Hidden Shrines of Osaka - Hozenji Yokocho

A quaint hidden little shrine in the middle of Namba district in Osaka city centre, this is one of the nicest shrines I have ever seen and a lovely place to stop for a prayer or a moment of stillness, whatever faith you belong to.

In the magical Edo-period atmosphere, the temple displays a statue of the Buddhist deity Fudo, the kami of fury, entirely covered in a coat of moss kept alive and lush by the constant splashing of water the visitors to the temple throw at the statue to wish for good luck and protection from evil.