Katsuō-ji Temple, Buddhist temple in Minō, Japan
Katsuō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Minoh, Osaka Prefecture, surrounded by forest in the northern part of the region. The complex includes a vermilion pagoda and several ponds with koi carp.
Buddhist monks Zenchu and Zensan founded a meditation hut at this location in 727. The small retreat grew over the centuries into a major religious center.
The grounds display thousands of red daruma figures that visitors place along railings and staircases. Many people paint one eye during their first visit and return later to add the second eye.
Access is by bus from Senri-Chūō Station, with an entrance fee of 400 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. The forest setting keeps temperatures comfortable even in summer.
The original name Katsuo-ji was changed after successfully treating Emperor Seiwa. The new spelling avoided any suggestion that the temple might stand above the imperial house.
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