Katsuoji Temple

Our tour guide Kelly was fantastic and incredibly attentive!! While I understand that the time allotted for other parts of the itinerary couldn't be shortened, I still wish we could have spent more time at Himeji Castle. Himeji Castle is definitely worth exploring at a leisurely pace, Katsuo-ji Temple is beautiful and photogenic even though the hydrangeas were only partially in bloom, and Kobe Port is great for food and shopping. All three attractions are well worth a visit!

I highly recommend driver Cai Weiping for a self-guided tour with elderly relatives. Since our accommodation required changing from Osaka to Kyoto, this day trip was perfect – conveniently connecting Osaka and Kyoto. Arriving early at Katsuo-ji Temple, there weren't many tourists, making it ideal for taking photos. After Katsuo-ji, there was ample time to explore Arashiyama. Even after returning to the hotel, we still had energy for leisurely strolls. If your accommodation involves changing from Osaka to Kyoto, you absolutely must book this tour! I can't imagine the hardship of lugging luggage and traveling all the way to Katsuo-ji and then Kyoto.

Buy and use immediately! No need to queue for tickets, quick entry – super convenient!! There are so many Daruma dolls, definitely worth seeing. You can also make a wish, and it's a great place for photos. A perfect trip, except the journey is a bit long, everything else was absolutely perfect!!

The itinerary was full, a fulfilling day, the tour guide was professional and attentive, caring for each traveler, and the fixed-point explanation was not sloppy. The wagyu dishes purchased here are also great. The environment is clean and the service is great.

The Daruma dolls at Katsuo-ji Temple are absolutely adorable! All three places are unique and worth visiting.

The overall experience wasn't great because of the rain, and with a typhoon, it really felt like we should consider canceling! However, our tour guide, Nanbao, seemed to be new to leading tours, but he clearly put in a lot of effort! He was a very nice person and tried his best to help with any problems!

Today we visited Byodoin Temple and Hoshokan Temple, seeing ancient buildings with a long history, converted from private gardens into Amida Temple, with elegant garden landscapes that were truly captivating. Afterwards, we went to Fushimi Inari Shrine, the head shrine of the Japanese god of wealth, and visited the Thousand Torii Gates ⛩️. Tourists from all over the world flocked there, and the scenes of roadside vendors hawking their wares and tourists buying food reminded me of the splendor of my hometown. Finally, we arrived at Katsuo-ji Temple, a tranquil place filled with the scent of a forest bath. Climbing the stairs still made my heart race. The temple enshrines the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Kannon Bodhisattva, reflecting our cultural heritage. Descending the mountain path, we were greeted by towering trees, feeling as if bathed in the blessings of Kannon Bodhisattva, and returned home with a joyful heart. Throughout the trip, our friendly guide, Liao Yuming, provided detailed explanations of the origins of each attraction and the cultural history of the Japanese imperial dynasty. His vivid descriptions enlivened the atmosphere on the bus, and his dedication was commendable, adding even more color to the day's itinerary.