- Culture
- Osaka
Katsuo-ji Temple
Temple of winner's luck worshiped for 1,300 years with Daruma dolls
Katsuo-ji Temple has been worshipped as a temple of winner's luck since ancient times. Over its long history of 1,300 years, various conquerors of the period including generals of the Kamakura (1185-1336) and Muromachi (1336-1568) shogunates have paid visits to this temple. Even today, many people come to pray, wishing to triumph over any challenges in life such as curing illness, succeeding in business, passing exams, winning in sports and finding fulfillment in love. The temple premises are full of Winning Daruma dolls, which are offered by the worshippers when their wishes have been fulfilled.
Countless Winning Daruma dolls offered with gratitude
The many Winning Daruma dolls placed around the temple are offered with gratitude by visitors after they achieved victory for their wish. Since ancient times, the connotation of the term "victory" in Katsuo-ji Temple does not refer to defeating others, but to overcoming one's self. The worshipper would wish upon a Winning Daruma doll, face yourself and overcome weakness of your fear, and as a result, the wish would be fulfilled. The Winning Daruma dolls have watched over the ups and downs of life of many people over history.
Nature of the four seasons adorns the vast temple grounds
Katsuo-ji Temple is situated in the mountains of Minoo Park located north of Osaka City. Although the approximately 264,000 square meters grounds are only about 30 minutes from Osaka, the surrounding lush nature allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city. The seasonal nature welcomes worshippers with cherry blossoms, rhododendrons and azaleas in the spring; hydrangeas in the summer; and vibrant foliage in the fall.
Spectacular evening illumination
In the fall, the vast temple grounds are decorated with colorful autumn leaves, in which nature creates a picturesque contrast between the deep green mountains in the background and the red, yellow and purple foliage. On weekends and public holidays in November, a special evening illumination called "Into a Magical World" is held for a limited time, and visitors can enjoy the mysterious and fantastical atmosphere that is quite different from the solemn daytime atmosphere. (Special illumination is held from after sunset to 19:30.)
Location
| Name | Katsuo-ji Temple |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.katsuo-ji-temple.or.jp/en/ |
| Address | 2914-1 Aomatani, Minoo-shi, Osaka |
| Access | From Senri-Chuo Station on the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line, take the Hankyu Bus for approximately 35 minutes and get off at Katsuoji-mae bus stop |
| Business Hours | Weekdays: 8:00 to 17:00 Saturdays: 8:00 to 17:30 Sundays and public holidays: 8:00 to 18:00 |
| Closed | None |
| Inquiries | TEL: 072-721-7010 |
| Admission | Entrance fee Adults: 400 yen; Children: 300 yen |