A complete guide to Katsuoji temple in Osaka
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Overview
Katsuoji is an interesting, fun, and beautiful temple located next to Minoh Falls in northern Osaka. It's an incredible and unique temple that features thousands of daruma dolls that are claimed to increase your chances of winning. The word "Katsu" in the context of the temple's name refers to winning, people then buy the dolls hoping to obtain "winner's luck", and if their wish is fulfilled the daruma are returned to the temple grounds.
Along with the daruma dolls, Katsuoji also features a misty koi pond decorated using a fog machine, a two-story pagoda, a nice viewpoint, and hundreds of maple trees. It becomes especially popular during November as it's one of the most beautiful temples in Kansai for viewing the autumn leaves.
Table of Contents
Location & Access
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Katsuoji is a little out of the way as it requires a bus connection from Minoh-kayano Station, but it's well worth the effort. Total travel time from Osaka is about 1 hour, or 1.5 hours from Kyoto. It's located in Minoh Park, which is famous for the 33-meter-high Minoh Falls and contains some small hiking trails. If you include a visit to Minoh Park there is a trail that connects the falls to Katsuoji which takes about 40 minutes to hike.
🕗 Opening Hours
8am - 5pm (6pm on Sundays & Holidays)
🍁 Autumn Leaf Illumination
Early to Late-November: 6pm - 8:30pm
📍 Location
Minoh Park, Osaka (Google Maps)
💴 Entry Price
Normal Period: ¥500 per person
⛩️ Kyoto
2 Trains + 1 Bus: Approx. 1.5 hours
🏯 Osaka
Train + Bus: Approx. 1 hour
Seasons
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
🌸 Cherry Blossoms
Early April
🍁 Autumn Leaves
Katsuoji autumn leaves usually reach their peak around mid-November
☀️ Summer
June - August
Alpine roses and hydrangeas
Average temp. 32°C
❄️ Winter
December - February
Snowfall: 1-3 times per year
Interesting Facts & History
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Although its origins date back as far as 765, the temple was burned down in 1184.
The temple grounds as we know them today were built in 1603 at the start of the Edo period.
The thousands of daruma dolls found throughout the temple symbolise good luck.
Each doll at the temple represents someone's goal or wish that has come true.
Daruma dolls at Katsuoji are specifically intended to increase your chances of winning.
How To Use Daruma Dolls
Start by inscribing your goal on the base of the doll and noting the steps you’ll take on its back. Say a prayer, then paint the right eye while focusing on your goal. Take the daruma home and place it in a visible spot to keep you motivated. Once your goal is reached, paint the left eye and return the daruma to the temple.
Nearby Attractions
Image Copyright: Ollie Ronin
Katsuoji is located next to Minoh Park which is popular for small hiking trails, autumn leaves, and the 33-meter-high Minoh Falls. It's a great combination for a day of sightseeing, the falls are a 40-minute hike from the entrance to Minoh Park, and Katsuoji is a 40-minute hike from the falls.
