Hozenji-Yokocho Alley Tours and Activities

Hozenji-Yokocho Alley showing street scenes
Hozenji-Yokocho Alley
Hozenji-Yokocho Alley showing a temple or place of worship
Hozenji-Yokocho Alley showing interior views and a temple or place of worship
Hozenji-Yokocho Alley which includes street scenes


Escape modern Osaka and venture into this narrow cobbled alley lined with traditional wood-fronted restaurants and a temple famed for its deity covered in moss.

In the midst of the neon lights of central Osaka, Hozenji-Yokocho Alley is a peaceful throwback to times past. At one end of the long, narrow alley is the temple of the same name, where worshippers come to seek luck from the statue of Fudo Myoo, one of the important deities of Japanese Buddhism. Wander along the traditional alley to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a meal or a drink in one of the restaurants and cafés occupying the Old World wooden buildings.

Venture just off the pulsing sidewalk near the Dotombori Bridge, with its flashing lights and throngs of people, to discover a little haven of calm. At the far end stands the Hozenji-Yokocho Temple, a small place of worship which has received great fame throughout Japan as a place of luck. During World War II, the original temple was destroyed and subsequently rebuilt, but a small statue of Fudo Myoo survived the devastation. According to legend, a woman once poured water over the statue instead of throwing coins, as was customary. The statue grew a green layer of moss and now all worshippers pour a cup of water over the deity as they make their prayers to ensure it stays blanketed in green.

Visit the temple at night to witness the regular release of dozens of paper lanterns. The golden glow of the lanterns flickering in the night sky above the temple is a beautiful sight.

Wander along Hozenji-Yokocho Alley to experience the Osaka of bygone days. Despite being just 260 feet (80 meters) long and less than 9 feet (3 meters) wide, it is somehow filled with over 60 traditional shops, restaurants and izakaya(Japanese gastropubs). Some of these little dining spots have become quite famous. Try dishes such as katsudon (rice and pork cutlet) and okonomiyaki(traditional savory pancakes).

Hozenji-Yokocho Alley is in the Dotombori district, a short walk from the Dotombori Bridge. Walk here in less than 10 minutes from the Namba subway station of the Kintetsu railway. Admission to the alley and the temple is free. The temple is open all the time.

Plan a trip to see Hozenji-Yokocho Alley

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
KABIN Kyoto
MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST
Premium Apart MONday KYOTO GOJO

Tours & day trips

See all 377 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 141 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 108 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 13 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Hozenji-Yokocho Alley

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower

3 out of 5
1-2-13 Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba

Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba

3 out of 5
Nanba Chuou-ku 2-chome 3 -9, Osaka, Osaka
Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba

Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba

3.5 out of 5
1-1-13 Nipponbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba
Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi

Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi

3 out of 5
2-4-10, Minami-Senba, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
Swissotel Nankai Osaka

Swissotel Nankai Osaka

5 out of 5
5-1-60 Namba Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
Swissotel Nankai Osaka
Cross Hotel Osaka

Cross Hotel Osaka

4 out of 5
2-5-15 Shinsaibashi-suji, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
Cross Hotel Osaka
Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

4 out of 5
1-2-3 Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka
Hotel Forza Osaka Namba Dotonbori

Hotel Forza Osaka Namba Dotonbori

3 out of 5
3f 1-4-22 Dotonbori, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Hotel Forza Osaka Namba Dotonbori
Acro Capsule Hotel Namba Dotonbori

Acro Capsule Hotel Namba Dotonbori

2 out of 5
Chuo Ward Dotonbori 2-chome-2-20, Osaka, Osaka
Acro Capsule Hotel Namba Dotonbori
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Hozenji-Yokocho Alley

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Hozenji-Yokocho Alley in Osaka, where you can enjoy popular activities like shopping, theatre, and local entertainment. Don't miss the chance to visit the historic Hozenji Temple, stroll through the charming alley, and soak in the unique sights of this iconic Japanese hotspot. It's an ideal spot for those seeking an authentic sightseeing experience in Japan.

Shopping

Hozenji-Yokocho Alley offers a charming shopping experience with nearby Dotonbori (161m) for family vibes, Kuromon Ichiba Market (483m) for local goods, and Nipponbashi (1.1km) for entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore even more shopping options throughout Osaka.

Recreation

Kyocera Dome Osaka, located 3.2km from Hozenji-Yokocho Alley, offers an energetic sports atmosphere perfect for active visitors. Spa World, just 1.6km away, invites you to unwind with its luxurious treatments. For family-friendly fun, Namba Grand Kagetsu Theater, only 0.3.2km away, showcases delightful comedy performances.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Dekapathos, a vibrant waterpark located 20.9km from Hozenji-Yokocho Alley, perfect for family fun and adventure. For a scenic hike, explore the Tokai Nature Trail - West Starting Point, 20.9km away, where breathtaking views await. Enjoy family-friendly excitement at Nishiina Park, only 16.1km distant.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Hozenji-Yokocho Alley with nearby venues like the National Bunraku Theater, showcasing traditional Japanese puppetry, and the Osaka Shinkabukiza Theater offering captivating performances. For a taste of culture and romance, head to Festival Hall for an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Hozenji-Yokocho Alley

Hozenji-Yokocho Alley in Osaka is a charming area rich in culture, featuring attractions such as the famous Hozenji Temple and Hozenji Yokocho Street. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, this historic alley offers a delightful blend of urban parks and traditional shrines. Don't miss the chance to visit Hozenji Temple, where you can immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and explore the unique local heritage.

  • Universal Studios Japan: Experience the thrill of a world-class theme park featuring attractions based on popular movies. With exciting rides and immersive experiences, it's perfect for families and entertainment seekers looking for a fun-filled day.
  • Osaka Castle: Step into history at this iconic castle, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. The romantic vibe and cultural significance make it a must-visit, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
  • Osaka Castle Park: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this serene private garden adjacent to the castle. With its historical charm and friendly atmosphere, it's a great place to relax, take photos, and appreciate nature amidst the city's hustle.

Best time to go to Hozenji-Yokocho Alley

Visitor numbers around Hozenji-Yokocho Alley is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Hozenji-Yokocho Alley is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May65.1°F (18.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.0°F (22.2°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July79.3°F (26.3°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August81.9°F (27.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September75.2°F (24.0°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hozenji-Yokocho Alley

When visiting Hozenji-Yokocho Alley in Osaka, consider saving by exploring nearby free attractions like Nipponbashi, Kuromon Ichiba Market, and the Dotonbori Glico Sign. The best months for budget-friendly accommodation are January to February and September, while Tuesdays typically offer the lowest hotel rates. For better deals, book about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute discounts. Combine hotel and flight bookings for additional savings, and use the price filter to find the best offers. Remember, Saturdays are the priciest days to stay!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hozenji-Yokocho Alley are January to February and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Hozenji-Yokocho Alley about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Hozenji-Yokocho Alley is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Hozenji-Yokocho Alley is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Hozenji-Yokocho Alley with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.