A Day Trip to Katsuo-ji Temple: Recommended Budget-Friendly Itinerary & Ticket Guide

2026/09/02
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Famous for its “winning daruma”, Katsuo-ji Temple is one of Osaka’s most popular sightseeing spots. The sight of countless bright-red daruma dolls displayed throughout the temple grounds has become a favorite photo spot on social media.

In this guide, we’ll introduce “Katsuo-ji Temple & Osaka Metro Pass North Plus 1-Day Set Ticket”, a convenient and affordable way to travel from central Osaka to Katsuo-ji Temple. We’ll also share a recommended day-trip itinerary and explain exactly how much you can save by using the ticket.

 

1. Minoh-Kayano Station Is the Most Convenient Way to Get to Katsuo-ji Temple

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Instead of Hankyu Minoh Station, the more convenient option is Minoh-Kayano Station on the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line.

From Minoh Station, you’ll need to take a taxi to reach Katsuo-ji Temple, while direct buses to Katsuo-ji Temple operate from Minoh-Kayano Station. In this case, Katsuo-ji Temple & Osaka Metro Pass North Plus 1-Day Set Ticket is highly recommended. This ticket combines train travel and admission to Katsuo-ji Temple at a discounted price. It also comes with discount benefits at selected sightseeing spots in Osaka City, making it a great choice for travelers who want to explore more of Osaka in addition to visiting Katsuo-ji Temple.

2. What Is “Katsuo-ji Temple & Osaka Metro Pass North Plus 1-Day Set Ticket”?

The Katsuo-ji Temple & Osaka Metro Pass North Plus 1-Day Set Ticket includes unlimited rides on all Osaka Metro and Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line trains, as well as admission to Katsuo-ji Temple. The ticket costs ¥1,800 for adults.

Simply showing the ticket also gives you access to discount benefits at participating sightseeing attractions in Osaka City.

▶ Purchase here

3. How to Purchase the Katsuo-ji Temple & Osaka Metro Pass North Plus 1-Day Set Ticket

This is a web-only digital ticket that can be purchased and used entirely on your smartphone. It is not available at station ticket counters or ticket machines, so be sure to purchase it in advance through the dedicated website.

There is no need to specify a date when purchasing. The ticket is valid for three months from the date of purchase, making it convenient to prepare ahead of your trip.

4. How to Use the Katsuo-ji Temple & Osaka Metro Pass North Plus 1-Day Set Ticket

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On the day of your trip, you can travel conveniently with just your smartphone—no physical ticket is required. When entering or exiting the train station, simply display the QR code on your smartphone and hold it over the designated reader.

 

Since the Katsuo-ji Temple admission fee is already included, you can enter the temple without having to purchase an admission ticket on-site.

 

Note: The fare for the Hankyu Bus from Minoh-Kayano Station to Katsuo-ji Temple is not included in this ticket.

5. A Budget-Friendly Day Trip Itinerary Using the Ticket

From major areas such as Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji, you can travel directly on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. This is a recommended itinerary for those who want to visit Katsuo-ji Temple in the morning and explore Osaka City in the afternoon.

 

Start your day in Namba and make your way to Minoh and Katsuo-ji Temple. After exploring the temple, return to central Osaka and spend the afternoon sightseeing at Osaka Castle and shopping in Umeda, before heading back to Namba to finish your day.

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【Morning】Visit Katsuo-ji Temple

 

Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Namba Station
 ↓ No transfer required—continue directly onto the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line
Minoh-Kayano Station (transfer to a bus)
 ↓
Katsuo-ji Temple

 

Plan to spend approximately 1–2 hours at Katsuo-ji Temple. If you leave Namba after breakfast, you should be able to finish your visit in the morning. However, please note that the temple has designated opening hours, so be careful not to arrive too early.

 

・Weekdays, Sundays & public holidays: 8:00–17:00 (Last admission: 16:30)

・Saturdays: 8:00–18:00 (Last admission: 17:30)

 

▶ For detailed access information from Minoh-Kayano Station to Katsuo-ji Temple, click here
▶ For more information on the highlights of Katsuo-ji Temple, click here

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【Afternoon】Explore Osaka City

 

① Osaka Castle Park & Osaka Castle

 

Katsuo-ji Temple
 ↓ Take the bus
 Kita-Osaka Kyuko Minoh-Kayano Station
 ↓
Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Umeda Station
 ↓ Walk to transfer
 Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line Higashi-Umeda Station
 ↓
Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line Tanimachi 4-chome Station

 

Allow approximately 1–1.5 hours to explore Osaka Castle. Enjoy the seasonal scenery in the park surrounding the castle, then head to the top floor of the castle tower for panoramic views of Osaka City.

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② Enjoy Food & Shopping in Osaka Umeda

 

Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line Tanimachi 4-chome Station

Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line Higashi-Umeda Station

 

Umeda is best visited in the late afternoon or evening, when you can combine sightseeing with dinner. At the popular Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory, you can enjoy stunning city views, including beautiful sunsets and dazzling nighttime scenery.

 

▼ For more information about the Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory, see this article:
A Guide to Umeda Sky Building: View Spot, Tickets, Access and More

 

▼ Check out our guide to the best food in Osaka Umeda:
[2026] Best 11 Food in Osaka Umeda: From the Newest Restaurants to Classic Japanese Cuisine

 

▼ For shopping, Hanshin Umeda Main Store is highly recommended:
Hanshin Umeda Main Store: A Foodie Paradise with Tax-Free Shopping and Exclusive Finds

 

▼ Umeda is also lively at night! Discover more things to do here:
7 Osaka Umeda Night Activities. Enjoy the night in the city with bars, cafes and night views!

 

Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Umeda Station

Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Namba Station

 

Finally, return to Namba and consider ending your day with a spectacular sumo show at THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA.

 

▼ Learn more about THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA here:
THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA❘ Sumo Entertainment Show in Namba, Osaka

6. How Much Can You Save with This Katsuo-ji Temple Itinerary?

We compared the total cost of this itinerary using the ¥1,800 1-Day Pass with the cost of paying for each train fare and admission fee separately.

 

Total when paying regular fares and admission fees individually: ¥6,840
・Total train fares: ¥1,540
・Bus to/from Katsuo-ji Temple: ¥1,600
・Admission fees: Katsuo-ji Temple ¥500 / Osaka Castle ¥1,200 / Kuchu Teien Observatory ¥2,000

 

Total when using the 1-Day Pass & discount benefits: ¥6,280
1-Day Pass: ¥1,800
・Bus to/from Katsuo-ji Temple: ¥1,600
・Admission fees: Katsuo-ji Temple (included in the 1-Day Pass) / Osaka Castle: ¥1,080 (discounted) / Kuchu Teien Observatory: ¥1,800 (discounted)

 

That means you can save ¥560 compared with paying separately!
Plus, you can enjoy a more convenient trip without having to purchase individual train tickets along the way—a win-win!

Conclusion

The Katsuo-ji Temple & Osaka Metro Pass North Plus 1-Day Set Ticket lets you enjoy both a visit to Katsuo-ji Temple and sightseeing around Osaka City conveniently and at a great value. Make the most of this ticket and enjoy a fun-filled day exploring Osaka!

About the author

SHIRO
SHIRO
A free spirit who loves the serene landscapes of ancient cities and travels solo.
Constantly exploring fascinating and less-known gems in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.
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