Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market | Review by wendy

Tucked away in Osaka’s bustling Namba district, Hozenji Yokocho is a retro alley that feels instantly removed from the noise outside. It has winding stone-paved paths, nostalgic Japanese-style shops, and red lanterns glowing on both sides, creating a distinctly Japanese atmosphere.

The alley is home to the famous Mizukake Fudo Myoo statue. Many people come to splash water on it and pray for good fortune. Over the years, the statue has become covered in lush green moss, creating a very unique sight.

I personally recommend visiting at night! After dark, the lanterns and shop lights illuminate the entire alley. Together with the old-fashioned stone pavement, they create an especially charming atmosphere. It’s a great place to take a leisurely walk, snap some photos, and experience a different side of Osaka away from its busy shopping districts.

The area mainly has restaurants, izakayas, and distinctive little shops. The attraction itself is small, so you don’t need to set aside much time. You can easily combine it with a visit to Dotonbori and Ebisubashisuji Shopping Street.

If you're visiting Osaka on your own and want to eat seafood and explore a market, Kuromon Market is another attraction that many tourists include in their itinerary! Known as “Osaka’s Kitchen,” Kuromon Market offers all kinds of seafood, wagyu beef, fruit, and seasonal ingredients. Along the way, you'll see plenty of freshly cut seafood, grilled seafood, and various snacks. You can eat as you walk and take in the lively market atmosphere.

However, after actually walking around, I felt that there really were a lot of tourists, especially visitors from other parts of Asia. Quite a few of the shops are also run by Chinese people, so the whole place feels very touristy.

Compared with Tokyo's Tsukiji Market, I personally think prices at Kuromon Market are a little lower, but they're still generally tourist prices. If you want a good deal, I recommend comparing several shops before buying instead of immediately purchasing something as soon as it catches your eye!

If it's your first time in Osaka, it's still worth stopping by to walk around, see the market, eat some seafood, and experience Osaka's lively everyday atmosphere. But if you're expecting the feel of a traditional local market, you may need to adjust your expectations a little!

If you’re visiting Osaka and are interested in Japan’s Sengoku period, consider stopping by Sanko Shrine! It has deep ties to the famous Sengoku-era warrior Sanada Yukimura and is also one of the stops on the Osaka Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage. The shrine sits on a small hill on Mount Sanada, surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere. Inside, you can see a statue of Sanada Yukimura, and the place is filled with historical stories and Sengoku-era character.

Sanko Shrine has a long history and is said to have been founded in ancient times. It was once called Himeyama Shrine, but later became widely known as Sanko Shrine because of its location in the Mount Sanada area. Although the shrine isn’t large, it has a unique historical charm. Walk inside to pay your respects and see the statue while experiencing a different side of Osaka in the tranquil surroundings.

If you’re interested in Sanada Yukimura or Japan’s Sengoku period, I highly recommend adding this spot to your historical tour of Osaka!