusion of tradition and modernity, common people and trends, food and religion , a trip to Osu will reveal that this place is truly "Nagoya's own little universe"! 🌏

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📍 Where is Osu Yokocho?

• Located in Nagoya City's Naka Ward , it extends to the surrounding areas with the central landmark Osu Kannon Temple as its core.
• It consists of several shopping streets with a total length of over 1,700 meters and more than 1,200 stores, making it the largest shopping street complex in Nagoya.
• Access is very convenient: it is within walking distance from **Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Line or **Kamimaezu Station on the Meijo Line**.

When I first came here, I was really stunned by the scale of this place. Because it is not like a normal shopping street with only a few alleys, but a whole "maze-like" area. You will find new discoveries as you walk!

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🏮 A short historical story about Osu

1. Origins of religion

• The core building of Osu is Osu Kannon Temple , which was originally built in the 14th century and later moved to its current location by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
• From then on, Osu gradually developed into a neighborhood where religious and popular culture coexisted.

2. Business boom💰

• Since the Edo period, due to the prosperity of Guanyin Temple, a market has been formed around it, selling daily necessities and food.
• After the war, Osu declined for a time, but it has been revived again with the arrival of electronics towns, vintage shops and diverse cultures.

3. Modern Osu

• Today, Osu has become a comprehensive business district that integrates traditional temples, modern trends, anime culture, and food .
• I think this place is a bit like Tokyo's "Asakusa + Akihabara + Harajuku" complex, which is super interesting!

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🌈 The unique atmosphere of Osu Yokocho

1. A temple fair-like atmosphere 🎉

• Osu hosts various events throughout the year, such as dance festivals, Halloween parades, and international cultural festivals.
• You'll see street performers, bands playing, and the atmosphere is super fun.

2. Fusion of diverse cultures 🌍

• Traditional Japanese food stalls coexist with exotic cuisine, ranging from takoyaki to Indian curry and Mexican tacos.
• This makes Osu one of the most popular neighborhoods for foreign tourists and local young people.

3. Common people and trends coexist 🛍️

• Here you can find second-hand clothes, vintage clothes, anime peripherals, as well as the latest fashion items.
• The editor feels that walking in Osu is a complete "cultural mix and match show".

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🍲 Must-try food in Osu Yokocho

I think the most attractive thing about Osu Yokocho is "eating while walking"! 🤤

1. Nagoya specialty🍢

• Miso Kushikatsu (Miso Katsu): Rich and fragrant Hatcho miso sauce, with a combination of salty and sweet flavors.
• Tebazen (chicken wings): crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a unique peppery flavor.
• Eel rice (ひつまぶし): Nagoya’s representative dish, famous restaurants can also be found here.

2. Cheap snacks 🥟

• You can grab some takoyaki, grilled chicken skewers, or croquettes and eat them while you walk around.
• I particularly love Osu’s Japanese donuts, they are super chewy!

3. Exotic cuisine 🍕🌮🍛

• Osu is known as the "Exotic Village of Nagoya" and is home to Italian, Indian, Thai, and Mexican restaurants.
• The editor had a super authentic Mexican Taco last time, and was super surprised!

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🛍️ Shopping fun in Osu Yokocho

1. Vintage and second-hand clothing 👕

• Osu is the birthplace of Nagoya's vintage culture, and many trendy people come here specifically to dig for treasures.
• We have everything from Showa-style clothing to European and American vintage clothing.

2. Electrical appliances and anime peripherals 🎮

• After the war, Osu was an electronics town, and some electronic parts stores and anime stores still remain.
• Cosplay supplies and model toys can also be found here.

3. Japanese-style sundries and souvenirs 🎁

• They sell traditional Japanese sweets, Kyoto-style items, and modern creative sundries.
• I particularly like handmade chopsticks and Japanese cloth bags, which are perfect as souvenirs.

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🎉 Highlights of Osu Yokocho

1. Osu Dance Festival💃

• Held every summer, the streets are bustling with dancers and spectators.

2. Halloween Parade 🎃

• The Halloween in Osu is one of the grandest in Japan, with everyone dressing up in costumes and parading, creating a very lively atmosphere.

3. Osu Daidō Town Human Sacrifice🎭

• It brings together acrobatics, street performers and traditional performances, just like a large carnival.

I feel that the activities in Osu are more lively than those in Asakusa, Tokyo, and there is a greater sense of participation from the general public.

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🚆 Transportation

• About a 3-minute walk from Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Line .
• About a 5-minute walk from Kamimaezu Station on the Meijo Line .
• It's about 15 minutes by subway from Nagoya Station, which is very convenient.

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💡 Editor's Tips

1. It is recommended to reserve more than half a day : because the area is so large, it takes a lot of time to walk, eat and shop.
2. It’s best to go on weekdays : on holidays, the crowds are packed and things move more slowly.
3. Cash is the most convenient : most food stalls and small shops accept cash transactions.
4. Be careful about getting lost : the shopping streets are complex and intertwined, so it is recommended to use a map app to locate.
5. It’s even more lively during event season : if you happen to be there during a festival, be sure to stay and experience it.

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🌌 Summary: The charm of Osu Yokocho

Osu Yokocho is a large shopping street that blends religious beliefs, folk culture, trendy fashion, and an international atmosphere .
Whether you're here to eat delicious food, buy trendy goods, watch a performance, or simply want to experience Nagoya's most lively district, Osu can satisfy you.

I feel that Osu fully demonstrates the "diverse soul" of Nagoya: it has the ancient Kannon Temple, the latest anime culture, and you can also eat cuisine from all over the world.
If you only visit Nagoya Castle, you’ll miss out on the most vibrant side of the city. ✨