Katsuoji

Beautiful and peaceful temple surrounded by nature. Known as the “Temple of Winning Luck,” it’s a great place to visit for good fortune and reflection. The area is very scenic — perfect for photos and a quiet walk. A bit out of the city, but totally worth the trip! Tip: buy your ticket online to avoid the long queue at the entrance.

We took the metro and then the bus. It's an incredibly beautiful and peaceful place nestled deep in the forest. It wasn't crowded when we went, and we were able to explore the area independently and without rushing. I recommend buying some packaged cookies on the way out. You could also buy some lovely little gifts for your loved ones.

It's like a gem hunting with the temple stamp. The temple is very far from Osaka center, but it worth the journey with me (especially if you combine it with Minoh Falls trail). So at Minoh Station (the last station on Mitsudoji subway line), you take a shuttle bus at platform 8, 1 way ticket is ¥800 and they only accept IC card like Suica, Icoca so you have to ensure to have at least ¥1600 in your card for the return trip. The bus starts at 9 and runs at every 30 mins on weekdays, there are more busses on weekends. Temple is beautiful and I guarantee it will be even more photogenic in autumn (late November).

A trek to get to but very cool experience and temple. Recommend buying tickets in advance or booking through a tour to guarantee admission. Weekends are very popular due to the cemetery and people visiting their loved ones. Make sure you complete the stamp at the six stations in order as you cannot go backwards.

Daruma dolls are literally everywhere! More than this, it is a good place for some contemplation. I just wish they have more benches that are a bit far from the crowds where we can sit in peace and quiet. I especially liked that right at the bus station, there would be people who would readily assist and check if your IC card has enough balance for the back and forth trip - this is so much appreciated as I didn't know before hand that my IC card balance was already low. Overall it's worth the trip! (P.S. yes, that's a legitimate rainbow in the photo and I consider it to be a sign of good luck)

Best to come in as early as possible to avoid long lines. There are 6 stations to complete the postcard stamping. Station 1 has the longest wait because people use the same line to get pictures with the daruma wall, full of various-sized darumas. As you pass this area, you will come across a shop. This is the only shop where you can purchase darumas. The gift shop at the entrance only sells snacks. This was a nice temple and had plenty of spots for pictures. It's a must if you're in Osaka.

It takes close to an hour to get here buts worth the journey. The temple grounds is beautiful and adorned with many Daruma dolls. There are many viewpoints to take pictures if you need something for your social media.

You’re missing out if you’re visiting Osaka and don’t spend a day trip here. This sight has one of the best complimentary souvenirs - and you make it yourself by collecting stamps around the temple! Hiking around the area is a meditative experience- and the views are unique and beautiful. I went around January, soon after the last year’s dolls were burned, and the area was already filled with new buddies- so no worries about timing the visit to that. Speaking of buddies: you’ll have a riot with the unadvertised, self-directed scavenger hunt you can conduct here- seeing all the places people hide the lucky dolls is amusing! My tip: Come with a misubi or onigiri or other favorite from seven eleven - the only dining area was closed, and even if it was open it looks like the selection is limited. The transportation is very convenient - there’s a direct bus line right after you get out from the station! The station is near a mall complex that has some great local and national brands. Suffice to say, it’s very easy to make a day out of a trip here.

A MUST see when visiting Japan, specifically Osaka. An easy train ride from Osaka Namba station - no platform changes - Katsuoji temple is truly a gem. Note : the cheapest way to get to the temple is taking the local bus that goes straight to the temple. The roads from the train station to the temple are long and uphill. You will either want to take a bus or taxi. The bus only has a few trips a day to the temple so you may be waiting a while. We waited about 2 hours for the next bus. It was so worth it. The temple grounds are extremely peaceful and we were lucky that it wasn't crowded at all. The daruma were all over the grounds and it was beautiful. Highly recommend!

Finally arrived here after 6 hours of hiking. It's located in a beautiful place, surrounded by the mountains in Minoo but one of it's highlight is the different sizes of Daruma Dolls scattered everywhere. These Daruma dolls are also being sold in different sizes at the top of the temple, the omiyage shop are not selling it. The shop also had nice view of the temple ground , have a matcha and relax :)

A hidden gem and glad we made the trip. My teenage kids were happy to get some daruma dolls home. The temple is a little out of the way and remember to check the last bus 29 which ends at 4:30 pm each day.