Katsuo-ji Temple: Wish your good luck

Known as "The Temple of Good Luck" and the "Temple of Dharma," this is one of the oldest temples in the Kansai region, filled with a large number of worshipers from all over Japan. The temple grounds of about 264,000 ㎡ are nestled in the rich nature where you can enjoy each season such as cherry blossoms, shakunage and hydrangea.
The autumn leaves are especially beautiful. Many people visit the temple to pray for good luck.

History of Katsuo-ji Temple

Since Emperor Seiwa had healed by the pray of this temple's priest, the emperor gave the temple name of "Katsuo-ji" with the meaning of "Temple who won the king". Later, the king's character was changed to the "tail", and since then it is called Katsuo-ji. The warriors of the era, such as Genji, Ashikaga, and Toyotomi, prayed for victory and the luck at battlefield and the worship of the luck has spread. Even today, worshipers praying for "good luck" in all situations, such as examinations, business, employment, sports, etc., are not endless.

Dharma figurine at Katsuo-ji Temple

Dharma is a Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism from India to China. In turn, a Japanese figurine that imitates Dharma's zazen (Zen meditation) figure. Nowadays it is widely known as a lucky charm.
Many are made of red Hariko (papier-mâché ). There is no limb, and the face is large, according to the legend that Dharma continued zazen toward the wall (9th year!) and his limbs were rotten. It is sold as a white eye and the black eye is written in the left eye by a prayer with a wish, and when the wish is fulfilled, the black eye is also put on the right eye.
Katsuo-ji is known for its many dharma, and numerous dharmas are dedicated to the temple wishing passing exam, prospering business, fulfilling love, victory in sports and so on.
Let's buy a Dharma figurine and make a wish. You can also buy Dharma amulets and souvenirs.

Enjoy the visit of Katsuo-ji Temple

This is "Sanmon (Mountain Gate)" at Katsuo-ji Temple and both sides are spacious ponds. The temple is located deep in the mountains of Minoh City, and the grounds are spacious. And because of the high altitude, winter is quite cold!

A large pond and "Bentendo-hall" floating there. Late-flowering cherry blossoms can be seen in the spring and it must be a wonderful sight!

The building where the reception desk and the restaurant are together, as viewed from the inside of the precincts.



Stone steps at Katsuo-ji Temple. It is spacious and has some ups and downs. It's nice to see "Taho-do Tower" in front of you!

It is a wonderful stone wall like a castle. The "bell tower" can be seen only a little above, and the "Hondo (Main Hall)" is behind it. There are many stone steps, so you should be prepared to walk!

At the end of the staircase, there is a shelf dedicated to "Winning Dharma". The overflowing dharmas were lined up and it was quite impressive!



As you go up the stone steps while watching Dharma, you will see the "Hondo (main hall)" where is colored with vivid vermilion.

Just opposite the main hall is a souvenir shop (= Dharma shop). This arrangement is quite unusual.



"Main Hall" of Katsuo-ji Temple. It was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori in 1603. A major renovation began in the Heisei era, and the restoration was completed in 1999. The vermilion is still shining beautifully. It looks great in the green of the mountains.



"Taishi-do Hall" beside the main hall. This shrine is dedicated to the founder of the Shingon sect, Kobo Daishi. "Taho-do Hall" is located at a high position. It was restored in 1987. Three zodiac signs were carved on each side.

"Katsu Dharma (Win Dharma)" is everywhere in the precincts!

The most interesting thing about Katsuo-ji temple is the "Dharma" everywhere!
On rocks, on tiles, and inside stone lanterns... It's really everywhere, so it's pretty fun just looking at it.

Try Dharma Fortune

Dharma fortunes are displayed everywhere in the precincts. Many people return to the place of their choice after drawing a fortune, such as the paved stairs, lanterns, and stone walls.
Dharma Fortune is a kind of compass that shows the direction of this year. It is important that you understand the fortunes that you have seized and spend your days with care, rather than be delighted with the fortunes written in the fortune. Just as there are spring, summer, autumn and winter in the season, life has a flow like spring, summer, autumn and winter. Let's take the word of the fortune as advice to follow the flow.

■ Katsuo-ji Temple (Mt. Oucho)

HP: http://www.katsuo-ji-temple.or.jp/
Address: 2914-1 Aowamaya, Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture
Phone: 072-721-7010
Religion: Koyasan Shingon sect
Admission fee: ¥ 400
Admission time: 8: 00-17: 00 (17:30 on Saturdays, 18:00 on Sundays and public holidays) * Reception is available 15 minutes before closing.

《Access》

① Umeda/Osaka Station →（Subway Midosuji Line about 20 min.） → Senri-Chuo station 【JPY 370】
② Senri-Chuo Station → (public bus about 33 min.) →Katsuo-ji Temple 【JPY 490】