Katsuoji Temple in Osaka — Daruma and Autumn Leaves

Last Updated on August 20, 2024 by Kay

Katsuo-ji in Osaka is one of the most famous temples in the prefecture, not only for its beautiful leaves but also for its hundreds of Daruma dolls.

When I first moved to Osaka from Tokyo, a local friend told me that I had to visit Katsuo-ji Temple.

“It’s one of my favorite places!” she exclaimed, which naturally gave me high expectations for this place.

And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. If you’re wondering if Katsuo-ji Temple is worth it, I will say a resounding yes! It’s absolutely beautiful and unlike any other temple I’ve seen in Japan.

I’ve been many times and still haven’t gotten tired of it.

In this article, I’ll share information about Katsuo-ji Temple so you can decide whether to put it on your Osaka itinerary and what you should know before you go.

What is Katsuo-ji?

Katsuo-ji (勝尾寺) is a temple that people visit when they want luck to win something, be it an exam at school, a business deal, or a sports competition. Anything goes as long as you want to be the victor!

Founded in the 8th century, this temple has a long history and has been worshipped by famous clans in Japan including Tokugawa. The original Main Hall and Temple Gate were burned down in the year 1184 and then rebuilt.

The temple grounds are absolutely stunning, from its rich greenery to its gorgeous and vibrant main hall. It also offers a magnificent view of the valley below when you climb up to the Main Hall.

But beyond that, Katsuo-ji is known for all of its Daruma, which you will see everywhere.

Katsuo-ji’s Daruma Fortunes (Daruma Mikuji)

One of the main draws of Katsuo-ji, apart from it being a beautiful and lucky temple, is that it is filled with Daruma.

In Japanese culture, Daruma dolls are a symbol of good luck, so it’s no surprise that you can find them throughout Katsuo-ji. Many small red Daruma dolls, tucked among tree roots or perched on kawara tiles, have been purchased and placed by visitors. These are called Daruma Mikuji.

When you purchase one of these Daruma, you’ll find that the inside contains a piece of paper. Take it out, unfold it, and you’ll find your fortune.

After reading your fortune (you may need some help from Google Translate), you can find a place to put your Daruma Mikuji or simply take it home. We’ve done both!

Here’s a quick translation of the most important kanji you’ll see on your fortune:

大吉 (Daikichi)= Very Lucky (as shown in the image above, and I was indeed very lucky that year and the year after!)

吉 (Kichi) =  Lucky

中吉 (Chukichi) = Somewhat lucky

小吉 (Shokichi) ＝ A tiny bit lucky

末吉 (Suekichi) = Possibly unlucky

凶 (Kyo) = Unlucky

大凶 (Daikyo) = Extremely unlucky

Kachi Daruma for Luck

You will also see displays of larger Daruma, which are also available for purchase. These special Daruma can only be obtained from Katsuo-ji temple. These Daruma are called “Kachi Daruma“, which means “winning Daruma” and have the kanji for “winning” (勝) written on their bellies.

If you know someone who needs some luck, consider buying them one of these dolls.

Another important thing to note is that you should write your wish in marker on the back of the Kachi Daruma doll. Offer a prayer to the temple using incense and make sure the smoke covers the Daruma doll.

After doing this, color in the right eye of the kachi Daruma doll. When your goal is achieved (thanks to the luck obtained from the Daruma, of course, but also through dedication and hard work), you can fill in the other eye.

The Kachi Daruma should be then placed near the staircase where many other daruma are displayed. (It’s easy to tell where this is because people use this as a photo spot!)

Circle of Wisdom (智慧の環)

When visiting Katsuo-ji, try walking along the Circle of Wisdom.

The Circle of Wisdom is a circular path around a set of rocks. Walk clockwise from the entrance and back again seven times. Then do it again, but this time counterclockwise.

It’s believed that those who do this will obtain wisdom and power.

FAQ About Katsuo-ji Temple

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Katsuo-ji Temple.

Where is Katsuo-ji Temple?

Katsuo-ji is located in the mountains of Minoh City, which is in the northern part of Osaka.

When is the Best Time to Visit Katsuo-ji Temple?

Although Katsuo-ji Temple is beautiful year-round, the best time to visit is undoubtedly autumn. The temple grounds have dozens of Japanese maple trees with leaves that turn into vibrant orange, red, and yellow colors.

It’s one of the most popular places to see autumn leaves in Osaka so expect it to be crowded! However, it’s absolutely worth the visit.

In 2024, it’s predicted that the autumn leaves will be around their peak in this area from mid-November to early December.

If you go to Katsuo-ji in spring, you’ll be treated to cherry blossom trees, and in summer, you’ll find hydrangea.

Is Katsuoji Temple Kid-Friendly?

Katsuo-ji Temple is a very kid-friendly place. My daughter has been visiting since she was two years old and she’s enjoyed pointing out all the Daruma dolls every time. She also likes to buy a Daruma doll fortune and find somewhere interesting to place it.

It’s easy to bring a stroller as well since there are many paths without stairs.

Make sure to check out the carp in the large pond (which is hard to miss since it’s a focal point in the temple grounds).

Katsuo-ji Temple Opening Hours

Katsuo-ji Temple is open from 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays as well as Sundays and holidays, and 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturdays.

Go as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

How Much Does Katsuo-ji Cost?

Katsuo-ji’s entrance fee is 500 yen for high school students and up, 400 yen for junior high and elementary school students, 100 yen for children ages two to six years, and free for those under age two.

How to Get to Katsuo-ji Temple

You can get to Katsuo-ji Temple by bus or car.

From Osaka

To get to Katsuo-ji Temple from Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station, take the Midosuji (red) subway line to Minoh-kayano Station.

From there you can take Bus 29 (Ao Danchi Line・粟生団地線) to Katsuo-ji, which is about a 20-minute-long ride and costs 400 yen one-way. You can take a taxi as well.

The buses to Katsuo-ji only run once an hour or once every two hours on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays, so keep this in mind when visiting.

Also, note that the last bus from Katsuo-ji to Minoh-kayano Station is at 16:18 PM on weekdays and 16:48 PM on weekends and holidays.

This schedule is subject to change so for the most recent information, please refer to Katsuo-ji’s official website (in Japanese only).

There’s also a bus that will take you from Hankyu Minoh Station to Minoh Falls, Katsuo-ji, and then back to Minoh Station for 2000 yen for adults and 1000 yen for kids, which includes some coupons you can use in Minoh, so that might be something to consider. You can buy the ticket from the bus, which stops in front of Hankyu Minoh Station (if you’re not sure where it is, ask the Information Center).

To find out more about Minoh Falls, read this article.

From Kyoto

To get to Katsuo-ji Temple from Kyoto, head to Osaka Station and follow the steps indicated in the section above (From Osaka).

Parking at Katsuo-ji Temple

If you’re driving to Katsuo-ji Temple, please be aware that there is a lot of traffic during autumn, so the earlier you go, the better.

There are two parking lots. The 1st parking lot, 第1駐車場, is farther from the temple grounds and will require walking. The second one, 第2駐車場, is inside.

Wrap-up: Katsuo-ji Temple in Osaka

I hope this look at Katsuo-ji Temple is helpful to you. There are plenty of reasons to visit this unique temple in Osaka, which is undoubtedly one of the most memorable among all the temples I have seen during my many years in Japan.