Katsuoji Temple in Osaka: A thousand-year-old promise of good fortune, a miracle guarded by Daruma

#Osaka Attractions Katsuo-ji Temple in Osaka is a thousand-year-old temple hidden in the Minoo Mountains and is famous throughout Japan for its "Shoun Daruma". This temple was built in 727 and was originally named "Katsuoji" because it cured Emperor Seiwa's illness. Later, it was changed to "Wei" to avoid the emperor's taboo, which contains the profound meaning of "overcoming oneself". Thousands of un-eye-painted Daruma statues can be seen everywhere in the temple. Visitors are required to write down their wishes on the base, light incense and then paint the right eye, symbolizing the courage to "face inner fragility"; after the wish is realized, the left eye is added and returned to the temple, completing the soul contract with oneself. The scenery changes with each season like a painting: in spring, cherry blossoms surround the ancient temple, in autumn, the red leaves on the mountains and the vermilion temple complement each other, and in winter, the snow-covered temple is even more solemn. Especially in the autumn, the "Dharma Tunnel", the fiery red leaves and the dotted Daruma interweave into a dreamy light and shadow, and is known as "the most beautiful autumn scenery in Japan." The temple also provides unique "Dharma Stamp Collection Postcards". Collecting 6 stamps can form a complete Daruma pattern, which becomes an exclusive travel souvenir. The hotel is conveniently located in Osaka. It takes about 1 hour to get there by taking the Midosuji Subway Line from Osaka Station and then transferring to a Hankyu Bus. If you want to experience a non-typical Japanese prayer experience, this temple that combines history, art and natural aura is definitely the first choice for a spiritual pure land.