Visit Japan Web Hozenji Temple
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Hozenji Temple. Built in 1637, it is dedicated to Fudo Myoo, one of the five guardians of Buddhism. During the 1600s, Namba and the surrounding area of Dotonbori flourished as a center for entertainment, hosting kabuki and bunraku performances. The temple itself accommodated the performing arts, featuring traditional rakugo storytelling and stage plays on-site.
Today, visitors can explore Hozenji Temple and experience traditional culture, offering a glimpse into Osaka’s history at Hozenji Yokocho. The temple is renowned for its statue of Fudo Myoo, affectionately known as Mizukake Fudo by the locals. As per tradition, visitors can splash the statue with water for good luck, evident from the moss covering the statue due to thousands of visitors pouring water over it.
After visiting the temple, wander the narrow alley of Hozenji Yokocho. Here, you’ll encounter quaint shops and restaurants that recall the Osaka of several centuries ago. Taste teppanyaki and other local specialties. Try modanyaki, a spinoff of Osaka’s famous savory pancakes known as okonomiyaki, at Yakizen.
Hozenji Temple is centrally located and serves as a starting point to your Osaka adventures. Plan a day shopping in the nearby stores, or spend a night out visiting surrounding attractions such as the Dotonbori Bridge and Ura-Namba.
Hozenji is best to visit early in the morning or in the evening. In particular, the temple comes alive in the early evening hours, when the calm glow from the traditional lanterns casts a warm shade of orange across the narrow alley and temple grounds. Hozenji Temple provides the perfect momentary escape from the loud city life.
