Escape the skyscrapers and crowds of Osaka, and head to Minoh Park. Also known as Minoo or Min?, these names can be used interchangeably.
After a few weeks in Osaka we were craving some fresh air. After a quick google search, Minoh park looked to be the perfect respite from the city. Tranquil, quiet, and surrounded by nature!
Osaka is not known for its nature, and therefore Minoh Park is not on many tourists’ radar. So the park is not that busy, just a few locals. Shhh, just don’t tell others about this place!
If you are looking for a fun day trip from Osaka then look no further than Minoh Park. I am sharing all you need to know about Osaka’s hidden gem!
About Minoh Park
Minoh Park is a quasi national park on the outskirts of Osaka. It is one of Japan’s oldest parks.
The best time to visit Minoh Park is during the Autumn. The park is covered in a sea of bright red, from the surrounding maple trees. I visited in Winter (January), although the trees were mostly bare it was still a beautiful place to visit.
The park is completely free to enter!
Getting to Minoh Park From Osaka
Minoo park is located approximately 30 minutes outside of Osaka city centre.
It is easily reached by on the Hankyu-Kyoto Line. Take the Express Takarazuka line from Umeda Station 4 stops to Ishibashi handai-mae Station. Transfer at this station to the Hankyu-Mino Line, ride 3 stops to Mino-o Station.
A one way trip should cost ¥280.
What To Do In Minoh Park
1. Minoh Falls
Minoh Falls is the park’s star attraction. It is located 3 km from Minoh Station: about a 40-minute walk.
The path is paved, mostly flat, and most importantly very scenic with lots of trees. Along the way are many cafes, and food stalls selling maple leaf tempura, and other snacks. As it is Japan, there are also plenty of vending machines to re-hydrate along the way.
Keep your eyes peeled on the path for a large rock that resembles a gorilla’s face. We would have missed this, but a friendly local pointed it out to us.
Standing at a height of 33 metres, the waterfall is one of the most tranquil places in Osaka. There are many benches to take a rest, and admire the view. Along with benches, there is a pretty red bridge that is perfect for taking a photo or two from, and a few food and souvenir stalls.
A visit to Minoh waterfall is just one reason why Minoh falls is a great day trip from Osaka.
2. Taste Maple Leaf Tempura
Maple leaf tempura, also known as momiji tempura, is a sweet treat to pick up your energy after you walk to Minoh falls. Tasting this unusual snack is just one of the fun things to do in Minoh Park.
What exactly is maple leaf tempura? The process to make this unique snack edible is quite a long one. Locals pick maple leaves during the autumn and age the picked leaves in salt for up to a year. It is then deep fried in a sweet coating. The result are crunchy and sweet biscuits. You would not really know you are eating a leaf unless you look inside it.
You can purchase them in Minoh town, but I advise waiting to purchase them at the falls.
It is a fun and different thing to do while in Osaka, you won’t find this treat anywhere else in Japan. Would you eat a deep fried maple leaf?
3. Ryuanji Temple
Dating all the way back to the year 650, Ryuanji temple was once known as Minoji temple. Ryuanji Temple enshrines the goddess Benzaiten, associated with financial fortune.
More surprisingly, Ryuanji is believed to be the birthplace of the Japanese lottery, instead of money, blessings were raffled and handed out. You may just be blessed with good luck after a visit here.
If you visit in Autumn the temple is surrounded with bright red maple trees.
4. Minoh Park Insectarium
Minoh Park Insectarium showcases native Japanese insects. Not only is it home to creepy crawlies, there is also a beautiful butterfly garden where you can sit down and watch all the different butterflies as they fly around you.
Entry to the Minoh Park Insectarium is only ¥280, making it a well-worth visit on your way to Minoh Falls.
5. See Cheeky Snow Monkeys
Around Minoh Park you will see many signs warning you that snow monkeys (Japanese macaque) frequent the area. We never saw them, but that doesn’t mean you won’t!
If you bump into these monkeys, make sure not to feed them, hide any food in your bags, and do not provoke them.
Ready for a breath of fresh air and a taste of nature? Pack your walking shoes and head to Minoh Park for a day trip you won’t forget!
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