The last time we were in Japan we wanted to make sure we saw things that were as close to our hostel as possible. Chanda really wanted to visit a few temples that were too far away to visit on that trip, but we were lucky enough to find Hozenji temple on a sidestreet in Dotonbori.
Considering the size, we weren’t expecting much but this temple was very quaint and exceeded our expectations.
When we walked through the temple gate we felt a hush fall around us. Dotonbori is a very busy place, but Hozenji temple was a calm in the storm of noise. Everyone was quietly walking around and respecting the temple customs and despite the small size, we all were able to walk around without feeling crowded.
We decide to write down a wish on one of the Ema. If you want to gain the full temple experience we suggest writing a wish or prayer, even if you don’t believe in it. It will help fund the temple and give back to the community that you are visiting. Each Ema costs 300¥ ( $3.00 USD) but you can give more as a donation to the temple. We like to donate money to the temples we visit because they are important cultural sites and we gain from them spiritually as well.
The last portion of the temple we visited was the moss-covered Buddha. We typically visit the Buddha last on our temple visit because it feels like the culmination of the visit. The Buddha is flanked by two smaller statues that are said to be a male and female couple. They are covered in moss because each devotee pours water over them after they have prayed.
This is definitely one of the most unique Buddhas we have seen. It felt very mystical and earthy to see the moss covering the statues and stonework, and it also made us think about how significant this Buddha is to the local people. The moss covers every space of the statues which shows how often the locals have and continue to come to pray. As we were leaving we stopped to watch a woman as she prayed earnestly. We could see her devotion and it showed us how this statue is more than a statue for those who believe. It represents protection and help in a time of need. If you are ever in Dontonbori visit this small bit of zen in the city.
Click the link to see Hozenji temple → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=918YkyRWtGs
Manda's Wanderland 
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