Summer Light-up in Osaka! Katsuoji Temple Midsummer Night Visit

Katsuoji Temple Summer Light-up

Osaka's Katsuoji Temple is hosting a magical light-up event this summer. The Katsuoji Temple Midsummer Night Visit 2023 will be illuminating the temple's green foliage and pathways every Saturday from July 16 until August 26.

Visit Katsuoji on Saturdays after sunset to stroll along the mystical temple paths lit up by enchanting lights. The illuminations make the temple look like a summer night sanctuary!

About Katsuoji Temple

Katsuoji Temple, located in Minoh City on the outskirts of Osaka, is well-known for its vibrant fall foliage and autumn illuminations. Established in 727, it has played an important role in Japan's history as a place where famous figures have come to pray for good luck and success in battles.

The temple is also famous for its daruma dolls. Daruma are ornaments modeled after the semi-legendary Buddhist monk Bodhidharma.

Known as Kachi Daruma ("daruma that bring victory"), the daruma dolls at Katsuoji are considered special due to the temple being known as a temple of success in all aspects of life.

Katsuoji promotes the idea that winning does not mean defeating others, but overcoming one's own challenges with the motto: fall down seven times and get back up eight times.

Kachi Daruma and Kachi Festival on July 29

Coinciding with the summer light-up and the Summer Festa Minoh Park 2023, the Kachi Fes, a festival dedicated to the Kachi Daruma dolls, will be held on July 29 (Saturday).

Follow a path lined with darumas and enjoy local events such as live performances by professional daruma painters and daruma treasure hunts.

How to Get to Katsuoji Temple

In order to visit Katsuoji Temple, head to Mino-o Station (Hankyu Mino Line) from Osaka.

From Mino-o Station, there is the Minoo One-way Sightseeing Loop Bus that takes you to Katsuoji in about 35 minutes. The loop bus also stops at the famous Minoo Waterfall. A one-way ticket costs 500 yes. On the other hand, if you buy a one-day ticket (2,000 yen), you can take this bus how many times you want on the same day and explore the nature-rich Minoo area.

The Minoo Sightseeing Loop Bus operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from July 15, 2023, to March 10, 2024.

Regardless of day or night, Katsuoji Temple is truly beautiful. If you do not have the chance to catch this summer event, do not fret as autumn is just around the corner.

Katsuoji Temple Midsummer Night Visit 2023

Dates: July 15 - August 26, 2023 (*the light-up taes places on Saturdays only)
Time: 17:00 - 20:30

Katsuoji temple

562-0021 2914-1 Awumaya, Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture

Katsuo-ji Temple in Minoh is known as a famous spot for autumn leaves. The approach to the main hall is a tunnel of autumn leaves, and you c...

Information and photo source: PR Times

Written by Kate_T