Kasadera Kannon in Nagoya city

13/10/2025

When visiting temples or shrines in Japan, please remember that these are sacred places. Any behavior that shows disrespect — such as touching sacred objects, entering restricted areas, or making noise — can be seen as both culturally offensive and legally punishable under Japanese law (Article 188 of the Penal Code).

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Hidden Temple in Nagoya city

Kasadera Kannon is a historic temple located in the Minami Ward of Nagoya. It’s a beloved local landmark with deep roots in the area’s history. While it may not be a top recommendation for short-term visitors to Nagoya, it’s definitely a spot that residents can enjoy exploring. I’ll be introducing this temple along with some photos I took, to give you a better idea of what it’s like.

笠寺観音鐘楼 — The bell tower designated as a Cultural Property of Aichi Prefecture

According to the temple’s historical records, Kasadera Kannon was founded in the year 733. Despite being cherished by the local community, Kasadera Kannon has faced the threat of abandonment several times in the past. Each time, however, donors emerged to help preserve it. The bell tower on the temple grounds was built in 1238 during the temple’s revival, initiated by a local monk. It is now designated as a Cultural Property of Aichi Prefecture.

The building known as the Tahōtō (a pagoda-style structure) is believed to have been constructed in the 1640s.

The main gate, established around 1820, is not currently facing the main street. It features beautiful wooden construction with intricate carvings.

I took a photo of the main hall from the main gate. Although Kasadera Kannon has a long history, it’s not a particularly popular tourist spot, so it’s usually not very crowded. The only other notable place to visit nearby is Kasadera Park, which is about a 10-minute walk from the temple. Exploring both the temple grounds and the park makes for a pleasant 1-2 hour stroll.