Oct 27, 2013 - 1 min read

Hozenji Yokocho

Remnants of Edo in Dotonbori

By John Carter

Community writer

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The streets of Hozenji Yokocho soon fades off into the modern metropolis of Osaka

The lanterns of the shrine illuminate the cobblestones at night at Hozenji Yokocho between Nanba and Dotonbori

A visitor prays to Fudo-myo and covers the statue with water following the tradition

I curiously wondered what was behind this door

When the water runs out you must fetch more from this pump so the next person can pray

Religious seals line the beams of the Hozenji Yokocho temple between Dotonbori and Nanba

Getting drawn to the neon glow of Dotonbori like moths to a flame is all too easy. The seemingly infinite shops and restaurants make a great tourist destination but the modern buildings weren't always here. Located down a narrow side street a piece of Osaka’s history still lingers. Hozenji Yokocho is a small slice of Edo lined on each side by shops and restaurants of the modern era. Famous for its moss-covered statue of Fudo-myo (the god of mercy) the area can be seen in minutes from north to south but is worth every second. Illuminated by lanterns at night the area has a personality much different from its surroundings and offers a small respite from the bustling city around you. I made my way there from Hotel Kuramoto after a 10-minute walk and spent some time enjoying what remains of the Osaka of old.