Katsuoji Daruma Temple & Minoh Waterfall Private Tour by Car from Kyoto

  • History & Culture
  • Sightseeing

Quotation

Overview

Join us on a peaceful private tour by car to Katsuoji Daruma Temple and Minoh Waterfall. Reflect at the temple as you choose a Daruma doll, then enjoy a relaxing forest hike to a huge waterfall.

  • Visit Katsuoji Temple, known for its powerful Daruma dolls
  • Place your Daruma in the temple grounds, symbolizing your personal journey
  • Enjoy a peaceful forest hike to the picturesque Minoh Waterfall

Your private tour begins with a comfortable car ride to Katsuoji Temple, nestled in the northern hills of Osaka. Famous for its association with the Daruma, a traditional Japanese doll symbolizing perseverance and good fortune, this temple offers visitors a reflective experience.
At Katsuoji, you can choose one of two Daruma types:

  1. The Fortune-Telling Daruma, which reveals insights into the path your life should take.
  2. The Winning Daruma, where you draw in one eye as a symbol of your determination to achieve a goal or overcome a personal challenge. This Daruma doesn’t magically fulfill your wishes—but rather gives you a chance to face yourself and reflect on your strengths and weaknesses.

Afterward, you can leave your Daruma anywhere within the temple grounds—tucked between trees, beside a flowing creek, or any peaceful spot that speaks to you.
Next, the tour takes you through the lush forests of Minoh Park. A gentle hike leads to Minoh Waterfall, a stunning 33-meter cascade surrounded by seasonal beauty—vibrant greenery in summer, fiery foliage in autumn. This part of the tour lets you reconnect with nature and soak in the tranquil surroundings at your own pace.
The entire experience is private and tailored, allowing for quiet moments of reflection, photography, or simple enjoyment of the sacred and natural spaces.

Itinerary

Starting location
Hachijoguchi exit of Kyoto Station. First floor of hotel Ibis.
*The pick-up from the hotel in Kyoto City is available too.

Car
1 h

Katsuo-ji Daruma Temple
Guided tour (2.25 hours)

Car
15 min

Minoo Waterfall Park
Sightseeing + snack time (75 minutes)

Car
75 min

Arrive back
MK VIP Station/drop off at your hotel in Kyoto City

Plan

Katsuoji Daruma Temple & Minoh Waterfall Private Tour by Car from Kyoto

Tour Time

6 hours and 30 minutes

Language

English

Included

・Parking fees
・Entry or admission fee
・Private car transportation (round trip)
・English-speaking guide
・Highway tolls

Not included

・Food & drinks
・Personal expenses
・Optional purchases at the temple or souvenir shops

Please note

What to bring:
・Comfortable shoes
・Umbrella
・Drinks
・Comfortable clothes

Not allowed:
・High-heeled shoes
・Crutches
・Bare feet

Cancellation Policy

・We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 0 hours or less before the event
・We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 0 hours or less before the event
・We will charge a cancellation fee of 40% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
・We will charge a cancellation fee of 30% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before the event
・We will charge a cancellation fee of 20% if booking is cancelled 10 days or less before the event
・We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 11 days or less before the event

Booking in advance

Cut off: 1 week

Difficulty

Easy

Meeting points

MK Taxi VIP Station Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (Taxi Stand / Kyoto Sightseeing Reception)
〒601-8002
Kyoto, Minami Ward, Higashikujo Kamitonodacho 47
Ibis Styles Kyoto Station

Quotation