The autumn night illumination at Katsuoji! An event from early November to early December. As I walked through the temple, it felt like I was in a different world. It was a surreal experience, which many enjoyed. I pre-booked the bus tour event, which includes an entry ticket, round-trip bus trip from Hankyu Minoo station to Katsuoji. (¥2000 in total per person) I would say this is one of the best Autumn sightseeing spots in Japan. I would recommend anyone to come here and get a first experience. If you don't have the opportunity currently, enjoy the photos and videos I have shared 🤗

Getting there can be quite a challenge as the bus to go there are almost always full of visitors but once you get to the place, it’s simply amazing. The cool weather compliments the amazing view so much and upon entering the place, you’re greeted by tiny darumas which gives the place a unique and quirky vibe that sets it apart from other temples. 10/10 would recommend.

This a nice hidden Wonder in the mountains. If you are riding a motorcycle this is a great place to stop by relax. The courtyard are is very open with a carp pound, and many mini "daruma" hidden on the grounds. Many people will come here to pray for victory for test, tournaments, and overall victory in life. It is 400 yen for entry and just an absolute pleasure to visit.

Nestled in Japan, Katsuo-ji Temple offers a tranquil escape where nature and spirituality converge. The unique feature, a sea of Daruma dolls, symbolizes wishes and goals, creating a captivating visual tapestry. It took us 2 hours to get there but totally worthy. Highly recommend!!!

I made the journey to Katsuoji from the Minoh Waterfall on foot, which took about 1 hour. It was quite challenging, especially in the summer heat and humidity. There are also buses that can take you directly, but be mindful of their irregular schedules. The temple is truly unique and remarkably beautiful. We had the opportunity to witness (or at least hear) the prayers, and we could also purchase many daruma dolls and feed the koi carp in the small lake. This temple is definitely worth the visit, and it's not well-known! We were practically alone during our visit.

This is a great place with amazing surroundings and traditional structures... You will feel that special vibe after you enter the temple ground. One of the best places around Osaka to see Autumn leaves. Now it's the best time to visit by these days (11/25, 26,27......) But please take note that the main gate is still under repair so you might not be able to enjoy the full experience. But still it's a beautiful place... And also you can see night light illumination as after around 5pm (visiting day : 2023/11/25)

Fantastic place to come and escape from the city. It is cooler up in the hills of Minoh, especially when there is a sudden thunderstorm that adds to the feeling of the place. Ample parking if you come by car, but a little bit expensive, we paid about 700 yen for about 2 hours. Entrance prices are pictured below. Someone else commented that it doesn't have the feeling of an old temple and that is pretty fair but this temple and its grounds and extremely well looked after and are a photographer's paradise. There are small Daruma scattered all over the park and it was great fun for the kids to try and find the ones that were well hidden or swimming. The ajisai [hydrangeas] were in full bloom and offered a wonderful splash of colour and contrast. A yakubarai [exorcism] ceremony was taking place as we were walking around the grounds and it was played through the speaker along with the druming. So although it does not have the feel of an old school temple it still functions as one.

It's good time for Momiji. I love to come here every Autumn. So many people visit here in Momiji. I need to go early morning otherwise i'm stuck in the traffic jam or there's no parking lot.

A fun place to go especially if you have a wish/goal you're trying to pray for. It is in the mountain and in a remote place, so it's quite inconvenient to visit there though. From Senri-Chuo station, it takes about 25min and by taxi, it costs just over ¥3000. The bus is very infrequent, so make sure you check the timetable before you visit.

Beautiful place to stroll around! Admission is 400 yen for an adult.

An absolute beautiful place to visit. It’s located in the top of mountain so you feel it’s fresher air in mornings. I do recommend to go in mornings. It’s going to be much hotter in the afternoon or so. Little red “Daruma” dolls are everywhere that are super cute.

It's a nice place. But June was not a best time to go here. Drive around 1 hour in tennoji to there. No free parking. Paid 500 yen for the first hour after 200 yen for 30 mins. Entrance fee 500 yen for adults. If spring or autumn comes, it will be better.

Daruma everywhere. Very beautiful colors when weather is overcast without sun. I think it would be gorgeous in the rain. Probably best seen in late November with the momiji. You can purchase several Daruma items in their 2 shops, including those ubiquitous wooden dolls all around. You can leave it there or take it home. The one in the picture covered with jewels seems to have been purchased, adorned at home, and then brought back by someone!

Definitely worth a long train and bus ride just to visit this place. The atmosphere is serene and due to the isolated location, it’s not overwhelmed by crowds. The temple is beautiful with the grand nature as its backdrop, and you feel at peace with the chants in the background. But what differentiates this temple from others, are of course the darumas hidden in every nook and cranny. Countless of the picturesque red dolls are placed throughout the grounds and sometimes if you are observant enough, you might find some hidden in unexpected areas. Photographers would love this place as it provides very instagram-worthy shots especially during cherry-blossom seasons and autumn with the pink sakura petals and red maple leaves scattered across the ground respectively. Do time your visit right, to avoid long waiting times for the bus ride.

one day only three trips of public buses after visiting this place you could stroll down or take. JR bus with 500 yen single journey to Minoh Falls (Dainichi Parking site) then strolling down to minoh station

Entrance fee is required The place is high up in the mountain. Nice view with natural scenery Must go up by driving car or make sure you are able to catch the last shuttle bus timing. Else it is very hard to get taxi to pick you

Such a magical place, with little daruma dolls pretty much everywhere. One of my favorite places in Japan, period! Parking may be difficult after 11AM so be prepared.

This by far is one of the most beautiful Temples in Japan that you could ever want to visit. Located within the mountains of Minoh. There are many reasons to visit, such as the beauty of the buildings, the views, and the people, and on the right day peace and quiet. They have a number of events and they do get extremely busy with coach loads of tourists, particularly at the weekends. So check their website first. The best way to get there is to hike through Minoh national park from Saraike park, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours but it's worth the time. The view walking down the steps from the mountains and having the first sight of the Temple is breathtaking. Give yourself at least 3 hours minimal to see everything this temple has to offer. They have a great gift shop, seating for resting and drinking, there is no cafe just drink machines. If you come by car be prepared to wait if there is an advent happening, parking is not free, you can get a bus from Minoh station and back.

Beautiful place! Would recommend a visit for sure. Bit of a trek to get to from Osaka. Buses only run 3 times a day from senri- chuo Station. Visit in the autumn to experience the beautiful fall foliage.

An amazing place in the mountains could have spent all day there listening to the buddhist monks...they play the ceremonies throughout the park to listen to while your exploring. The koi pond is massive and its wonderful to watch all the beautiful fish. Well worth the effort to go...enjoy the twist and turns of the mountain road as you make your way there. If you like to cycle it seems like a really popular hill climb for the local cyclists.

Lovely shrine tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Osaka. There is a bus that goes to the shrine but there aren’t a lot of times. Make sure to figure out your schedule as you will want to give enough time to explore the area and make it back on the bus or else you will need to call a taxi or take a really long walk.

One of the most beautiful Buddhist Temples outside of Osaka City. The exquisite architecture and serene views are worth the trip. You can rent a car for the day to journey up the mountain to visit this historic landmark. This unique location offers a great view of the city. Do not forget to buy your Dauruma Doll, make your wish, and place it wherever you want throughout the grounds.

If you have some time in Osaka, I would definitely recommend this place. The garden is beautiful and well maintained. It’s actually huge ! The little darumas all around the place makes it really unique. The only issue is actually getting there (in our case we came by car, with the parking lot at 500¥)