Katsuoji Temple

Katsuo-ji Temple is a Koyasan Shingon Buddhist temple in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture, renowned as the “Temple of Victory” and the “Temple of Winning Daruma.” People from across Japan visit to pray for success in exams, business, employment, sports, and many other endeavors. The grounds, spanning roughly 80,000 tsubo, are also famous for seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas. The temple’s origins trace back to the Nara period: in 727, twin brothers Zenchū and Zensan established a hermitage here and devoted themselves to Buddhist training. In the Heian period it flourished as a center of mountain worship, and in 880 the head priest Gyōjun prayed for Emperor Seiwa’s recovery from illness. The temple was destroyed in 1184 during the Genpei War (the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani), but was rebuilt in 1188 by order of Minamoto no Yoritomo. The countless daruma on the grounds are known as “Kachi-daruma (Winning Daruma),” dedicated by people who achieved their goals.