Hozenji Yokocho
About Hozenji Yokocho
Slip back in time to the Edo Period in this beautiful alleyway filled with traditional restaurants and shops.
With a wonderful Edo Period atmosphere and more than 60 traditional shops and restaurants, Hozenji Yokocho is one of the most beautiful - and most often overlooked - alleyways in Osaka.
The narrow stone-panel alley next to Dotonbori Street feels like stepping back in time, made even more stark by the carnival atmosphere of Dotonbori! Along the 80m street that leads to the Hozenji Temple, you will find restaurants and bars offering a wide range of dishes. Although many “Yokocho” alleys can be a bit shabby or unruly, Hozenji Yokocho is much more sophisticated while still offering friendly service and excellent local dishes.
Many of the restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, however the alley is particularly beautiful at night when it is illuminated by rows of swinging lanterns.
Once part of a much larger area, many stalls and teahouses were set up to sell food and drink to pilgrims visiting the nearby temple. Over time, the area become a popular for food and entertainment. However, the area was largely destroyed during World War II, with the statue at the temple being the only religious artefacts to survive.