Hozenji Yokocho

Overview

Hozenji Yokocho is a charming narrow alleyway in Osaka, known for its traditional atmosphere with a moss-covered Buddha statue and a variety of small restaurants and bars. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a taste of old Osaka.

Hozenji Yokocho is a well-preserved example of traditional Osaka, offering a glimpse into the past amidst the modern cityscape.

Historical Cultural Dining

Location

Address

1 Chome-1-6 Nanba, Chuo, Osaka

Neighborhood: Namba

Coordinates

34.674900, 135.502400

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday All day

tuesday All day

wednesday All day

thursday All day

friday All day

saturday All day

sunday All day

Admission

Adults

Free

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October-November

Best Time of Day

Evening

Lively atmosphere with illuminated lanterns

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

30 minutes

Recommended

2 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild and pleasant

• Cherry blossoms
• Traditional festivals

summer

Hot and humid

• Summer festivals (matsuri)
• Outdoor dining

autumn

Cool and comfortable

• Autumn foliage
• Seasonal food and drinks

winter

Cold and possibly rainy

• Holiday illuminations
• Winter food and drinks

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

No entry fee
Open to public
Check weather forecast

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Cash for small restaurants Camera

seasonal

Sunscreen (summer) Warm hat and gloves (winter)

not allowed

Drones Loud music or noise

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low

• Uneven pavement
• Crowded spaces

Medical facilities: Nearest hospital: Osaka City General Hospital (3 km away)

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards (in some places)

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Typical Costs

food $10-$30

souvenirs $5-$20

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones, Comfortable, flat shoes, Revealing clothing (for temples)

Booking Tips

• Not required for entry, but recommended for restaurants
• Local tourism websites or apps
• Depends on the restaurant or tour
• Not applicable

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Osaka Infomation Navigation

Size: 50 MB

Features: Maps, Event information, Restaurant recommendations

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Limited availability, mostly in nearby cafes and restaurants

Charging Stations: Limited, mostly in cafes and restaurants

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Distance: 45 km

Travel Time: 60 minutes

taxi

$100 60 min

public_transport

$10 75 min

From City Center

Distance: 2 km

subway

$2 10 min

bus

$2 15 min

taxi

$10 5 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Preserves the old charm of Osaka, offers a variety of local food and drinks, and is a great place to relax and socialize

Historical Significance: The alley dates back to the Edo period and has been well-preserved, offering a glimpse into the past

Insider Tips

Visit during the day to appreciate the moss and alley details, and return in the evening for the magical lantern-lit atmosphere
Some restaurants may not have English menus, so pointing or using translation apps can help

Local Recommendations

• Try takoyaki (octopus balls) at a street vendor
• Visit nearby Dotonbori for more food and entertainment
• Ask locals for recommendations on hidden gems in the alley

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Konnichiwa

thank_you Arigato gozaimasu

where_is Doko desu ka

how_much Ikura desu ka

beautiful Kirei desu

ticket Kippu

Guide Languages: Japanese, English, Some Chinese and Korean

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Moss-covered Buddha statue

Best Time: Evening with lanterns

Tips: Low angle for the statue, wide angle for the alley

Result: Magical atmosphere with illuminated lanterns

#HozenjiYokocho #Osaka #Japan #Travel

Photography Rules

allowed areas Alleyway, restaurants, and shops

prohibited areas Inside private establishments without permission

flash photography Allowed in most places, but be considerate

commercial photography Permit may be needed for professional shoots

drone policy Prohibited without permission

tripod policy Allowed, but be mindful of crowds

selfie sticks Allowed, but use responsibly

Nearby Attractions

Dotonbori

Distance: 200m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Entertainment district

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Shopping

Amerikamura

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Shopping and entertainment

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Distance: 1km

Walking: 12 min

Type: Food market

Reviews

4.6

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit in the evening for the lanterns"
"Try local street food"
"Don't miss the moss-covered Buddha statue"

Contact Information

+81 6-6211-1001 (Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau)

info@osaka-info.jp

https://www.osaka-info.jp

Social Media

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