Day 5 • November 24, Monday

We were already out by 7:00 to head to Katsuoji Temple in Minoh. It was the last stop on the Midosuji Line. From Minoh-Kayano Station, there were buses going to Katsuoji and other routes like Minoh Park.

When we arrived at the station, there were only a few people lining up. But we had to reload our ICOCA cards, withdraw cash, and grab some light breakfast first. By the time we were ready to line up, the queue had gotten so long. We ended up standing in the bus, but thankfully our parents were able to get seats.

The one-way bus fare for adults was 800 yen. The entrance fee for Katsuoji was 500 yen.

The commute from Namba to Minoh was long but nice. The weather was gloomy and extra cold.

The moment we stepped inside the temple grounds, I felt like a kid in an amusement park. I was so excited about the stamp stations that I almost started with the last one near the entrance. Everywhere I looked, even in little corners and on the ground, there were daruma dolls. We bought a mini one to take home as a keepsake, even though I know it has its proper use.

The place felt so calm and beautiful. Big birds circled above. Red darumas everywhere. Mist drifting over the koi ponds, red pagodas, and leaves in every shade of orange and red. Everywhere I looked, there was red, red, red. I was wearing my red cardigan, and it somehow fit right in. Everything felt like a scene straight out of a Ghibli film.

Asis and I even took photos at their Katsuoji-themed photobooth. It was such a cute little memory to bring home.

We also left before lunch because we did not want to struggle with the bus and train ride if we stayed too long. The temple was starting to get crowded.

We took the same mode of transportation on the way back, then headed to Shinsekai. We wanted to try kushikatsu, but the rest of the group wanted something different. From there, we parted ways so we could roam around more freely.

I liked the vibe of Shinsekai compared to Dotonbori. It felt less overwhelming but still full of character. We came across a stamp section and found out it was a stamp rally (Billiken City). Of course, we took the challenge. We managed to find all the stamps that completed one whole photo, just like the one at Katsuoji. It was so fun and a bit challenging to find them all.

Aside from that, we just enjoyed wandering around and taking everything in. We came across little surprises along the way—a grandpa with his cute dog that we got to pet, a taiyaki stall with locals lined up, a nice view of the Tsūtenkaku Tower, and a claw machine arcade. Since it was a public holiday in Japan, observed as a substitute for Labor Thanksgiving Day, there were plenty of tourists and locals out and about. But that only made it nicer. Families were having picnics in the parks, kids were at the zoo, and there was even a makeshift ice rink. It was just so nice to be among them, slowing down and enjoying the simple moments.

It was such a beautiful and fulfilling day.

---