Osu Kannon is one of Japan’s three most prestigious Kannon sacred sites, along with Asakusa Kannon in Tokyo and Tsu Kannon in Mie Prefecture. Founded by Noshin-Shonin in 1324, the main object of worship at the temple is a wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, which was carved by Kobo Daishi (Kukai), a famous Buddhist monk. Osu Kannon is located in the heart of Nagoya City and many people come to pray here every year. On Setsubun, a traditional event held every February, Osu Kannon attracts a lively crowd with a parade featuring the Shichifukujin (Seven Lucky Gods) riding a float resembling their treasure ship.

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Osu Kannon was originally built in Osu-go, Nagaoka, Owari (present-day Osu, Hashima City, Gifu Prefecture) by Noshin-Shonin. Before founding the temple, it is said that this Buddhist priest prayed earnestly at Ise Shrine for a hundred days in the hope of being enlightened as to how best he could build a new place of worship. One night he dreamed of the deity, Kannon, who told him how he should proceed. Because the figure of Kannon in his dream looked the same as the wooden sculpture carved by Kobo Daishi (Kukai), Noshin-Shonin established this wooden sculpture as Osu Kannon's main object of worship. Moreover, Oda Nobunaga donated five hundred kokus (a considerable sum for the time) to Osu Kannon, and the very first move Tokugawa Ieyasu made when he built Nagoya Castle was to have Osu Kannon relocated to where it sits today. These actions stand testimony to the deep devotion these infamous lords of the Warring States Period had for Osu Kannon.

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The district surrounding Osu Kannon flourished with the arrival of the temple in 1612. At the time, the center of Owari region was Oda Nobunaga’s residence, Kiyosu Castle, and the castle town surrounding it, however when Tokugawa Ieyasu made the decision to build Nagoya Castle, everything was moved from Kiyosu to Nagoya. Amid this great transition, the area where Osu Kannon is currently situated was designated a place where many shrines and temples would be concentrated, and after Osu Kannon was relocated there, developed as "Monzen-machi (temple town). "
Today, the area is renowned for its many shops selling Buddhist altars and other Buddhist goods, and strongly preserves the traditions and techniques cultivated to date.

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Osu Shotengai (Osu shopping arcade) thrived as Nagoya itself grew, and remains a hive of activity to this day. A total of eight streets, including Osu Kannon Street, feature around 1,200 retailers offering all kinds of wares, from home electrical appliances and vintage clothing, to food and drink. In the late 1970s, major home appliance retailers and computer stores began opening their doors in Osu Shotengai, and it became known as one of Japan’s three largest electric towns. Today there are a high number of retailers selling overseas products and restaurants serving international dishes, which has earned Osu a reputation as a cosmopolitan melting pot of culture, fashion, and gourmet. The sheer diversity and inclusive nature of the town, where people of all nationalities, generations, and gender are welcome, has led to people dubbing it "Gottani (mixed-pot) Shotengai."