Temple & shrine · Osaka
Hozenji Yokocho
法善寺横丁
Hozenji is a small temple hidden just off Dotonbori, and Hozenji Yokocho is the stone-paved alley beside it. The temple moved here from Uji in 1637. It burned in the war, but its statue of Fudo Myoo survived, and people have splashed it with water as they pray ever since. Today it is covered head to toe in thick green moss.
The two narrow lanes of Hozenji Yokocho, about 80 metres long, are lined with old-style restaurants and bars under paper lanterns. It is a short step from the neon of Namba, but it feels like old Osaka, especially in the evening.
What to see and do
Ladle water over the moss-covered statue and make a wish. It is a custom that began after the war.
A lantern-lit lane of small restaurants, from fine kappo to okonomiyaki.
The temple can be visited any time, and the alley is at its most atmospheric after dark.
Good to know
- Use the ladle gently and pour water on the statue; don't scrub the moss.
- Some restaurants in the alley are small and popular; book ahead for dinner.
More art nearby
Mc681 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsNational Bunraku Theatre
Bunraku puppet theatre was born in Osaka and is on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage list. Three puppeteers move each puppet together.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsOsaka Shochikuza
Kabuki and big stage shows on Dotonbori, behind a 1923 arched facade.
Mc681 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsDoguyasuji kitchen street
A covered street of chef’s tools, lanterns and the plastic food samples you see in every restaurant window.
Dotonbori signs
The Glico Running Man has glowed here since 1935, next to giant crabs and pufferfish. Advertising as folk art.