Minoo Park 箕面公園

Minoo Park is less than 30 minutes from Osaka Station, and offers an easy three-kilometer hike in mountain scenery.

The park's walking trails have been paved for the benefit of the hikers. Fall is a particularly busy time as many come to admire the park's main attraction: a waterfall set against a glorious backdrop of crimson foliage.

The park is accessible from Minoo Station, which is a short ride from Osaka/Umeda Station on the Hankyu-Takarazuka Line.

From Osaka/Umeda Station, take the Hankyu-Takarazuka Line express train bound for Takarazuka (not a JR line, so does not accept Japan Rail Passes). Ride four stops and exit at Ishibashi Station. At Ishibashi Station, transfer to the Hankyu-Minoo Line bound for Minoo. Exit three stops later. The entire trip takes approximately 25 minutes.

It takes about 45 minutes to reach the waterfall along a gently inclined path. If you're lucky you might see deer or monkeys along the way. You'll pass a number of temples, and it's worth stopping at Ryuanji Temple.

If you're visiting in the fall, be sure to try the seasonal delicacy of momiji tempura: maple leaves deep fried in batter sold at the park's refreshment stalls.

Allow an entire morning or afternoon to visit Minoo Park, taking into account the 25-minute train ride and the 45-minute hike. If you have time to spare afterwards, consider visiting the Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses in the neighboring town of Toyonaka.