⛩️ Katsuo-ji Temple

Surrounded by the national park, Shōbō-ji in Mino City was built during the Nara period and is a temple with a history of 1,300 years. Within its vast area of about 80,000 tsubo, there are the main hall and mountain gate rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori, as well as the Sanbō Arakami Shrine, which is said to be Japan's first Arakami Shrine. In ancient times, it was a place to pray for the emperor's recovery from illness, and since the emperor recovered as wished, it became known as "Katsuō-ji," earning the respect of military commanders throughout history. To this day, it remains a temple for praying for "victory," where worshippers come to pray for success in exams, sports competitions, and business transactions using the "victory daruma." The daruma fortunes, which indicate the year's luck and provide auspicious advice, are also very popular. Shōbō-ji is the most popular attraction in Mino City, famous for its autumn leaves. In the fall, the temple is adorned with vibrant colors of red and yellow, and the maple trees lining the approach create a tunnel of autumn foliage, showcasing the unique beauty of the season. During the night of the autumn foliage season, the temple is brightly lit, immersing visitors in a dreamlike atmosphere that is completely different from the daytime. In addition to the autumn leaves, there are many natural landscapes worth seeing, such as cherry blossoms in spring and hydrangeas in summer. Notably, the cherry blossoms bloom later than in flat areas, with some varieties still in bloom until late April.

Located in Mount Mino, it is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect. Known for its association with victory, the "Shōri Daruma" (victory daruma doll), which is popular for praying for success in exams and business transactions, is highly favored. The existing main hall and mountain gate were rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori. It is famous for its seasonal natural scenery, including cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer, and autumn leaves. During the autumn foliage season, there are also nighttime illuminations.