A great escape from the hustle and bustle of Osaka.
Step away from the hustle and bustle of the big city Osaka and enjoy seasonal nature while hiking. Located only 30 minutes from central Osaka, Minoo Park is home to one of the best waterfalls in Japan. Around the waterfall you can enjoy various scenery throughout the four seasons from the fresh green in spring, up until the beautiful autumn leaves in autumn.
The park is treasure trove of natural habitats, with around 1,300 kinds of plants, 3,500 insects, and hundreds of wild birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and fish to be found in the park.
Tour schedule:
① Ryuanji Temple (9:10 - 9:30)(13:10 - 13:30)
You will begin the tour by beginning the Minoo Waterfall hiking course. Ryuanji is an ancient temple where people come to pray before trekking to the falls. Inside the temple is a dojo where monks would train in the art of shugendo, mountain worship. Mountain Priests gather here from across the country in April, July and November for a special sacrificial ritual. Benzaiten, the god of wealth, is enshrined in the temple’s main hall and is reported to be Japan's oldest of the Seven Deities of good luck. After visiting the temple’s main hall, we will head further upstream.
② Bokai Hill Observation Deck (9:50 - 10:00)(13:50 - 14:00)
The Bokai Hill Observation Deck is a scenic overlook located within Minoo Park. While it offers stunning views of the surrounding forest nature at any time of the year, it is particularly beautiful in autumn when the trees turn resplendant shades of orange, yellow and red. It's a popular spot for visitors to take in the beauty of nature while watching the Minoo River flowing below them.
③ Minoo Waterfall (10:40 - 11:00)(14:40 - 15:00)
The Minoo Waterfall, also known as Minoo Falls, is a scenic waterfall and the highlight of the Minoo Park. The waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff approximately 33 metres in height, creating a picturesque sight amidst the lush greenery of the surrounding forest. The area around the waterfall is also home to several small shops and restaurants where visitors can sample local specialties such as momiji tempura (deep-fried maple leaves) and fresh mountain trout.
Minoo Waterfall is not only a natural landmark but also holds cultural significance, as it has been depicted in various works of art throughout history and is considered a symbol of the scenic beauty of the Osaka region. It continues to attract visitors from near and far who come to admire its natural splendor and enjoy the tranquility of Minoo Park.
④ Break Time at Yamamoto Coffee (11:30 - 12:00)(15:30 - 16:00)
You will stop for a drink or snack in this calm and relaxing coffee shop. The cafe is well-known for their luxury roasted coffee beans which produce coffee with a rich and slightly bitter flavour.
⑤ Foot Spa at Yuzuru no Ashiyu (12:10 - 12:20)(16:10 - 16:20)
After the hike, you will be able to rest your worn feet in this foot spa near Minoo Station while you reflect on the contrast between bustling Osaka and the revered nature of Minoo.
⑥ Finish tour at Minoo Station (12:30)(16:30)
You can head back to Osaka, or grab some lunch around Minoo Station after this half day tour.
· The powerful "Minoo Waterfall" splashing up close
· Nature, flora and fauna of every season in Minoo Park
· Minoo's special 'Maple tempura'
· Commentary on Minoo's nature and history by a local guide
· Set lunch with delicious coffee at Yamamoto Coffee House in a calm atmosphere
· Please come with easy-to-move clothes and easy-to-walk shoes.
· How to enter hot springs is taught beforehand by the guide.
· Tours may be cancelled due to the weather condition on the day.
· We accept hotel transfers at 8,000 yen per group. Round trip train fares are to be paid separately on the day.
· During the peak travel seasons of March, April, and October, please be aware that there will be an additional charge of 2,000 yen per person for the tour.
Price | From ¥11,000 / person ¥11,000 for 2 adults or more |
---|---|
Duration | 4 hours (approx) |
Hours of availability | Start Time 1: 9:00~ |
Inclusions | · English Guide |
Exclusions | · Food & Drinks |
Participants | 1-6 people |
Minoo station, ticket gate
Alicia(Singapore)★★★★
Refreshing Walk
Agent and guide were flexible accommodating my last miunte change. This is very much appreciated. The walk was very pleasant because of the cool and fresh air. Not much autumn leaves yet though. The guide spoke English well and we had good conversations.
Myu(Japan)★★★★★
Enjoyed nature walk!
I enjoyed Mino park nature walk with a very kind and.knowledgeable guide MH! Water stream in the forest and Waterfall at the end made me refreshed, Only 30 minutes from the center of Osaka city, Coffee break at Cafe Yamamoto was very nice.
Nicole R()★★★★★
MInoo Park Walking Tour
Another fantastic walking tour with a great company and fantastic guide. The Insect Museum was also a great option. The footspa to finish off was perfect!
Mcnab Aileen(Philippines )★★★★★
Autumn in Minoo
Minoo-koen was beautiful. Weather was chilly. Our tour guide was there on time, and met us right where we agreed on. He's so friendly and a great historian. The trail/path was long and a bit tiring, but amazing colors of the autumn leaves that adorned the road were mesmerizing. You wouldn't feel the tiredness at all. We took a lot of pictures and here's a couple of them. The coffee and cake was delicious and brought a touch of Europe in Minoo-koen. Will surely going back again soon.
Joydeep(Australia)★★★★★
Wonderful
It was a wonderful experience and the scenery was superb. Our guide was very helpful & knowledgeable.
Paramita(Australia)★★★★★
A fantastic opportunity to see the magnificent Minoo Park
Our guide Akari was fantastic. She had a wealth of knowledge of the area and also its history. Akari adjusted the tour to our needs and was always accommodating to our needs. She went out of her way to help us when she discovered we have taken the wrong train and got lost. Highly recommend this tour.
RABIAH LETIZIA(Australia)★★★★★
Guided walk at Minoo Falls
Our nature walk turned out to be one of our best experiences with such beautiful views and the sweetest, most helpful guides Mihuzo and Etsuko. Their knowledge and consideration made the walk so much more enjoyable for my daughter and I. Mihuzo went out of her way to go with us on the first part of our train journey back which we appreciated. Minoo Falls is a must see if you are visiting Osaka.
Deana Low(Singapore)★★★★★
An invigorating morning with nature
My family (2 adults, 1x15yo, 1x12yo) look back in fondness on our nature walk at Minoo Park. We met our guide, Mizuho, in the morning without any issues. She was lovely and made the effort to engage each of us with our varied interests. My 15-year-old got to chat with her about Japanese culture and literature. The autumn leaves, cool weather and fresh air made for a pleasant walk. We had a well-timed pit stop at a coffeehouse idyllically located. It was a tad crowded at the site of the waterfall, so although we managed to view it and take photos, I couldn’t completely relax there. I was recovering from a sprained ankle, so the journey back was a bit of a challenge for me. Thankfully the beautiful surrounds were a good distraction. As I gingerly negotiated my steps down, I was bemused to see fitter locals running along the trails like it was nothing. We tried Minoo’s “maple tempura” at the end of our walk. It was delicious! If you like nature, I strongly recommend this experience.
SUBHASHINI INDRAKUMAR(India)★★★★★
Minoh walk-Simply wow
Excellent quality time alongside the peaceful nature. The view was picture perfect and loved it completely. Thank you!
Leonie Naessens(Belgiu)★★★★★
Perfect experience!
This was 1 of the first activities I did while travelling in Japan. And immediately 1 of the most enjoyable activities. My guide (Sachiyo) was really perfect. She clearly explained everything in the park and in between she asked questions to get to know me a bit and vice versa, she answered my questions. When it turned out we were going to have some time left, she decided to add an extra walk tow where we had a super nice view of the city. This wa a super activity and I would definitely recommend it for those who love nature! Super fun!!! Would do this again!
Adrienne Lally (USA)★★★★★
Waterfall and more!
Our guide Sachi took us from the metro station through the neighborhood and up to a beautiful waterfall. Along the way she explained about the history and culture of the area and we stopped at a Buddhist temple and lit some incense.On the way back we did a little side excursion up some stairs to an amazing view! Then stopped for coffee and sandwiches at a cute cafe in the forest.It was an amazing time we will always remember! Highly recommend this excursion.
Kimberly Oram(USA)★★★★★
Breathtaking views
The tour was an enjoyable experience with breathtaking views! A guided tour is a must to get all the best views and best places to rest and eat. Highly recommend!
LUCAS JANKOWSKI(Australia)★★★★★
Excellent tour and walk
Such a beautiful area. Great walk and exercise. Fresh and crisp air. Tour guide was great. A place to visit.
Kristina Carnes(USA)★★★★★
Minoo Park Tour
Great views and beautiful waterfall. Even saw a giant Japanese salamander! Our tour guide, Mizuho, was fantastic. She answered all of our questions and was incredibly friendly.
Sean Carnes(USA)★★★★★
A wonderful day at Minoo Park with a wonderful guide!
We had an excellent trip through Minoo Park. It was a magical experience full of nature and beautiful views reminiscent of a Ghibli movie. Our guide Mizuho made the experience even more special with her lovely personality. She answered all our questions and curiosities about Japan and it’s culture with a smile and made us feel very welcome.
One small side note. We did have to go up 380 rugged stone stairs to the observatory, if you have any joint or hip issues it might be a bit if a struggle. It is optional so that is good as well.