Katsuo-ji Buddhist Temple in Minoh, Japan

Katsuō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Minō city, north of Osaka, Japan. According to an English language brochure given out at the temple, the site was first occupied late in the Nara period by two priests, Zenchū and Zensan. The Miroku-ji temple was erected in 765 CE. The name “Katsuō-ji” was given by Emperor Seiwa.

Katsuoji Temple or Daruma Temple or Temple of Victory in Minoh, Japan

According to the tradition of Japanese New Year’s Day In addition to eating osechi A set meal to enhance the auspiciousness of the new year or longevity soba That is to go to a temple or shrine to ask for blessings on New Year’s Day. (Japanese called 初詣）From January 1st to 5th, the more famous a temple or shrine, the better. The more people who travel to visit. Some shrines or temples have to stand in line for hours. Each temple and shrine will try to find amulets or interesting things to invite people to travel.

Today I would like to introduce a temple in Osaka located in the middle of the valley. This temple is located in the Mino area. Although this temple is in the midst of a valley But the journey was not too difficult. If traveling from Umeda Take the Midosuji subway red line. Get off at Senrijuo Station. And take the Hankyu bus number 29, you will arrive at the bus stop in front of the temple immediately. This temple is called Katsuoji Temple (勝尾寺: Katsuouji).

But coming to this temple on New Year’s Day, what you need to prepare yourself and prepare yourself is the large number of people that come and go and with the number of buses that are quite limited and a winding two-lane road up the hill Until the car is stuck in a long way until traveling more than expected Why did so many people come to this temple? Looking back on the history of Katsuoji Temple The history of Katsuoji Temple is long. We will take everyone to get to know this red temple in the middle of the valley full of Daruma dolls.

History of Katsuoji Temple

Katsuoji Temple is an ancient temple. Has a long history of more than 1300 years, dating back to the year 727 originally came from Twin brothers and sisters named Senju (善仲: zenchuu) and Zen-san (善算: zensan) built an ashram for meditation. Later in the year. 765 Prince Kaijou (開成:kaijou), Son of Emperor Konin (光仁天皇:Kounintennou) traveled to meet the two brothers and then became devout. therefore became a monk. Later in the year 775, it was built as a temple, originally named Miroku Temple. In the ubosot of the temple, there is Bodhisattva Miroku and Goddess of Mercy in the posture of a thousand hands enshrined to protect the temple.

Later, during the reign of Emperor Seva (清和天皇:seiwatennou) The 6th Abbot prayed for protection for the emperor until his body was healthy and recovered, so he was given the name 勝王寺 meaning victorious over the emperor. But the temple has changed the kanji for the word 王, meaning king, was replaced by 尾. The chaos and internal wars caused the main hall to be burned down. Restoration of this temple again with a long history The temple is filled with many old buildings and treasures that have been registered as national treasures of Japan.

Why only Daruma?

Because of praying for the protection of the Emperor Seiwa until his body was strong until he conferred the name of the temple, making this temple known as temple of victory Later, the temple prayed for the Minamoto clan warriors (源: minamoto) and Ashikaga (足利:ashikaga) victory, so many people came to pay their respects and pray for victory Nowadays, a large number of people come to worship and pray for competitions or entrance exams.

The temple will have Daruma dolls of various sizes for sale starting from 2000 yen to write a wish. There is also a daruma amulet for 500 yen that can be taken back as a souvenir or placed in the corners of the temple. The temple keepers often allocate poses to the enormous daruma in the temple in different corners, making it a cute sight. Can store many cute pictures of Daruma.

There were countless Daruma dolls of victory brought as a thank you.

The Victory Daruma dolls lined up around the temple are from visitors who have made a wish and succeeded. Therefore brought it to the temple as a thank you. since old times The meaning of the word “victory” at Katsuoji Temple does not mean victory over others. But it’s about conquering your own heart. Praying for blessings with Daruma dolls of victory Face yourself and overcome your fears as a weakness. As a result, the blessing they requested came true. The Victory Daruma Doll has watched the ups and downs of many people’s lives over a long period of time.

The nature of the four seasons makes the temple grounds look beautiful.

Katsuoji Temple is located on a mountain in Minoo Park, north of Osaka. Although the temple with an area of approximately 264,000 square meters is only about 30 minutes from Osaka. The beautiful surrounding nature will instantly make you forget about the hustle and bustle of the city. The seasonally changing nature welcomes visitors with cherry blossoms, wild roses, and rhododendrons in spring. In summer, there are hydrangeas in full bloom. and the leaves change bright colors in the fall.

Information about Katsuoji Temple

Address: 〒562-8508 Katsuoji Temple, Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture

Phone number: +81-072-721-7010(Business hours 09:00-17:00)

Business hours:

weekday 8:00-17:00
Saturday 8:00-17:30
Sundays and public holidays 8:00-18:00

*** Worship reception is until 15 minutes before closing. ***

Fee: Adults (over high school students) 400 yen, elementary and middle school students 300 yen, underage 100 yen, children under 2 years old free.

Surrounding map

Head north from Shimizu on Route 171 or Kayano, which crosses Shin-Midosuji, and join at 3 km each to reach Sanmon-mae for about 6 km. For large vehicles, please come from Shimizu and Kayano.

How to get there:

From Meishin Expressway “Ibaraki Interchange” via Route 171, turn right at “Shimizu” intersection (about 15 minutes)
From the Kinki Expressway/Chugoku Expressway/Meishin Expressway “Suita Interchange”, take the Central Circular Route/National Route 423, turn right at the “Shirashima” intersection, and turn left at the “Kuryu Gain” intersection (about 10 minutes)
From the Chugoku Expressway “Ikeda Interchange”, take the Central Circular Route/National Route 423, turn right at the “Shirashima” intersection, turn left at the “Kuryu Gain” intersection (about 10 minutes)