Have you every been on a walk, saw some fallen leaves and thought, damn, they are beautiful, I want to show off their beauty by deep frying them with a bit of sesame? Well that’s what the folk of Minoh thought 1,300 years ago, today the tradition is still going strong. Maple leaf tempura, or Momiji tempura is a strangely moreish snack you can find in Minoh Park.
Located on the outskirts of Osaka is Minoh National Park, one of Japan’s oldest parks. Osaka is known as the destination for incredible food, an electric nightlife and bustling Dontonburi, but nobody really talks about the surrounding nature. Therefore Minoh Park doesn’t receive much attention and is not on many tourists radar. You’ll keep this hidden gem in Osaka just between the two of us, right?
If you are looking for a fun day trip to escape the bustle of Osaka, then Minoh Park is the remedy, with scenic paths, an abundance of trees, a cascading waterfall and peaceful temple, oh and maybe even some snow monkeys!
Minoh Park is also completely free to enter,
Getting to Minoh Park From Osaka
Minoh 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 here to the Hankyu-Mino Line, ride 3 stops to Mino-o Station.
A one way trip should cost around ¥280.
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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 which is about a 40-minute walk.
The path is paved, mostly flat, and most importantly very scenic with lots of trees, which looks especially pretty during autumn. 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 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 picturesque red bridge that is perfect for taking a photo or two from, and a few food and souvenir stalls.
A visit to the Minoh waterfall is just one reason why Minoh Park is the perfect day trip from Osaka.
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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.
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 took a look inside it.
You can also purchase them in Minoh town, but I advise waiting to purchase them at the falls for the beautiful scenery.
It is a fun and different thing to do while in Osaka, you won’t find this treat anywhere else in Japan.
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.
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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.
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Minoh Park FAQ
3 hours is enough to hike to the falls, eat some tasty tempura and visit the temples on the route. There isn’t too much to do in Minoh town.
Yes, Minoh Park is completely free to enter.
Autumn is the best time to visit Minoh Park with burnt orange leaves colouring the path. However, I visited in Winter when many of the trees were bare, the park still looked beautiful!
