Pray for good fortune at Katsuoji Temple! Enjoy the votive Daruma dolls and the fantastical autumn foliage illuminations during your visit.

What is Katsuoji Temple?

Katsuoji Temple, one of the 33 Kannon pilgrimage sites in western Japan, is a historic temple that has been revered for over 1300 years. It is particularly known for its blessings related to "victory and success," and visitors from all over the world come to pray for success in exams, victories in competitions, and business success. As its name suggests, it is a "temple of victory," and a place of worship chosen at important turning points in life.

What are these winning daruma dolls that fill the votive shelf?

A winning Daruma doll is a symbol of making a vow to "confront oneself and overcome one's weaknesses" in order to achieve one's wishes. At Katsuoji Temple, there is a custom where worshippers paint one eye into the doll while making a wish, live each day to the fullest without regret, and then paint the other eye and dedicate the doll once their wish has been granted. The dedication shelves are lined with red Daruma dolls of various sizes, a sight that is truly impressive and conveys the depth of prayer and faith that has been accumulated over the years.

When is the season for viewing autumn leaves?

Every year from mid-November to early December, Katsuoji Temple becomes especially popular as a spot for viewing autumn foliage. The entire mountain within the approximately 80,000 square meter temple grounds is vividly colored, and the temple is a fantastic place to visit in autumn, not only during the day but also when it is illuminated at night.

Can people with children or elderly people visit the shrine?

The temple grounds offer a spacious area where you can walk while enjoying nature, making it a safe and comfortable place for families with children to visit. Barrier-free routes are also available, allowing elderly visitors, those with strollers, and those in wheelchairs to visit with relative ease. If you wish to avoid crowds, visiting in the morning, right after the gates open (8:00 AM), is recommended.

What is a reasonable length of stay?

A visit to the temple grounds and a stroll can be completed in about an hour, but if you plan to enjoy the autumn foliage season, take photos, or dedicate a Daruma doll, it's best to allow at least two hours. Visiting with ample time in your sightseeing schedule will allow you to worship peacefully even amidst crowds.

How do I get to Katsuoji Temple?

From Osaka city (Umeda, Namba, etc.), take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Kita-Osaka Kyuko "Minoh-Kayano" Station. From there, take a Hankyu Bus for about 20 minutes and get off at the "Katsuoji" bus stop. By car, it's about 30 minutes from the Meishin Expressway "Ibaraki IC". Parking is by reservation only on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and certain days, so reservations must be made through the Katsuoji official website. During busy times, we recommend using public transportation such as Hankyu Bus or taxis.