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Attractions of Katsuo-ji Temple in Osaka - including access, hours of operation, and information on the surrounding area.

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Shououji Temple

Did you know that there is a temple called "Katsuo-ji Temple" in Osaka, which is well-known to foreigners, that is famous for its beautiful autumn leaves and is said to bring good luck in winning when you visit the temple?

For example, examinations, employment, sports games, and so on, life is full of challenges. At such times, it is natural to want to ask for help from God and Buddha.

Katsuo-ji Temple is known as just such a power spot for "winning luck. This temple with a venerable history is also one of the best places in Kansai for viewing the autumn leaves, and attracts many tourists in autumn.

In this article, we will introduce all the attractions and highlights of Katsuo-ji Temple. In addition, we will also provide useful information on how to access the temple, its hours of operation, and tourist attractions in the surrounding area. We are sure that foreign visitors will be able to understand the charms of Katsuo-ji Temple in an easy-to-understand manner.

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Basic Information on Katsuo-ji Temple

Here is a summary of basic information you should know before visiting Katsuo-ji Temple. Check the opening hours, entrance fee, etc. in advance to enjoy a smooth visit to the temple.

Access

Access is by train and bus, or train and cab.

Address: 2914 Awaimatani, Mino-shi, Osaka, Japan

'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Access from Osaka City

From Umeda, Osaka

  1. From Umeda Station, take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Ishibashi Hankudaimae Station.
  2. Change to the Hankyu Minowa Line and get off at Minowa Station.
  3. From Minoh Station, you can take a cab to Katsuo-ji Temple. (about 15 minutes by cab)

From Shin-Osaka

  1. From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Senri Chuo Station.
  2. Transfer to the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line and get off at Minoh Kayano Station.
  3. From Minoh Kayano Station, you can take a bus or cab to Katsuo-ji Temple. (about 20 minutes by bus/15 minutes by cab)

'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Access from each airport

Access from Kansai Airport

  1. Take the Nankai Airport Line and get off at Namba Station.
  2. Change to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Senri-chuo Station.
  3. Transfer to the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line and get off at Minoh Kayano Station.
  4. From Minoh Kayano Station, you can take a bus or cab to Katsuo-ji Temple. (about 20 minutes by bus/15 minutes by cab)

Access from Osaka Airport (Itami Airport)

  1. Take the Osaka Monorail and get off at Banpaku Kinen Koen Station.
  2. Change to the Saito Line and get off at Saito Nishi Station.
  3. From Saito Nishi Station, you can take a cab to Katsuo-ji Temple. (about 10 minutes by cab)

Hours of Prayer

  • Weekdays: 8:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  • Saturday: 8:00-17:30 (last admission at 17:30)
  • Sundays and holidays: 8:00-18:00 (last admission at 16:30)

Charge

  • Adults (high school students and older): 500 yen
  • Elementary and junior high school students: 400 yen
  • Preschool children: 100 yen
  • 2 years old and under: free of charge

parking lot

Parking Lot 1 (outdoor), Parking Lot 2 (indoor)

  • 500 yen for up to 1 hour
  • 200 yen per 30 minutes thereafter

Reference:Katsuo-ji Temple Official Website

History of Katsuo-ji Temple

The history of Katsuo-ji Temple dates back to the late Nara period. The temple was founded in 727 A.D. when twin brothers, Zenchu and Zentaku, trained here. Later, in 765, they met Prince Kaisei, the son of Emperor Konin, and built and opened the temple. Wooden statues of Zenchu, Zentatsu, and Prince Kaisei are enshrined in Kaisando-Do, and a festival is held every year on October 29 at the Imperial Household Agency and Katsuo-ji Temple.

Also, because he prayed for Emperor Seiwa's health at this Katsuo time and was granted, he received the temple name "Katsuo-ji" from the emperor, meaning "the temple that won over the king. However, it is said that the emperor felt that the temple's splendid name was too fearsome, so he changed "O" to "O" and named the temple "Katsuo-ji Temple," and the temple came to be worshipped as a temple of victory and luck.

Because of this historical background, Katsuo-ji Temple has long been widely worshipped as a "temple of victory" and a "temple of luck. If you visit the temple, you may be able to receive the power of winning luck.

What is the attraction of Katsuo-ji Temple?

Katsuo-ji Temple has much more to offer than just history and faith. Here are two of Katsuo-ji Temple's attractions.

Rich nature and beautiful autumn leaves

Katsuo-ji Temple is located at the foot of Mt. Minoh, at an altitude of about 500 meters. Because it is located deep in the mountains, it is surrounded by rich nature.

Particularly spectacular are the autumn leaves. The temple grounds are planted with many maple, ginkgo, and maple trees, which are usually at their best from mid to late November. During this season, when the shrine is crowded with Shichi-Go-San pilgrims, the gradation of red and yellow that adorns both sides of the approach is breathtakingly beautiful. It is known as one of the best spots for viewing the autumn leaves in Osaka, and is frequently covered by the mass media.

Katsuo-ji Temple also has a waterfall called "Fudo Falls," which also offers a spectacular view of the autumn leaves. The contrast between the sound of the waterfall and the vividly colored autumn leaves will soothe the hearts of visitors.

The majestic scenery in harmony with nature is a uniquely Japanese beauty. Please come and see for yourself.

man who has won the ring

The symbol of Katsuo-ji Temple is the "Kachi-Daruma" (winning doll). A huge red daruma, approximately 4.5 meters high, sits to the left of the main hall.

Kachi-Daruma dolls are believed to bring blessings when worshipped before any kind of game, such as "good luck," "winning," "success," and "victory. The Daruma's eyes are open on both sides, which is said to mean "looking ahead to victory.

Katsuo-ji Temple is also famous for preaching the spirit of "seven falls and eight rises. Worshippers are given the courage and hope to stand up again and again, no matter how much they fail, by watching the winning Daruma doll roll over and get up.

4 sightseeing spots around Katsuo-ji Temple

When you visit Katsuo-ji Temple, be sure to visit the surrounding tourist attractions. There are leisure facilities that take advantage of the rich natural environment, as well as historic sights scattered throughout the area. Here are four of our recommendations.

Minoh Great Falls

Minoh Great Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture, located in Minoh Park, about 3 km from Katsuo-ji Temple. The height of the waterfall is 33 meters, and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons. It is a popular spot that attracts many tourists, especially during the fall foliage season.

The waterfall can be accessed via a 2.8-km hiking trail from Minoh Station, which is well maintained and gently sloping, making for a pleasant stroll. Along the way, there is a restaurant that serves "maple tempura," a unique Minoh delicacy, for a gourmet experience.

In the season of fresh green leaves, you can enjoy forest bathing while bathing in negative ions, and in the season of autumn leaves, you can enjoy the colorful and beautiful scenery. Why not feel the power of nature at Minoh Great Falls while visiting Katsuo-ji Temple?

Reference:Minoh Park 【 Official 】

Expo Park, Tower of the Sun, Lalaport EXPOCITY

Expo '70 Commemorative Park is a vast park located on the site of the 1970 Japan World Exposition (Osaka Expo) and is home to a variety of recreational facilities. Its symbol, the Tower of the Sun, is a masterpiece by artist Taro Okamoto and is well known as the symbol of the Osaka Expo, and can be visited inside. The park is also dotted with a nature park, a Japanese garden, and the National Museum of Ethnology, making it a spot where visitors can enjoy themselves all day long.

Next to the park is a large commercial facility, Lalaport EXPOCITY, where visitors can enjoy shopping, leisure, and dining. EXPOCITY offers a wide variety of facilities, including Nifrelle, a movie theater, and restaurants, making it a great place to spend an entire day.

Reference:Expo '70 Commemorative Park, Lalaport EXPOCITY

3. nifrel

Nifrelle is an interactive museum located in Lalaport EXPOCITY with the theme of "touching the senses. Visitors are impressed by the distinctive exhibits that fuse marine life, land animals, and artwork.

Particularly popular are the experience of walking down an aisle surrounded by transparent aquariums and the exhibition space where visitors can get up close and personal with the animals. The museum offers unique experiences that allow visitors to feel the fascination of nature and its creatures through all five senses.

Nifrelle is attracting attention as a new type of leisure facility that is different from both an aquarium and a zoo. Inside the museum, visitors can dynamically experience the ecology of animals. The attraction of Nifrelle is its extraordinary space, as if it were in a corner of the world, and it is sure to be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Reference:Living Museum Nifrelle

Cupnoodles Museum, Osaka Ikeda

The Cupnoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda, located in Ikeda City, Osaka, is a facility where visitors can learn about the history of instant ramen and its appeal. Here, visitors can learn about the achievements of Momofuku Ando, the inventor of the world's first instant ramen, "Chicken Ramen," and the manufacturing process of Cup Noodles.

Also popular are the hands-on experience of making your own original cup noodle and workshops for making handmade chicken ramen. For families and ramen lovers, this is a place where they can learn while having fun.

The museum offers many attractions, including the "Instant Ramen Tunnel," which displays a lineup of instant ramen products, and the "Cup Noodles Drama Theater," which introduces the secrets of "Cup Noodles" through a powerful large-screen video using animation and computer graphics. It is a unique spot where visitors can trace the evolution of Japan's proud food culture.

Reference:Cupnoodles Museum, Osaka Ikeda

Popular gourmet near Katsuo-ji Temple

Once you have satisfied your mind and body with a visit to Katsuo-ji Temple, it is time to fill your stomach. The area around Katsuo-ji is full of attractive restaurants, from Japanese sweets associated with the temple to authentic gourmet foods using local ingredients. Here, we have picked out two stores that we particularly recommend.

1. minootaki waterfall teahouse furaibo

Minoo Waterfall Tea House Kaerai-bo is a place where you can spend a relaxing time while enjoying an up-close view of Minoh Great Falls. Located 2.8 km from Hankyu Minoh Station on a gentle waterfall path, it is right in front of Minoh Great Falls, the only one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan in Osaka Prefecture.

On the second floor terrace, visitors can enjoy a meal or coffee while viewing the waterfall. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, from light meals such as the popular grilled sweetfish with salt, Mitarashi dango, and soft-serve ice cream to hearty meals. With a menu that blends Japanese and Western styles, the restaurant caters to the needs of customers of all ages.

A meal served while feeling the negative ions of the waterfall is a luxurious experience that will refresh your body and mind.

For more information about Minootaki Taki Tea House Kaede Raibo, please visitclick here!

2. danke Minoh

Although the sign says "Coffee Danke," the restaurant is actually recommended for lunch. It boasts a special menu that uses Japanese black beef procured from "Sanda-ya Sohonten" in Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture.

Enjoy beef stew, hamburgers, curry, and other dishes filled with the specialties of the Mitaya Sohonten in a retro-modern restaurant. How about a luxurious moment before or after your visit to Katsuo-ji Temple?

For more information about Danke Minoh, please contactclick here!

3 hotels and inns to stay at when visiting Katsuo-ji Temple

Now, if you want to enjoy Katsuo-ji Temple to the fullest, we recommend a two-day/one-night trip. In such a case, it is convenient to stay at accommodations near Katsuo-ji Temple. Here are three carefully selected hotels.

1. mountain villa Kaze no Mori

The inn boasts a spectacular location overlooking the Osaka Plains. Located on the summit of Mt. Homochi in Minoh National Park, this small inn with a total of 20 rooms is surrounded by nature, where you can feel the richness of nature from season to season, view the scenery changing with time, and have a relaxing time.

Especially at night, you can relax and relieve your fatigue while overlooking the night view of Osaka. The hotel also has guest rooms with open-air baths, so you can expect an extraordinary stay.

The hotel also offers rooms with open-air baths, three types of large public baths, and private open-air baths, so you can expect an extraordinary stay.

For details and reservations, please contactclick here!

2. fushio hot spring Fushio Onsen Fushio Oukaku

This is an inn where you can enjoy highly concentrated radon hot spring water, which is rare in the Kansai region. Radon hot springs are said to have the effect of boosting the immune system by inhaling the radon components contained in the hot water.

In addition, all 20 types of guest rooms are equipped with hot springs. Even those who do not like large public baths can enjoy the hot springs in a private space.

Furthermore, Fushiohokaku is located in a convenient location for access to Osaka City, making it a very convenient hot spring hotel for sightseeing and business use in Osaka, such as USJ and Dotonbori.

You will be able to relax in the hot springs, and then energetically tackle sightseeing and work in Osaka.

For details and reservations, please contactclick here!

3. Oedo Onsen Monogatari Minoh Kanko Hotel 

Oedo Onsen Monogatari Minoh Kanko Hotel is a resort hotel located near the nature-rich Minoh Park in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture. With convenient access to Minoh Great Falls and Minoh Park, it is an ideal base for nature walks and sightseeing.

Visitors can choose to stay in Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, or Japanese/Western-style rooms according to their needs, and the hotel is equipped with a variety of hot spring facilities. Particularly recommended is the open-air bath in the sky overlooking the city of Osaka. There is also a spacious large bath and sauna for a relaxing time.

Meals are served buffet style at the restaurant. Guests can enjoy a diverse menu of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes prepared with local ingredients, and cooking performances in the live kitchen are also popular.

For details and reservations, please contactclick here!

summary

How was it?　Katsuo-ji Temple is famous as a power spot backed by history. We hope we have given you some idea of its charm and how to enjoy it.

Katsuo-ji Temple has long been worshipped as a temple of "victory" and "luck. Warlords preparing for battle offered prayers and people prayed for victory with "Kachi-Daruma" (victory dolls), and this tradition has been handed down from generation to generation.

Katsuo-ji Temple is a scenic spot that is in harmony with the beauty of nature. The splendor of the autumn foliage season is one of the great pleasures of visiting this area.

Please visit Katsuo-ji Temple. From its mystique as a power spot, to the beauty of the autumn leaves, to the sightseeing spots, hot springs, and gourmet food in the area. The unparalleled charm of the temple awaits you.

And while Katsuo-ji Temple is a very attractive spot for viewing the autumn foliage in Osaka, there are many other sightseeing spots in Osaka that can be enjoyed in all four seasons.

The following article introduces in detail the charms of Osaka, which shows its various faces in each season, and we hope you will find it useful when planning your trip to Osaka.
▶︎ 30 Things for Foreigners to Do in Osaka - Recommended Sightseeing Information by Season

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