Hozenji Yokocho

The Hozenji Yokocho is a wonderful area almost hidden in the back alleys across from Ebisubashisuji, but giving you the opportunity to see and feel something special while in Osaka.

The alleyway is one of the most interesting of the many in the Osaka area.
There are two alleys, 80m in length and about 3m in width, lined with bars, okonomiyaki stores, Fried Gushi stick restaurants, and much more.
The alleyway started along the path to the Hozenji Temple.
The original stores and temple were burned down during the bombings of WWII, but were quickly rebuilt.
The area is the setting for a famous novel by Sakunosuke Oda named “Meoto Zenzai.” The story was later turned into an award winning film and is about the relationship of a local Osaka girl and a spoiled man set in the alleys around Hozenji Temple.

A moss covered Fudo Buddhist statue that survived the WWII bombings is a popular Power Spot, and is now visited by people looking to have they prayers answered.

Each person makes their wish and pours some water over the statue, creating the perfect conditions to grow the moss over this icon of Osaka.
It is said that the poured water carries your wishes, and when they eventually flow out through the moss your wish will come true.
This is a place where people to come to find help and guidance through the hard times in their lives.
The statue is rumored to have a handsome face, but is heavily covered in moss so we may never know.

Come share your troubles while imagining the face of the enshrined god below at this hidden Osaka gem.