Katsuo-ji Temple in Minoh, Osaka is a popular sightseeing spot among international visitors to Japan.
Since it’s located outside central Osaka, many may feel unsure about how to get there.

In this guide, we’ll cover detailed information on how to access the temple, transportation options, estimated travel time, and important tips for using public transit—everything you need to know before you go!

Katsuo-ji Temple is well known as a place to pray for success and victory. Its scenic grounds, dotted with numerous red daruma dolls, make it a popular destination for travelers from around the world.
Located halfway up a mountain and surrounded by nature, Katsuo-ji offers a chance to experience Japan’s seasonal beauty throughout the year.
With its photo-worthy landscapes, a fun stamp rally, and a wide selection of souvenirs, it’s a spot that leaves international visitors highly satisfied.

Katsuo-ji Temple is located in the northern part of Osaka, about an hour from central Osaka areas like Umeda and Namba by train and bus.

While it’s a bit of a distance, it’s still easily doable in half a day. It’s a great spot for those looking to see a different side of Osaka beyond the bustling city and enjoy some time in nature.

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Now, let’s go over how to get to Katsuo-ji Temple from central Osaka.

To reach Katsuo-ji from the Umeda or Namba area, first take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.

The Osaka Metro Midosuji Line is one of the most frequently used lines by international travelers, with major stations like Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Namba, Tennoji, and Shin-Osaka.

One important thing to keep in mind is the train’s final destination. While heading toward Minoh-Kayano Station, some trains only go as far as Shin-Osaka or Nakatsu and do not reach the final stop. Be sure to check the destination display and confirm that the train goes all the way to Minoh-Kayano.

After arriving at Minoh-Kayano Station, transfer to a Hankyu Bus.

But here’s an important point to note!

Minoh-Kayano Station is operated by Kita-Osaka Kyuko Railway, not Osaka Metro. Since the wo railways are interconnected, you might not realize you’ve left the Osaka Metro line since Esaka Station during your ride.

If you’re using a transportation pass, be sure to check in advance whether your pass is valid for travel to Minoh-Kayano Station.

The following passes can be used at Minoh-Kayano Station:

Nara & Ikaruga 1-Day Ticket [Kita-Osaka Kyuko version]

Koyasan Outing Ticket [Kita-Osaka Kyuko version]

Hirapa Go!Go! Ticket [Kita-Osaka Kyuko version]

Osaka Metro & Kita-Kyu Train Pass 1DAY

The following passes cannot be used at Minoh-Kayano Station:

Surutto KANSAI Osaka Amazing Pass
Osaka Metro 26-Hour Ticket

Osaka Metro 48-Hour Ticket

Osaka Amazing Pass 1-Day Itami Airport–Expo ’70 Commemorative Park version
…and others.

If you use a non-compatible pass, you must adjust your fare before exiting the ticket gate. Use the fare adjustment machine located near the gate to pay the difference from the area covered by your pass.

*Note: Payment is by cash only.

*When returning to Osaka City from Katsuo-ji, please purchase a 240 yen ticket to Esaka Station from the ticket machine. Then, at your destination station, show both the ticket and your special pass to the Osaka Metro staff.

Buses from Minoh-Kayano Station to Katsuo-ji Temple:

Travel time: About 25 minutes

Frequency: 2 to 3 buses per hour

Fare: ¥800 one-way (for adults)

The number of buses differs between weekdays and weekends/holidays, so it’s best to check the Hankyu Bus website in advance for the latest schedule.

▶ Hankyu Bus Timetable from Minoh-Kayano Station

The Hankyu bus stop is located on the first floor of the station, and you can actually see it from the platform.

You can use either the North or South ticket gate to exit the station.

If you exit from the North gate, take the escalator on your right (next to station) to reach the bus area.

The bus to Katsuo-ji Temple departs from Bus Stop No. 8. 

To give you an idea of how crowded it can get—

On a weekday morning in September, about 40 people were already lined up when we arrived just five minutes before departure, and there were no available seats left.

If it’s this crowded on a weekday, weekends and holidays during the autumn foliage season are likely to be even busier. We recommend allowing plenty of time in your schedule when visiting.

Hankyu buses are boarded through the rear door. If you have an IC card, simply tap it on the reader when you get on.

You’ll pay the fare when getting off the bus by inserting cash into the fare machine next to the driver.

If you need change, use the same machine before paying your fare. After getting change, insert the exact amount (800 yen).

If you’re using an IC card, just tap it again when you get off—no need to insert anything.

If the bus is full or you want to save time, taking a taxi is a convenient option.

From Minoh-Kayano Station to Katsuo-ji Temple

Travel Time: Approximately 20 minutes

Fare: Around 3,400 yen

The taxi stand at Minoh-Kayano Station is located at the South Transportation Plaza. It’s easiest to use the South Exit Gate of the station.

From Bus Stop No. 8, simply cross the street—it’s right in front of you.

If you’ve come all the way to Katsuo-ji Temple, you might also want to visit Minoh Waterfall, one of the most famous waterWaterfall in the region. Although it’s in the same Minoh area, transportation options are limited, so it’s best to check in advance.

▼Where is Minoh Waterfall? Check this article▼

https://enjoy-osaka-kyoto-kobe.com/special/minoh-special/

There are no direct buses from Katsuo-ji to Minoh Waterfall, so you have three main options:
1. Walk
2. Take a taxi
3. Take a bus from Katsuo-ji, transfer at Minoh-Kayano Station and Minoh Station, then head to Minoh Waterfall

In the past, a special “Minoh Takimichi One-Way Sightseeing Bus” used to connect Hankyu Minoh Station, Minoh Waterfall, and Katsuo-ji Temple. As of April 2025, no announcement has been made regarding service for 2025. If the service resumes, updates will be posted on the official website below, so be sure to check it.

▶Minoh Transportation and Tourist Information Center

Travel time: Approximately 1 hour

If you choose to walk, you’ll be going down a paved roadway. Please be cautious of passing vehicles.

Travel time: About 10 minutes by taxi from Katsuo-ji Temple to the nearest parking lot to Minoh Waterfall, plus another 10 minutes on foot from the parking lot to the waterfall.
Price: Around 1,500 yen.

There is a taxi stand at Katsuo-ji Temple. Even if no taxis are waiting, a free direct-call phone is available to call one.

Here’s how to get there by bus, though it’s not the most recommended route—it takes nearly 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs over 1,000 yen due to the longer travel time.

Route:
From Katsuo-ji Temple, take the Hankyu Bus and get off at Minoh-Kayano Station (about 25 minutes).
Transfer to another Hankyu Bus heading toward Minoh Station and get off there (about 15 minutes).
From Minoh Station, walk to Minoh Waterfall (about 40 minutes).

After taking in the view of Minoh Waterfall, we recommend walking along the riverside trail toward Hankyu Minoh Station.
The path is a gently sloping, paved road that’s easy to walk on, perfect for enjoying a bit of forest bathing.
Along the way, you’ll also find food stalls, cafés, and souvenir shops—plenty of chances to satisfy your appetite.
The walk from Minoh Waterfall to Hankyu Minoh Station takes about 40 minutes.

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Note on how to get to Minoh Waterfall! Points that international travelers should know before going there

8 recommended gourmet restaurants in Minoh Waterfall! Cafes & Shops to stop by for sightseeing

In addition to Minoh Waterfall, northern Osaka offers several other must-visit spots for international travelers.
These include Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, home to the iconic Tower of the Sun; the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda, birthplace of the world-famous instant noodles; and the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses, where you can explore traditional Japanese homes and lifestyles.

For more details on these highlights, be sure to check out the article linked below!

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Half-Day Tours in Osaka! 8 Local Trip Recommendations

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a great place to visit in Osaka! Highlights Explained!

CUPNOODLES MUSEUM OSAKA IKEDA