Katsuoji Temple (勝尾寺)

This majestic temple lies deep in the mountains of Minoh surrounded by picturesque nature. The temple is well-known for its Daruma dolls– styled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism.
Temple fortunes are sold tucked inside small Daruma dolls, which can be taken home as a souvenir or left on the temple grounds with the hundreds of others– on stairways, hidden among greenery, and perched on walls looking out over the scenery.
Visitors who need a lot of luck or who have an ambitious goal in mind may purchase a larger Daruma doll and write your goal on his back.
The temple grounds also feature a large koi pond, an impressive 2-story main gate (rebuilt in 1603), numerous temple buildings and breathtaking scenery. Beautiful any time of year, fall is especially gorgeous! The autumn foliage covers the landscape in bold shades of red, yellow, and green.
The temple is also near Minoh Falls, so it is possible to visit both in the same day if you have access to a car, bicycle, or other private transportation.