A trip to Katsuoji Temple at the end of October 2024: A mountain full of Daruma, a heart full of joy

#2024TravelReview #Katsuoji #KatsuojiGuide #KatsuojiDaruma At the end of October 2024, I came to Katsuoji Temple in Osaka, Japan with full expectations. This 1,300-year-old temple, located in Minoh, north of Osaka, is famous for the Daruma dolls that can be found throughout the temple. This trip not only allowed me to experience the rich Japanese culture, but also brought me a lot of happiness and positive energy among the Daruma dolls all over the mountains. First visit to Katsuoji Temple: The shock of seeing a mountain full of Daruma As soon as you step into Katsuo-ji Temple, what catches your eye are countless Daruma dolls. These Darumas come in different sizes and colors. The most common color is bright red, but special styles such as gold and blue can also be seen. They are placed in every corner of the temple: on stone lanterns, between tree branches, by the pond, and even under the eaves. These Darumas are not only decorations, but also contributions made by believers after their prayers, symbolizing the realization of wishes and gratitude to the gods. The expressions of the Daruma dolls vary, some are serious, some are cute, and some even have a playful look. Seeing these Dharmas, I couldn’t help but laugh, as if they were also welcoming my arrival. It is said that Bodhidharma symbolizes the spirit of "turning seven times and rising eight times", which means that no matter what difficulties you encounter, you can stand up again. This makes me feel extremely excited. 🕰️Business hours: Weekdays: 08:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30) Saturday: 08:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30) Sundays and national holidays: 08:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30) The end of the journey: the joy of returning home with a full load Before leaving Katsuo-ji Temple, I visited the souvenir shop inside the temple and brought back a few mini Daruma dolls as souvenirs. These Daruma are not only cute, but also full of positive energy, which reminds me of this pleasant journey every time I see them. Please note that during certain events (such as night illuminations) hours may be extended