Iconic red Daruma dolls, symbols of perseverance.
Vibrant display of iconic Japanese Daruma dolls symbolizing perseverance and luck.

Katsuō-ji: Temple of the Daruma

Not far from Osaka, in the heart of Mino forest, is a place reputed to grant all wishes. Discover the Temple of the Daruma …

Katsuō-ji Temple, widely known as the Temple of the Daruma, stands in the heart of Mino forest in northern Osaka. Because of its reputation of bringing victory and good fortune, many Japanese make a pilgrimage there every year, or before an important examination.

Katsuō-ji
Katsuō-ji

Katsuō-ji: the temple that helps triumph

The temple was originally founded in 727 by two Buddhist monks, Zenchu and Zensan. Attracted by the spiritual tranquillity of the site, they first built a simple hut. Later on a temple was officially established at the instigation of a prince from the imperial family who went there seeking peace of mind.

Katsuō-ji
Katsuō-ji

It takes its current name from Katsuō-ji after the miraculous cure of Emperor Seiwa (850–881). Legend has it that the priests’ prayers healed the monarch. In gratitude, he allowed the temple to use the name “勝 王 寺 Katsuō-ji” which means “the temple that helps triumph”. Out of respect, the monks prefer a homonym 勝 尾 寺 and replace the character for king 王 by the one for tail 尾.

Katsuō-ji
Katsuō-ji

Daruma: auspicious figures of folklore

Since then, the temple has maintained its reputation for victory and success. That’s how the place filled up with Daruma dolls over time. These red figurines are traditional Japanese lucky charms.

Katsuō-ji
Katsuō-ji
Katsuō-ji
Katsuō-ji

They represent the Bodhidharma, a monk from India, founder of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The etymology comes from the name of this monk: the “dharma” was preserved and it was “japonized” as DARUMA.

It’s customary to paint one of the Daruma’s eyes black when making a vow. When this is finally granted, you colour in the other eye and return the doll to the temple.

Katsuō-ji
Katsuō-ji

These figurines scattered all over Katsuō-ji bear witness to the popularity of the temple and the number of wishes fulfilled thanks to prayers addressed here.

Katsuō-ji
Katsuō-ji

Katsuō-ji is part of the Saigoku pilgrimage, which covers thirty-three Buddhist temples. The route stretches almost a thousand kilometres from the east to the west coast of Kansai region.

Daruma are part of the folklore of the temple, and now attract curious tourists as well as faithful pilgrims.

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

Instagram

Emerald river, Concrete whispers through green trees— Harmony awakes.エメラルド川、 緑木々を抜ける音— 調和が目を覚ます。#hydropower #natureandtech #emeraldgreen #sustainableenergy #offbeatjapan #hiddenjapan #japan
Doll faces whisper, In kimono dreams they rest, Lifelike hues of peace. 関風と囁く、 着物の夢に眠る、 平和の色。#offbeatjapan #japan #hinamatsuri #traditionalcrafts #japanesedolls #kimonolove #serenebeauty
Golden sun awakens, Whispering mist hugs green hills— Sky's mirror below. ---金色の太陽が目覚め、 囁く霧が緑の丘を包む— 空は下を映す。 ---#tanada #offbeatjapan #serenesunrise #japanlandscapes #mysticalmorning #ruraljapan #traditionalagriculture #japan
Sacred roof stands tall, Amid urban whispers hum— Time weaves old and new. 古き屋根、 街のささやき中、 時が編む。 #onochiciview #templevscity #ancientandmodern #urbanserenity #hillscapes #offbeatjapan #japan
Crimson dreams whisper, Wooden echoes of the past, In tranquil embrace.  赤夢囁く、 過去の木の響き、 静かな抱擁。  #DarumaDreams #ShrineQuietude #SereneJapan #RuralRetreat #CulturalSymbols #offbeatjapan #japan
Golden grasses sway, Ferris wheel rusts under sky— Blue, pink whispers past.---金色の草が揺れる、 錆びた観覧車の下で— 青とピンクの囁きが通り過ぎる。---#offbeatjapan #japan #haikyo #abandonedplaces #amusementpark #ferriswheel #nostalgia #urbanexploration
Emerald whispers, Jizo in crimson repose, Peace in quiet woods.---翡翠のささやき、 赤き地蔵の静寂、 静かな森の安らぎ。---#sacredjapan #jizostatue #forestbathing #serenity #spiritualjapan #offbeatjapan #japan
Lanterns softly glow, Slate-gray mirrors vibrant hues— City whispers dreams.---ランタンの灯り、 石畳に映る— 街の夢語。---#offbeatjapan #japan #japanesenightlife #yokocho #neonnights #lanterns #urbanjapan