Temple · Namba / Dotonbori
Hozenji Temple (Mizukake Fudo) 法善寺（水掛不動）
A tiny temple in the backstreets of Namba where a statue of Fudo Myoo has been splashed with water by worshippers for so long it is completely covered in thick green moss, lit by lanterns at night.
About
Hozenji was founded in the 17th century and was once a large temple, but the 1945 air raids destroyed almost everything except the stone statue of Fudo Myoo, the fierce wisdom king. A worshipper once poured water over it while praying, a custom took hold, and today people ladle water over the statue constantly, so it is clad in a shaggy layer of moss that makes it one of Osaka's most memorable sights. The temple sits off Hozenji Yokocho, a narrow stone-paved alley of old restaurants and bars a few steps from the neon of Dotonbori, which is especially atmospheric after dark when the paper lanterns glow. Small shrines in the precinct honour Kongo Doji and Kannon, and there is a statue of Fudo with the god of love. It is free and always open.
Highlights
- Mizukake Fudo, the water-splashed statue covered in thick green moss
- Lantern-lit at night, steps from the Dotonbori neon
- Hozenji Yokocho stone alley next door
- Open 24 hours and free
Tips
- Take water from the basin with the ladle and pour gently over the statue, then pray; it is fine for visitors to join in.
- Visit after dark for the lanterns, then walk Hozenji Yokocho for an okonomiyaki dinner.
- Do not touch the moss or lean on the railing.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
Save Hozenji Temple (Mizukake Fudo) to your trip, see reviews and photos from travelers, and get directions.
Open in the appNearby
- Meoto ZenzaiCafé & Sweets · 20 m away
- Kamigata Ukiyoe MuseumArt & Exhibits · 40 m away
- Hozenji YokochoIzakaya · 40 m away
- Ukiyo-koji AlleyPhoto Spot · 70 m away
- Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M Hozenji YokochoRestaurant · 70 m away
- Arabiya CoffeeCafé & Sweets · 70 m away
- Junkissa AmericanCafé & Sweets · 70 m away
- Dotonbori Imai HontenRestaurant · 90 m away