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Hozen-ji Temple: A Moss-Covered Oasis in Dotonbori

Find serenity and good luck at Hozen-ji Temple, a moss-covered gem hidden in Osaka's vibrant Dotonbori district.

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Escape the vibrant chaos of Dotonbori at Hozen-ji Temple, a small Buddhist sanctuary established in 1637. Known for its moss-covered Fudo Myoo statue, lovingly called 'Mizukake Fudo,' visitors splash water on the deity for good luck, creating a unique and serene atmosphere.

A brief summary to Hozen-ji Temple

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or during the evening to avoid crowds and experience the temple's peaceful atmosphere.
  • Bring a small towel to dry your hands after splashing water on the Mizukake Fudo statue.
  • Explore Hozenji Yokocho for a taste of traditional Osaka cuisine and a glimpse into the past.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Hozen-ji Temple is easily accessible on foot from Dotonbori Bridge. Walk south into the covered shopping arcade towards Namba. Turn left at the intersection near the Bookoff bookstore and ABC Mart shoe store. Continue walking one block to reach the temple.

  • Public Transport

    The closest stations to Hozen-ji Temple are Namba Station (various lines) and Nippombashi Station (Sakaisuji and Sennichimae Lines). From either station, it's a short walk to Dotonbori, then follow the walking directions. Subway fares in Osaka vary based on distance, with a typical short trip costing around ¥190-¥240 for adults. An ICOCA card can be used for convenient payment on subways and buses.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Osaka. The temple is located a short taxi ride from major transportation hubs like Shin-Osaka Station or Osaka Station. A 5km taxi ride in Osaka will cost approximately ¥2,680. Note that fares increase by 20% for nighttime journeys between 10 PM and 5 AM.

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Discover more about Hozen-ji Temple

Nestled in the heart of Osaka's bustling Minami district, Hozen-ji Temple offers a tranquil escape from the surrounding energy of Dotonbori and Namba. Founded in 1637 during the Kanei period, the temple was once a hub for performing arts, hosting rakugo storytelling and stage plays. Although much of the temple was destroyed during World War II, the beloved Fudo Myoo statue miraculously survived. Today, Hozen-ji is best known for this statue, now completely covered in moss due to the tradition of visitors splashing water on it while making a wish. This practice has earned it the nickname 'Mizukake Fudo'. The act of splashing water on the statue is believed to bring good luck, and the lush green moss adds to the temple's unique and spiritual ambiance. Adjacent to the temple is Hozenji Yokocho, a narrow cobblestone alleyway filled with traditional restaurants and bars. The alley evokes the atmosphere of old Osaka, offering a culinary journey through local specialties like teppanyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushiage. Lanterns illuminate the alleyway in the evening, creating a magical atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. Hozenji Yokocho gained fame from Sakunosuke Oda's 1940 novel, 'Meoto Zenzai'.

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