Overview
KATSUOJI: The Darumas of Victory!
In the wooded mountains of Minoh, in northern Osaka, Katsuoji Temple, known as the Temple of Victory, is alive with Daruma figures, reminders of perseverance and resolve. Here, victory is not loud or fleeting, but enduring, carried in the spirit of each visitor who leaves a Daruma behind.
This tour is perfect for visitors to Osaka, including small groups (up to a maximum number of 10 participants), who prefer guided intimacy, historical context, and a more relaxed pace.
Highlights
- Stroll through the scenic grounds of Katsuoji.
- Discover the purposes behind the Darumas and their meanings.
- Learn why one Daruma wants a solemn promise and what the other is hiding.
- Hear fascinating stories and cultural insights from your native English-speaking guide.
Full Description
Katsuoji
Two Darumas Walk Into a Temple…
Meet your guide at Minoh-Kayano Station and we’ll begin by taking the bus up a winding mountain road to Katsuoji. Your guide will spend a couple of hours with you explaining Katsuoji’s story. After exploring the temple, you are free to make your way back to Minoh-Kayano station by bus (or taxi, if you prefer).
Katsuoji has been around since 727 AD, which means it has seen monks, emperors, samurai, storms, and miracles. The temple is also home to two very different Darumas, and honestly, they behave like they’re in a friendly rivalry. One is big and dramatic, and looks like it’s ready to give a motivational speech. The other is tiny, cheerful, and hiding secrets like it’s auditioning for a magic show.
“Why going with an experienced guide is a very good idea”
Because at Katsuoji, the Darumas have stories and secrets, and a good experienced guide knows exactly how to introduce you without causing a diplomatic incident and will:
- reveal how Katsuoji became the “Temple of Victory” long before motivational posters existed.
- share the legends, rituals, and delightful quirks of Katsuoji.
Itinerary
There are 2 options available, morning and afternoon. Be sure to specify which one you would like to book when you contact us.
The times listed in the itinerary are for reference only and the actual tour may vary depending on actual conditions such as weather and transportation.
Meeting Point
Our guide will be waiting for you at Minoh-Kayano station, outside the South Exit, holding a Great Promenade Tours sign.
Minoh-Kayano station is on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, station number M06.
Know Before You Go
- This tour operates ALL YEAR ROUND
- Advance booking required
- As this is a walking tour, comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended
- Tour operates rain or shine. Please bring sunshade and rain protection if necessary
- Suitable for all ages
- Food and drink, and transportation are not included
- Wheelchair access is available on the bus and at the temple
Available Dates
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Tour Price
¥13,000 per person
How To Book
Once you have decided the date for your tour (check the available dates above) and the number of participants, and because we believe in the personal, non-AI touch, contact our team at the following email address, and we will start organising your tour immediately. Group rates are available for 4-10 participants (maximum number of participants per tour is 10). If you have any questions or queries contact us at the same email address. We are happy to help, and we look forward to hearing from you.
info.galeriepopelier@gmail.com
This tour is operated by Great Promenade Tours (Osaka) for Galerie Popelier.
Cancellations
- Up to 48 hours before, full refund
- Less than 48 hours before, 50% refund
- Same day cancellation, no refund
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FAQ
1. Why does this tour use public transport?
Katsuoji encourages visitors to take public transport to the temple to ease congestion in the area. We also support the following SDGs.
2. Who is our guide?
Your guide’s name is Warren and he has been coming to, and living and working in Osaka since 1993, so if anyone knows their way around, he does. More importantly, before going solo, Warren spent a year taking tours around Katsuoji and knows very well the stories, legends, rituals, and delightful quirks of temple. When he is not on tour, he could be at his art studio painting or teaching English somewhere.
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