JHT Holiday Travel
【Osaka Half-Day Tour】Katsuo-ji Daruma Prayer Experience & Japanese Sushi-Making | Small-Group Tour
※ Minimum of 2 participants required for the tour to operate. Depart from the designated meeting point in Osaka Nippombashi → Katsuo-ji Temple → Japanese Sushi-Making Experience → Return to Osaka Nippombashi.
This half-day tour combines a visit to Katsuo-ji Temple, one of Osaka’s popular destinations for prayers for success and good fortune, with a hands-on Japanese sushi-making experience.
Explore the mountain temple filled with distinctive Daruma dolls and experience Japan’s traditional prayer culture. Afterwards, learn to make sushi yourself and discover another side of Japanese culture through its cuisine.
Enjoy two different experiences in one afternoon, combining sightseeing and Japanese food culture.
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Katsuo-ji Temple & Japanese Sushi-Making Experience
The Experience
Depart from the designated meeting point in Osaka Nippombashi and travel by vehicle to Katsuo-ji Temple, located in the mountains of Minoh, for a half-day trip just outside central Osaka.
Katsuo-ji Temple | Daruma Prayers & Temple of Victory
The first stop is Katsuo-ji Temple, one of Osaka’s well-known temples for prayers and good fortune.
Katsuo-ji is famous for its association with “victory and success” and for the countless Daruma dolls found throughout the temple grounds. From the entrance and gardens to the temple paths, Daruma dolls of various sizes can be seen everywhere, creating a distinctive and memorable sight.
Surrounded by nature in the mountains, the temple offers a peaceful setting where visitors can explore the grounds at their own pace, admire the temple architecture, gardens, and seasonal scenery, and experience Japan’s unique Daruma prayer culture.
Approximately 90 minutes of free time is provided at Katsuo-ji Temple. Guests may pray at the temple, take photos, and purchase omamori charms, Daruma dolls, and other souvenirs.
Special Experience
In addition to visiting the temple and enjoying its scenery, visitors can experience Katsuo-ji’s distinctive Daruma culture. You may choose a prayer Daruma, make a wish, and paint in one of its eyes to symbolize setting a goal and taking the first step toward achieving it. Once your wish or goal has been fulfilled, the second eye can be painted in to mark its completion.
Another popular activity is the “Daruma Postcard” experience. Visitors can purchase a special Daruma-themed postcard and stamp it with commemorative seals to create a personal souvenir of the journey. You may also write down a wish and mail the postcard or take it home as a keepsake, adding an interactive and meaningful touch to your visit.
Admission to Katsuo-ji Temple is included in the tour price.
Japanese Sushi-Making Experience | Make Your Own Sushi
After leaving Katsuo-ji Temple, travel by vehicle to the sushi-making venue.
Under the guidance of a professional sushi chef, begin by learning about the ingredients, sushi culture, and basic techniques. Step by step, you will learn how to shape sushi, combine vinegared rice with seafood, and arrange your finished pieces before creating your own sushi.
Fresh seasonal ingredients are used, and the chef provides individual guidance throughout the experience. Even first-time participants can take part with ease, gaining a deeper appreciation of traditional Japanese food culture and sushi craftsmanship beyond simply enjoying sushi as a meal.
After completing your sushi, enjoy tasting what you have made. At the end of the experience, a short completion ceremony will be held, and each participant will receive a certificate of completion printed with their name as a special souvenir of the experience.
The entire sushi-making experience lasts approximately 90 minutes and is suitable for families, parents traveling with children, groups of friends, and first-time sushi makers.
After the experience, travel by vehicle back to the designated drop-off point in Osaka Nippombashi, marking the end of the half-day tour.
Itinerary
- 13:00Departure from FamilyMart Nipponbashi 1-Chome Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. After confirming all participants, the tour will depart on time.
- 14:00Katsuo-ji Temple (Admission Included)
- 16:30Japanese Sushi-Making Experience Enjoy an approximately 90-minute sushi-making experience led by professional staff. Learn about Japanese sushi culture and basic preparation techniques while making your own sushi. Go beyond simply tasting sushi and experience the fun of making it yourself while discovering Japanese food culture in a more hands-on way. After completing your sushi, you can enjoy the sushi you have made.
- 18:30Osaka Nippombashi Arrive at the designated drop-off point. The tour ends upon arrival. ※ The above schedule is for reference only. The actual itinerary may be adjusted depending on traffic, weather, and local conditions on the day.
Price Details
How to Use
- Customized Instructions
Purchase Notice
A minimum of 2 participants is required for this tour to operate.
This tour departs from a designated meeting point. Hotel pick-up and drop-off services are not provided.
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. To avoid affecting other guests, the tour will depart on time. Late arrivals and no-shows will be considered as voluntary cancellations.
The itinerary and schedule may be adjusted due to traffic conditions, weather, crowd levels at attractions, or other circumstances beyond our control.
The visit to Katsuo-ji Temple includes free time for independent exploration. Please return to the vehicle by the designated meeting time.
The content of the sushi-making experience and the ingredients used may vary depending on availability on the day.
If you have any food allergies, dietary restrictions, or special dietary requirements, please inform us in advance when making your reservation.
Infants and children are included in the total passenger count. Please enter the correct number of participants when making your reservation.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 3 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel on 2 day(s) before departure, will charge 50%
- Cancel during 0 ~ 1 day(s) of departure, Non-refundable (0% refund)