Katsuo-ji Temple
Surrounded by a quasi-national park, Katsuo-ji Temple in Minoh is an ancient temple founded in the Nara period with a history spanning about 1,300 years. Its vast 65-acre grounds include the main hall and temple gate rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori, as well as San-Po Kojin-do, believed to be Japan's first shrine dedicated to Kojin. After prayers offered here led to an emperor's recovery from illness, it became known as the temple that triumphed over the emperor and was revered by generations of warriors.
I originally thought Katsuo-ji Temple was one of those remote attractions deep in the mountains of Japan that takes a long, strenuous journey to reach. But after actually going there, I found it wasn't that difficult at all! Take the Midosuji Line all the way to the last stop, M06 Minoh-kayano, and you can transfer directly to a nonstop bus to Katsuo-ji Temple right outside the station. The ride takes about 21 minutes and is smooth all the way.
The scenery at the temple is beautiful, and practically every corner is photogenic. Almost every attraction along the way has a multicolor stamp postcard you can stamp. This is very family-friendly. Just tell the kids, “You can get another stamp at the next stop,” and they instantly perk up and keep walking, so you don't have to worry about them constantly asking, “How much farther?”
The biggest downside to Katsuo-ji Temple is that the daruma dolls and souvenirs all make you want to buy them. It's way too hard on the wallet.
