When you think of Osaka, what comes to mind? Maybe the sizzling street food of Dotonbori, the towering grandeur of Osaka Castle, or the thrills of Universal Studios Japan. But beyond the city’s hustle and neon lights, there’s a peaceful mountain temple waiting to be discovered.
If you’re looking for a hidden gem—not the most famous, but breathtakingly beautiful and deeply spiritual—this is the place for you. Let’s explore it together!
Osaka Right Now!
Right now, Osaka is in most beautiful season. The autumn leaves are turning brilliant shades of red and gold, painting the city in warm, glowing colors. The air is crisp but not too cold—perfect for exploring temples, parks, and hidden alleys.
Getting here is easy, too! From Tokyo, it takes just about two and a half hours by Shinkansen (bullet train). Once you arrive, you’ll find that Osaka is incredibly convenient to get around, with a well-connected train system that makes every corner of the city accessible.
And of course, there’s the food. From sizzling takoyaki on street corners to rich, savory bowls of ramen, Osaka is a paradise for food lovers. Actually, I live in Osaka now, but I’m originally from Hokkaido—and I was truly surprised when I first tried okonomiyaki here. It’s completely different from the versions in other regions. Osaka-style okonomiyaki is incredibly fluffy and savory. It’s packed with sliced cabbage, but you don’t feel the crunch—it’s creamy and soft, almost like a savory pancake! If you visit Osaka, you absolutely have to try it at least once!
Katsuo-ji Temple: A Place of Peace, Perseverance, and Thousands of Daruma Dolls
Katsuo-ji Temple is a peaceful place hidden in the forested hills of Minoh City, just outside Osaka. It’s known as the “Temple of Victory,” and people have been coming here to pray for success and strength for over 1,300 years.
What makes Katsuo-ji truly unforgettable is its thousands of red Daruma dolls scattered throughout the temple grounds. These round, wide-eyed figures are symbols of determination and good fortune. Visitors write their wishes or goals on a Daruma doll and leave it at the temple. When their wish comes true, they come back to say thank you—and often bring a new Daruma to celebrate their success.
As you walk through the temple, you’ll find Daruma dolls peeking out from mossy rocks, lining stairways, and even nestled among autumn leaves. It’s like stepping into a world where every corner whispers someone’s hope or victory.
Whether you’re praying for exam success, a new job, or simply seeking peace, Katsuo-ji offers a quiet, spiritual space to reflect and recharge. And in autumn, the vibrant foliage makes the entire temple glow with warmth and color—perfect for photos and quiet moments alike.
In Japan, it’s a common tradition to draw omikuji—a paper fortune—when visiting a temple during the New Year. It tells you your luck for the year ahead, from love and health to work and travel.
At Katsuo-ji Temple, you can get a special omikuji that comes inside a tiny Daruma doll! After reading your fortune, you can place the little Daruma anywhere around the temple grounds. It’s so much fun to spot them—perched on tree branches, floating in ponds, even tucked up on the ceiling! They’re everywhere, like little wishes hiding in plain sight.
Have you ever seen a koi fish? I’m not sure if they exist outside Japan, but here, they’re quite common—especially in temple ponds. At Katsuo-ji Temple, you’ll find many large koi swimming gracefully, along with lots of tiny baby koi too!
I’ve seen koi many times in Japan, and my kids love feeding them. But the koi at Katsuo-ji are especially beautiful. Their colors are so vivid, and their patterns are incredibly clear—some are red and white, others golden or even speckled like jewels.
You can even feed them yourself! Just buy a small bag of koi food at the temple and enjoy watching them gather with excitement.
勝運祈願・水子供養・人形供養・大阪観光 ::: 西国二十三番札所 勝尾寺｜勝尾寺
🚗 How to Get to Katsuo-ji Temple
Katsuo-ji Temple is located in the peaceful hills of Minoh, just north of central Osaka. It may feel like a hidden retreat, but getting there is easier than you might think!
From Osaka Station or Namba, take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to the last stop, Minoh-Kayano Station (M06). From there, hop on a Hankyu Bus bound for Katsuo-ji-mae—the temple’s nearest stop. The bus ride takes about 20 minutes, and the temple is just a short walk from the bus stop.
If you prefer a more direct route, you can also take a taxi from Minoh-Kayano Station, which takes around 15 minutes.
Even though it’s tucked away in the mountains, Katsuo-ji is a perfect half-day trip from Osaka city. The journey itself is part of the experience—especially in autumn, when the leaves turn red and gold, creating a stunning view.
When you visit Minoh, don’t forget to stop by Expo ’70 Commemorative Park! It’s home to a beautiful traditional Japanese garden, perfect for a peaceful stroll. Want to know more? Check out my article below!
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