Reconnecting with nature at Katsuoji Temple
- February 25, 2025
- by
- stephaniemae
On our sixth day in Osaka, we set off on a two-hour journey to Katsuoji Temple.
Getting to Katsuoji Temple
We took the Yotsubashi Line, made a few transfers, and got off at Minoh-Kayano Station. If you’re unsure which bus to take to the temple, there are attendants holding signs to guide you. The bus labeled “Katsuoji Temple” provides a direct route from the station to the temple. If you don’t have a Suica card, no worries—they accept cash. Just pay the driver before exiting.
There’s a 500-yen entrance fee for adults, and let me tell you—it was worth every yen. Katsuoji Temple is breathtaking! Nestled in the mountains and surrounded by nature, it’s a hidden gem that’s well worth the trip.
A Unique Souvenir
Upon entering, we received a blank postcard-sized card to stamp at designated stations throughout the temple grounds. By the end of the self-guided tour, you’ll have collected all seven stamps, completing a beautiful keepsake. I thought this was such a fun and interactive way to commemorate the visit.
Daruma Dolls Everywhere
As you walk through the temple, you’ll notice Daruma dolls scattered everywhere—tucked into trees, placed on the ground, lining the walls. They are impossible to miss!
What is a Daruma Doll?
A Daruma doll is a traditional Japanese figurine symbolizing good luck, perseverance, and success. It’s often used as a goal-setting tool. The doll’s round, weighted base is inspired by Bodhidharma’s resilience—it always returns upright when knocked over, representing the Japanese proverb “nana korobi ya oki” (“fall seven times, rise eight”).
Setting Our Intentions
We purchased a few Daruma dolls—one large one for my personal goals and a smaller one to leave at the temple. Using a mini Daruma-Mikuji, we wrote down our wishes for health, wealth, and happiness, bathed the doll in incense, and placed it in a serene spot overlooking the valley.
Inside the Daruma-Mikuji, there’s a slip of paper with words of guidance to help you achieve your goals. A QR code on the paper makes it easy to translate into your preferred language.
Overall, Katsuoji Temple was a stunning place to reconnect with nature and reflect on our aspirations.
Sushi Takeuchi
Later that day, we headed to Sushi Takeuchi, an intimate omakase spot in the Namba area. The serene setting was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle outside.
We indulged in a 20-course omakase meal for 40,000 yen (for two people). The experience was well worth it—we tried dishes we’d never had before, like Chawanmushi and Shirako (IYKYK). Every bite was an adventure, making it one of the most memorable meals of our trip.
teamLabs Garden
Since we wanted to stay in Osaka, we decided to make a stop at TeamLabs Garden. This immersive experience was so worth it! We booked our tickets before we left for our trip on Klook. I would recommend getting tickets in advance because they do sell out.
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