Osaka is a vibrant city full of amazing food and is known for its exciting nightlife. Sometimes, however, you need a break from city life. Only an hour from the centre of Osaka, Minoo Park is the closest place for getting away from it all. The park is quite large at 9.6 square kilometres, and it’s packed with things to see and do.
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![A Day in Minoo Park]()
A Day in Minoo Park
Minoo Park is known for its dense, colorful foliage in the autumn months. Late November is the best time to come if you want to see the vibrant red and yellow maple leaves transform the park into a kaleidoscopic tapestry. The traditional style buildings and bridges create a calm and quiet that really lets you know you’ve left the bustle of the city.
![A Day in Minoo Park]()
A Day in Minoo Park
A path leads to the centrepiece of the park Minoo Waterfall. This 33 metre tall waterfall has been a destination for meditation since the 6th century. After a 3 kilometre hike to the waterfall, you’ll spot rows of benches where you can find people relaxing and enjoying the surroundings. On your way back, soak your feet in the warm waters of the footbath. It’s totally free, but it’s recommended you not stay too long if a lot of people are waiting.
![A Day in Minoo Park]()
A Day in Minoo Park
The park also features a bug museum. The Minoo Park Insect Pavilion is on the way to the waterfall and houses thousands of insect species native to Osaka and other parts of Japan. Entrance to the museum is 270 yen per person.
![A Day in Minoo Park]()
A Day in Minoo Park
The Minoo Kanko Hotel is also available if you plan to stay longer in the area. It’s a spa hotel with a variety of onsen and dining options. Staying in the hotel isn’t too expensive and it’s a comfortable and convenient option for those looking to unwind in the hotel’s natural hot springs. It’s also possible to ride the massive elevator up to the hotel and pay to use just the onsen facilities.
![A Day in Minoo Park]()
A Day in Minoo Park
On your way to the waterfall, it’s hard to miss Ryuanji Temple. The temple sits on the far side of a bright red bridge and welcomes visitors on their way to see the falls. The spacious grounds of the temple are a beautiful spot in which to enjoy the sight of cherry blossoms in the spring or the changing colours of leaves in the autumn.
![A Day in Minoo Park]()
A Day in Minoo Park
Some shops in the area specialize in deep fried maple leaves, a local delicacy made in the area for over 1,300 years. Golden maple leaves are picked from the trees and coated in a batter made with flour and sugar. The deep fried treats are left out to cool off and to allow some of the oil to drain off, leaving the flavour of the leaves to dominate. These crunchy snacks can be described as mildly sweet and slightly salty. Different shops have different recipes, so be sure to try a few different places, and don’t forget to buy some to take home.
![A Day in Minoo Park]()
A Day in Minoo Park
Getting to Minoo Park is easy. If you’re in Osaka, hop on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line at Umeda Station and head north to Ishibashi Station. Transfer to the Hankyu Minoh Line and travel to Minoh Station, the last stop on the line. Walk out of the station and follow the signs, and you’ll reach the park in 10 minutes. The entire journey will take only about 40 minutes and cost 270 yen per person.
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- 大江戸温泉物語 箕面温泉 箕面観光ホテル
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- 大阪府箕面市温泉町1-1
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- 0570041266
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- Minoo San Taki Atera
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- Osaka Minoo-shi Minookouen 2-23
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- 0727213003
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- 10:00-16:00
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Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
1-1-35, Shibata, Kita-Ku Osaka
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