Webmaster visited Katsuo-ji Temple in Osaka Prefecture last week.
http://www.katsuo-ji-temple.or.jp/katuouji_e/index.html
Access: Osaka (walk 0:05) Umeda (local train 0:21) Mino’o (taxi 0:15) @
Admission:￥400 for adult
Katsuo-ji Temple has huge precincts among forested hills. The spring new leaves were very beautiful.
After the entrance, Webmaster came to Sanmon Gate at first. Its vermilion body was very beautiful matching with the background blue sky.
After passing through the gate, a long stone bridge led the visitors to the precincts.
The lines of stone lanterns on both sides of the approach.
Then, going up some steps, Webmaster arrived at Taho-to Pagoda.
The shrubs of rhododendron on each side of the steps were flowering then.
After Taho-to pagoda, the path is still going up leading us to the main hall.
The main hall of the temple
The other Nikaido Hall stands behind of the main hall at the depths.
As Nikaido Hall stands at the highest part in the precincts, we need to descend for going back.
The view of Sanmon Gate standing near the entrance from a view point.
Now, Webmaster returned to the pond below where many colored carp swim.
You can feed them some pellets which were sold for ￥100.
Webmaster enjoyed feeding them!
When you walk in the precincts, you would find many daruma dolls everywhere. What are they?
A daruma doll is that in the shape of an ancient zen Buddhist Daruma Daishi. But, why are there so many daruma dolls here?
In fact, it is omikuji, a written oracle, which can be obtained near the main hall in exchange for a donation for ￥500. Webmaster also obtained one. The oracle was inserted in a body of daruma doll.
You can keep the doll as an amulet or a good-luck charm, or leave it in the precincts making a wish. Webmaster chose the latter wishing the good health of my family members and me.
Some photos of the precincts with daruma dolls
End.