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Home Japan Travel Guide Osaka Attractions

        Hozenji Yokocho

        Hozenji Yokocho refers to two alleys located on the west of the Hozen Temple. The alley is about 80 meters (262 feet) long and 3 meters (9.8 feet) wide and paved with slabstones. You can taste the varied Osaka snacks, like Oshiruko and Okonomiyaki. In addition, the best time to visit Hozenji Yokocho is at night when the traditional lanterns are lit and create antique atmosphere.
        Visitors in the alley of Hozenji Yokocho
        Hozenji Yokocho Alley

        Top Things to Do in Hozenji Yokocho

        Pay Homage to Acala Buddha in the Hozen Temple

        Hozen Temple was established in 1637, and the Acala statue with moss is the icon of the temple. The traditional way to pay homage is to find the Acala statue, then make a wish and pour water on it. The moss on the statue is the result of constant watering. A temple fair is held on the 28th of every month from 19:00 to 20:30 to eliminate disasters and gain happiness. Besides, the lanterns on the temple will be lit on the night, and you can conduct a night visit. 

        Hozen Temple

        Gate of Hozen Temple
        Gate of Hozen Temple

        Eat Oshiruko in Meoto Zenzai

        Oshiruko refers to red bean and rice cake soup, which tastes sweet. Meoto Zenzai is a well-known store that specializes in Oshiruko in Osaka, and it was established in 1883. The famous Japanese author Sakunosuke Oda even recorded the store in his novel “Meoto Zenzai”. In the store, each serve of red bean soup is offered in two small bowls, which means that couples who enjoy it together will gain happiness. If a single person eats two bowls alone, it indicates that he or she may well soon meet the other half. The price of each serve of Oshiruko is about 800 yen, and the store is open from 10:00 to 22:00.

        Taste Okonomiyaki with Osaka Flavor 

        Okonomiyaki is a kind of traditional Osaka snack made of egg, flour, varied shredded vegetables, and seafood. Theses food is mixed up with a special sauce and fried on an iron plate. Here are some recommended stores:
        1. Hozenji-yokocho Yakizen: Yokochoyaki is the speciality of the store, and you can taste Okonomiyaki with different fillings and flavors. The store provides an English menu, and it is generally open from 11:30 to 15:00 and from 17:00 to 22:30. During the weekends and holidays, it is open from 11:30 to 22:30. Closing day is Wednesday.

        2. Houzenji Sanpei: The store has more than 40 years of history, and Okonomiyaki with Onion, konjac, and sinew is the specialty of the store. It is open from 17:00 to 23:00 and closed on Tuesdays.

        3. Honke Otako Hozenji: Takoyaki is a popular product in the store, and you also can taste fried noodles. It is open from 11:30 to 23:00.

        Customers before a ramen restaurant
        Ramen Restaurant

        Japanese Izakaya
        Japanese Izakaya

        Enjoy Sake in the Japanese Izakaya

        Sake is a kind of Japanese rice wine, and the average alcohol is about 15 proof. Here are some recommended sake stores:
        1. Okazuizakaya Ku: The store provides hand-made side dishes and varied sake, like sweet potato shochu, barley shochu, and draft beer. It is open from 17:30 to 24:00 and closed on Thursdays. 

        2. Robatayaki Mizukakechaya: Seared scallops with butter are the highlight of the store, about 300 yen per serve. Besides, it provides a variety of wines, and the majority of wine is sold at about 330 yen. It is open from 16:00 to 23:00.

        Recommended Visit Time

        About 30 minutes. 

        How to Get to Hozenji Yokocho

        1. Take Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, and get off at Namba Station, then walk for about 5 minutes. 
        2. Take Kintetsu Nara Line, and get off at Kintetsu Nippombashi Station, then walk for about 5 minutes. 

        3. Take the Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line or Sakaisuji Line, and get off at Nihombashi Station or Namba Station, then walk for about 5 minutes.


        Nearby Attractions within Walking Distance

        1. Dotonbori is next to Hozenji Yokocho, and it is one of the busiest shopping streets with varied gourmet stores decorated with huge brands. Besides, you can take the cruise to appreciate the night view of Dotonbori. 

        2. Shinsaibashi is a popular high-end shopping street, lined with department stores, restaurants, and makeup shops. 

        3. Kuromon Market, known as the “kitchen of Osaka”, is a famous seafood market that sells fresh seafood and rich Osaka snacks. You can visit about 150 stores in the market.


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