Katsuo-ji — Attraction in Minoh

I never thought I’d meet my first love at 43. By that age, I believed love was something that had passed me by a chapter I’d never get to write. But then, she walked into my life.

We met at work. She carried a sadness she couldn’t quite hide, and I later learned she had just gone through a painful breakup with her boyfriend. Her world felt shattered, and she struggled to move forward. I didn’t approach her with any grand intentions I just wanted to help.

I became the one who cheered her up. I listened when she needed to talk, found ways to make her laugh, and reminded her that life didn’t end with one heartbreak. Little by little, her smile returned, and so did the light in her eyes. In the process, something unexpected happened—I fell for her. And as time passed, she let me into her heart, too.

Our first trip together was to Japan, to Katsuo-ji Temple the “Temple of Victory.” She thought it was the perfect place for both of us, a place to leave behind the pain of the past and look forward to a brighter future.

The temple was stunning, surrounded by lush greenery and filled with Daruma dolls, each representing someone’s wish. She bought one for me as a birthday gift it was April, my birthday month and told me to make a wish. I painted one eye on the doll and silently wished for happiness, for love, for us.

We spent the day exploring the temple grounds, stopping at the koi pond and under the towering torii gate. She teased me about growing older, and I teased her back about being bad with directions. It was a simple, perfect day, and it made me believe that maybe, just maybe, I’d finally found my own version of victory.

She became my first love. It wasn’t the fiery passion of youth it was something deeper, built on trust, laughter, and quiet moments like that day at Katsuo-ji.

But life is unpredictable, and eventually, we went our separate ways. She moved on and found someone new—someone who could give her the happiness I had wished for back at the temple.

Now, when I think of her, it’s with gratitude and hope. I still carry that Daruma doll with one eye painted, but my wish has changed. I now wish her and her new boyfriend happiness and a love that lasts forever.

Katsuo-ji Temple remains a cherished memory, a place where I learned that love isn’t about possession it’s about wanting the best for someone, even if it’s...

Chasing Good Vibes at Katsuoji Temple Katsuoji Temple, tucked away in the lush hills of Mino, is like a little slice of calm just outside Osaka’s hustle. They call it the “Temple of Winner’s Luck,” and honestly, who doesn’t want a bit of that? I popped by to check out the hype, and let me tell you, this place is a gem for anyone craving nature and good fortune. Getting there’s a bit of an adventure—think metro to Minoh-Kayano Station, then a quick bus ride. Or, if you’re feeling sporty, a 40-minute hike from Minoh Falls through some gorgeous forest trails. I went the bus route (lazy day, no shame), and as soon as I hopped off, the bright red torii gate was like, “Yo, welcome to chill town.” The temple’s got this magical vibe. You walk over a misty bridge with koi fish gliding below, and it’s straight-up dreamy. The star of the show? Those adorable Daruma dolls everywhere—little round guys with blank eyes, waiting for you to make a wish. I grabbed one, scribbled my wish on the bottom, and painted its right eye like a pro. Tradition says you fill in the other eye when your wish comes true, so fingers crossed! Seeing thousands of these dolls, some with both eyes done, was super cool—like a field of hopes and dreams. The grounds are huge, with paths winding through trees that pop off in every season. I was there in autumn, and the maples were showing off in fiery reds and oranges. Spring’s got cherry blossoms, summer’s got hydrangeas—basically, it’s Instagram gold year-round. I wandered around, soaking in the incense and the soft hum of prayers, just vibing with the peacefulness. Pro tip: go early to dodge the crowds, especially in fall when it gets busy. Also, check the bus schedule—those rides don’t come often. Oh, and there’s a little shop for snacks and souvenirs, so you won’t go hungry. Katsuoji’s the perfect spot to escape the city, make a wish, and just breathe. Whether you’re all about the spiritual stuff or just want a chill day in nature, this temple’s got you covered. I left feeling lighter, Daruma in hand, ready...

Temple of victory! Pray here/buy a victory charm for victory in your future, that is one of this Temple's claim to fame.

Scenic temple with some fun quirks. There are small daruma figures everywhere! You can buy a daruma omikuji (fortune) at the main temples site and they encourage you to leave it behind wherever you like. People have gotten very creative with it! Also under the main bridge that leads towards the temple, there are some water features and every 15 minutes steam will be released from under the bridge. Adds an interesting atmosphere to the area.

The temple grounds and garden are full of flowers and trees, very picturesque. Plenty of cherry blossoms and other blooms during spring, and the maple trees are beautiful and green in spring, probably very vibrant in autumn!

The gift shop at the bottom has a nice cafe and some tasty snacks (the Walnut mochi was good, not too sweet).

Here are a couple of fun temple things to do while you're here:

(1) Next to the main temple site, there is a building filled with stone figures. Each represents a temple in the area (88 total). By praying to each and stepping on the stone under the statue (there is sand from each temple under the stepping stone), you can "visit" all 88.

(2) Here at the main temples you can buy charms and daruma omikuji! You can also buy a daruma (the stand keeper can explain how to do it).

(3) After the main temple, you will see a huge bell. It is said that by ringing the bell while making a wish, you can have that ONE wish granted. It's customary to prep the ringing log 3 times with little swings before finally hitting it! (Loud!)

(4) In the main garden on the lower grounds, there is a spiral stone path. It is said that if you follow the path from the entry point and walk spiraling towards the center clockwise (about 7 circles, it's easy to follow the path), then walk out counter clockwise, you will become smarter. After you exit, there is a rock you need to go sit on (there is a diagram at the...