Minoh Park

Author: Richard Perkins
Photos/Videos Taken: 2025/08/25
Address: 1-18 Minoh Koen, Minoh-shi,
Osaka 562-0002

Japan is a country that has long valued nature. As a result, there are still many areas across the country where nature remains abundant. Activities such as hiking and other outdoor activities can be enjoyed here. Even in Japanese cities filled with high-rise buildings, if one travels just a little farther, one will find areas of natural beauty. Osaka Prefecture, well-known for being a megacity, too, has its share of natural landscapes. In Minoh, Osaka Prefecture, one will find Minoh Park. Inside is Minoh Falls, a well-known waterfall that offers spectacular scenery. Many people visit the park to see it.

Minoh Park first opened in 1898. Located on Mt. Minoh, it’s about 30 minutes from central Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, by public transportation. Compared to the bustling Umeda district (the center of the city of Osaka), the park is peaceful and makes one feel as if they’ve escaped to the countryside. Surrounded by abundant nature, it's hard to believe one’s still in Osaka Prefecture. It takes about 40 minutes to reach Minoh Falls from the entrance to Minoh Park. Although it may look challenging, the walk is actually quite easy. The path leading to the waterfall is not steep, difficult, or rugged. Instead, it’s wide, well-maintained, and easy to walk on. Even first-time hikers should have no trouble enjoying the walk.

Depending on where one is in the park, one’ll find restaurants and souvenir shops lining both sides of the hiking path. At the base of Mt. Minoh are traditional Japanese-style buildings that resemble upscale Japanese inns. One can stop at these establishments to enjoy a meal or a snack during a hike. One local specialty that shouldn't be missed is the famous maple leaf tempura (often vegetables or fish dipped in batter and deep-fried). This unique snack is made by coating cultivated 一行寺楓 (ichigyōji-kaede) leaves in a lightly sweet batter and deep-frying them until crisp. Maple leaf tempura has been sold in Minoh, Osaka Prefecture, since the Meiji Period (1868–1912). Locals and tourists alike enjoy these crispy, slightly sweet treats. Although maple leaves are most closely associated with autumn, maple leaf tempura can be enjoyed at Minoh Park year-round.

Within Minoh Park stands Ryūanji Temple. This Buddhist temple is dedicated to 弁財天 (benzaiten—the goddess of water). With a history spanning roughly 1,300 years, the benzaiten enshrined here is said to be the oldest in Japan. The temple is also known for its Shintō shrine gate. Buddhism originated in India before spreading to China. It was later introduced to Japan during the Asuka Period (592–710). Over time, the Shintō and Buddhist religions became closely intertwined through a tradition known as Shinto-Buddhist syncretism. Many Buddhist temples were built within the grounds of Shintō shrines. During the Meiji Period, however, the government officially separated the two religions. As a result, it’s now uncommon to find Buddhist structures or objects within Shintō shrine grounds. The shrine gate at Ryūanji Temple is a rare remnant of this earlier period of Shintō-Buddhist syncretism. Sites like this have become extremely rare throughout Japan.

Ryūanji Temple is also said to be the birthplace of the modern Japanese lottery. During the Edo Period (1603–1868), a type of lottery known as 箕面富 (minoh-tomi) took place. Despite being said to be the origin of the lottery, unlike modern lotteries, however, cash prizes were not awarded. Instead, winners received a good luck amulet believed to bring good fortune and good health.

After a 40-minute walk along the path on Mt. Minoh, one will reach Minoh Falls. With a drop of roughly 33 meters and a width of roughly 5 meters, this isn’t a particularly large waterfall. However, the sight of the water cascading down the falls is truly impressive. Surrounded by nature, the scenery is beautiful. With several benches set up in front of the waterfall, one can sit and enjoy the view at one's own pace. This may look like the summit of Mt. Minoh, but believe it or not, it’s not. Another path continues farther up the mountain to the summit. From Minoh Falls, it takes about another 20 minutes to reach the top of Mt. Minoh.

Located on Mt. Minoh, Minoh Park is not a typical urban park where one can go to relax and take a break. Instead, it’s a place where one can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking. Without a doubt, the park’s main attraction is Minoh Falls. And, as mentioned, although many visit this park to see the waterfall, there’s also delicious maple leaf tempura and a Buddhist temple with a history behind it. Minoh Falls is not the only attraction in the area. Despite the number of visitors who gather around the waterfall, there are far fewer people here than in the center of the city of Osaka. Here, one can enjoy beautiful natural scenery and experience a different side of Osaka Prefecture. When next in Osaka Prefecture, be sure to visit Minoh Park and discover a unique and appealing side of this prefecture.