Katsuo-ji Temple Filled with Adorable Daruma Dolls

Filled with adorable Daruma dolls, Katsuo-ji Temple is a place of worship for victory that dates back approximately 1,300 years. In the 4th year of the Genkei era (880 AD), the temple's head priest, Gyōjun, successfully prayed for Emperor Seiwa's recovery from illness and was granted the name "Katsuo-ji," meaning "Temple of the Victorious King." Today, many visitors come to pray for success in various aspects of life, such as entrance exams, warding off evil, health, sports, business, and elections. 🙏🏻 Aside from seeking victory, another reason to visit is the temple's charming display of Daruma dolls in various sizes. Additionally, Katsuo-ji is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing 🌸 in spring, with over a thousand blooming trees, and for enjoying the vibrant autumn foliage 🍁 in fall. The temple charges an admission fee, but visitors receive a postcard upon entry. By following the designated pilgrimage route and collecting stamps at six stamp stations within the temple grounds, a complete Daruma illustration will appear on the postcard. For a more enriching itinerary, you can also visit Minoo Falls on the same day. Minoo Falls is another famous spot for autumn foliage. Near the falls, you can try the local specialty—fried maple leaves 🍁—or enjoy kawadoko cuisine during summer. When I visited in February, there were no maple leaves or kawadoko cuisine, but I did buy some soft and chewy dango 🍡. Don't just focus on taking photos 📷 of the waterfall; the beautifully designed manhole covers nearby are also worth capturing as a unique souvenir. ——— Katsuo-ji Temple 📬 2914-1 Awaidani, Minoo City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan