10 days in Japan - 10/29/2022 to 11/7/2022

Day 4- Hozen-Ji temple, Namba-Osaka-11/1/22

We got off Umeda station and headed to Hozenji Temple, located in the back street of Namba neighborhood and really close to the busy Dotonbori area.

Hozenji Temple is known for the mossy "Mizukake Fudo-son" Buddhist statue and the streets of "Hozenji Yokocho".

Among the hustle and bustle of Osaka’s renowned shopping and foodie street, Dotonbori, lies a cobblestone alleyway, Hozenji Yokocho, that leads visitors into old Japan. On the far western end of the alley stands the small, yet locally cherished Hozenji Temple. This Buddhist temple, built in 1637, is dedicated to Fudo Myoo, one of the five wisdom kings. During the 17th century, the temple played host to rakugo storytelling and stage performances in the up-and-coming entertainment district.

Hozenji was originally a temple built in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture in the late 1620s and early 1630s, and was relocated to its current location in 1637. Hozenji Temple is now located at the center of Hozenji Yokocho, with its entrance marked by the wooden gates labeled "Hozenji."

This Buddhist temple has the reputation to help fostering prosperity, professional success, and love.

People praying and paying respect to Mizukake Fudo

The original buildings were all destroyed during World War II bombings, except for a statue of Fudo Myoo, one of the Five Wisdom Kings of Buddhism. The statue was nicknamed Mizukake Fudo ("Water-splattered Fudo") as there is a custom to splash some water on it after praying. Locals as well as visitors happily give into this ritual, and consequently help maintaining the moss covering that smoothens the aspect of Fudo, usually appearing wrathful and menacing

Huge incense holder.

Praying hall

We passed by Hozenji Yokocho which is a small street with lots of small restaurants.

We are now headed to Hozenji Yokocho street.

Lots of shops and restaurants lined up the street.

A red lantern hanging outside the entrance of a restaurant.

We are now headed to Dotonbori area and walking through the smallest alley in Osaka.

The alley is really narrow and illuminated with lots of lanterns.

The alley is really narrow and illuminated with lots of lanterns.

There are also lots of paintings hanging along the walls.

A picture of how this area used to look like.

Cartoons and maps.

I am not sure what these are, perhaps some type of map.

Jazz became popular in Japan

Toward the end of the alley is the super busy Dotonbori area.

View of the alley from Dotonbori street.  The alley is right in the middle and there is no way you can find it just walking by.

NEXT.... Day 4-Osaka-Dontobori