Katsuo-ji is the dreamiest temple in Osaka. This hidden gem, often referred to as the “Temple of Winning Luck,” offers a unique spiritual experience and a breathtaking natural setting. High in the lush misty mountains, Katsuo-ji Temple will be a spot that you’ll never forget long after you’ve left Japan. This place exudes a magical aura that will leave you touched and uplifted.
This temple is known for its ability to grant luck and bestow wishes. Historically, even Japanese emperors came here when they needed some luck on their side! The culture and tradition of Katsuo-ji Temple’s magic have persisted throughout history to this day.
Beyond the spiritual offerings, the temple’s surroundings are a sight to behold. After paying the entrance fee, you will walk across a bridge shrouded in mysterious mist that makes you feel as if you’re in a movie. The other side of the bridge opens up to beautifully maintained gardens with meandering pathways, lush greenery, rivers and ponds, and a striking red torii gate.
If you come in the fall, Katsuo-ji Temple is renowned for its gorgeous vibrant autumn foliage. I didn’t know this, but they also have amazing cherry blossom trees in the spring! The sakura here are late-blooming and this is the perfect place to come if you’re a bit late for the classic yoshino bloom in the Kansai region. The weeping cherry variety at Katsuo-ji Temple has a slightly richer magenta-pink color and the blossoms persist much longer than the fragile white yoshino trees.
The tranquil atmosphere of Katsuo-ji Temple provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing for reflection and rejuvenation. As you walk around, you’ll doubtless notice the round, red dolls with dramatically painted faces scattered everywhere in the temple. These are called daruma and they are symbolic in Japanese culture, and the reason why Katsuo-ji Temple is famous.
What is a Daruma?
One of the highlights of Katsuo-ji Temple is the unique daruma dolls that adorn the temple grounds. These round, red-painted dolls symbolize perseverance and the pursuit of goals. Visitors have the opportunity to purchase a daruma doll and make a wish, filling in one eye while setting a personal goal. Upon the fulfillment of the wish or achievement of the goal, the second eye is completed, celebrating success and offering gratitude.
After the doll has been completed, many people will bring the doll back to the temple and leave it there! That means the temple is filled with people’s completed wishes and goals. The thought of being surrounded by so many symbols of positivity and achievement made me feel incredibly motivated and touched!
The journey to the main hall is a visual delight, with countless daruma lining the pathways, a sight that’s simply mesmerizing. You’ll find daruma of all shapes and sizes tucked away in unlikely places: on railings, in the grass, arranged in little hearts on the benches, or hiding in space between tree branches. Their tiny red forms are adorable and I love seeing the messages that people have left on the bottoms.
How to get to Katsuo-ji Temple
Katsuo-ji Temple is located slightly out of Osaka, so it is slightly tricky to get here. Obviously, the easiest way is to take a taxi, but the taxi fare may be expensive because of the rural roads. Also, getting back can be difficult because rideshare options may not be readily available. For example, from the closest train station to the temple, you will still have to take a 25-30 minute taxi that costs about 4,000 yen.
We took a train-bus combination that isn’t strictly necessary but great if you’re willing to wait around a bit and save some money. Some of the buses here only run a few times a day, so double-check which of these two options will be running when you visit.
🏯 Read more: Osaka Travel Guide: What to Do, Eat, and See
Osaka – Midosuji Line – 29 Bus Option
From Umeda Station, take the Midosuji Line (red) towards Senrichuo. Ride 8 stops, approximately 20 minutes, until you reach Senrichuo Station.
From there, you can take the 29 bus. The destination, direction, and bus name will all be in Japanese, but if you aren’t sure which direction you are going, ask the bus driver if you are headed towards “Oku.”
Ride the bus 6 stops (approximately 33 minutes) until you reach Katsuo-ji Temple. The whole process costs 880 yen.
Osaka – Hankyu-Kyoto Line – 29 Bus Option
From Osaka-Umeda Station, take the Hankyu-Kyoto Line (brown) towards Kita-Senri. Ride 12 stops, approximately 27 minutes, until you reach Kita-Senri Station.
From there, you can take the 29 bus. The destination, direction, and bus name will all be in Japanese, but if you aren’t sure which direction you are going, ask the bus driver if you are headed towards “Oku.”
Ride the 29 bus 7 stops (approximately 43 minutes) until you reach Katsuo-ji Temple. The whole process costs 720 yen.
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