If you’re craving a quick break from Osaka’s city energy, Minoh Falls (also spelled “Minoo” sometimes) is the half-day activity you probably need.
Just 30 minutes from Osaka-Umeda Station, this easy nature escape offers shaded trails, a towering waterfall, unique snacks, and a surprise temple filled with Daruma dolls!
Here’s how to plan a laid-back yet memorable day trip.
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Table of Contents
Train to Minoh Station
Start your day by hopping on the train and heading to Minoh Station (you’ll need to transfer once at Ishibashi-Handaimae). From Osaka-Umeda Station, the whole ride takes around 30 minutes, making this one of the most accessible nature outings near the city.
Minoh Station is the last stop on the line. If you ever get confused, just look for groups of people in athletic clothing — chances are, they’re headed that way too!
Once you arrive, stock up on water or snacks at the convenience store right by the train station. If you need a restroom, the ones inside the station are your best bet before you start walking. From here, it’s a slight uphill walk to the trail entrance.
You’ll start by walking through a residential neighborhood. Once you get to a certain point, the scenery starts to change. The houses and buildings disappear, replaced by lovely Japanese maple and cedar trees.
The path to Minoh Falls is paved the whole way, so there’s no need for special hiking boots or anything crazy.
Stop at Yamamoto Coffee-kan
About 15 minutes into your walk, you’ll pass by a lovely little cafe called Yamamoto Coffee-kan. From the outside, it honestly doesn’t look like much—but step inside and you’ll find yourself in a charming, old-school coffee house with vintage furniture and soft lighting.
Though we had fueled up on coffee at our hotel right before heading out to Minoh, it was quite hot on the day of our visit. We needed an air conditioning break, so we popped in. We’re so glad we did; this spot was magical!
We ordered a slice of apple cake and a pot of coffee, which we sipped slowly while enjoying the air conditioning and cozy vibes.
Picking our coffee was super fun because they feature coffee beans from all over the world, and you can choose between hot or iced brews.
Minoh Falls
After about 30 more minutes of gentle uphill walking through the forested path, you’ll arrive at Minoh Falls—a dramatic 33-meter drop that’s made it onto Japan’s list of Top 100 Waterfalls.
At the waterfall, you’ll find ice cream shops, snack shacks, and a large sitting platform where you can relax and watch the falls. If you’re there in summer, you’ll appreciate the misty cool air.
The photos you see here were taken from our trip to Osaka in mid-May. It’s super pretty and relaxing, but can you believe it gets better than that?
In autumn, the maple leaves turn bright red and orange—peak photo material!
Pro Tip: You might spot monkeys in the trees along the trail, especially near the waterfall. They’re wild and protected, so don’t feed them—it’s illegal and can get you fined.
Try The Local Snack: Momiji Tempura
On your way up (or down), you’ll pass several small stands selling “Momiji no Tempura”— a regional specialty of maple leaves fried in a light, sweet batter. During mid-November to December, the maple leaves are handpicked one by one. At this stage, they’re called “Ichigyouji Kaede”.
After being harvested, they are carefully washed and preserved with salt for more than a year. When they’re ready to be used, they are desalted by being stored in water. Then, when it comes time to cook them, they’re dipped in flour, water, sugar, and sesame and fried for 20 minutes.
The result? A crunchy, slightly sweet treat in the cutest shape ever.
Honestly, they were way more delicious than they sound. I thought it was so good that I bought a second bag to take home after gobbling up the first batch!
Each shop has its own secret formula, so the taste can differ from one to the next. Try a few from different stalls to see how they vary!
Lunch: Isoyoshi Kawadoko
Along the path to Minoh Falls, you’ll pass Isoyoshi Kawadoko, a seasonal riverside restaurant that feels straight out of Kyoto—except it’s way more affordable.
If you’re planning ahead, make a lunch reservation so you can enjoy multi-course lunch sets served on a wooden platform right by the river. It’s alfresco dining at its most peaceful, and the dishes feature local, seasonal ingredients that rotate throughout the year.
Katsuo-ji Temple
If you have time, extend your trip with a visit to Katsuo-ji Temple. Known as the “Temple of Winning Fortune” and the “Temple of the Winning Daruma,” Katsuo-ji is one of the most historic and spiritually significant temples in the Kansai region.
It draws worshippers from across Japan and beyond who come to pray for success in everything from exams to business ventures.
You’ve probably seen it before on your social media feed–the temple grounds are dotted with countless Daruma dolls—symbols of perseverance and good luck—which visitors purchase, make a wish on, and later return once their goal has been achieved.
The scenery here changes beautifully with the seasons, especially during cherry blossom season, hydrangea bloom, or peak autumn foliage.
The easiest way to get here from Minoh is by taxi, which takes about 15 minutes and doesn’t cost too much. You can also get there by bus from Senri-chuo Station.
Entrance Fee:
- ¥500 for high school students and older
- ¥400 for elementary and junior high students
- ¥100 for preschoolers (free for kids under 2)
What Else Is In The Area?
Ryuanji Temple
You’ll pass this historic temple on the way up to Minoh Falls. Built around 650 by “En no Gyouja,” it was originally called Minoh Temple before being renamed Ryuanji. It’s said that the Benzaiten here is the oldest of its kind in Japan, and even today, monks from all over the country come here to train.
Minoh Park Insect Museum
Located right in the park, this is a fun stop for families or anyone curious about the forest’s smaller residents. It’s not just info panels—this museum actually showcases insects found in the local Minoh forest.
And yes, bugs are abundant here. At one point during our walk, a giant, colorful beetle-looking thing landed on my shirt out of nowhere! It freaked me out in the moment, but hey, the bug at least looked kind of cool (and very on brand for this place).
Anri Bakery
One train stop over, make the detour to Anri Bakery, home to hands-down the best apple pie we’ve had in Japan—maybe ever.
I first tried them at a Japanese grocery store pop-up in Southern California and became instantly obsessed. Papu tried it for the first time here in Japan and gave it a full-on 10/10—which, if you know him, never happens.
I’m not usually a fan of Western-style apple pies, but this apple pie was made for Asian tastebuds. The crust is golden, the filling is juicy and lightly sweetened. If you’re an apple pie snob, prepare to be humbled. It’s pure perfection.
Need Help Planning Your Trip To Japan?
Here are some of our other Japan travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip!
Osaka
- 4 Days Of Fun In Osaka: The Ultimate Itinerary For An Epic Trip
- From Kyoto: What To See On Your Day Trip To Osaka
- 20 Fun And Free Things To Do In Kyoto and Osaka, Japan
- Where To Stay In Osaka, Japan: Neighborhood Guide
Kyoto
- How To Spend 5 Days In Kyoto (With Nara + Osaka Day Trips)
- 2 Days In Kyoto: The Ultimate Kyoto Highlights Itinerary
- 25 Unique Activities To Add To Your Kyoto Bucket List
- 7 Best Ryokans In Kyoto To Truly Feel Relaxed
