Fumin no Mori Hoshida Park, Katano

Fumin no Mori Hoshida Park is located in the northern Ikoma Mountains between Osaka and Nara prefectures, established as part of Osaka's prefectural forest system to preserve the region's natural environment. The park is situated in Katano City, which is known as the home of the Tanabata legend, connecting the area to Japan's traditional star festival folklore.

The park's centerpiece is the magnificent Hoshi no Buranko (Star Swing) suspension bridge, one of Japan's largest pedestrian suspension bridges at 280 meters in length and 50 meters above ground. This wooden suspension bridge serves as both an engineering marvel and a premier viewing platform for the surrounding forest canopy. The park features countless hiking courses through vast forested terrain and includes a 16.5-meter climbing wall that served as the official climbing arena for the 1997 Namihaya National Athletic Meet.

Visitors can experience multiple outdoor activities including forest hiking, rock climbing, and nature photography. The scenery transforms with each season and is especially popular in autumn when the landscape is painted in vibrant fall colors. The main hiking trail is considered moderate difficulty with an elevation gain of 1,292 feet, taking approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to complete. For climbing enthusiasts, the park offers "Climbing Experience Classes" for beginners at 3,000 yen.

The park is easily accessible via a 5-minute walk from Hoshida Station on the JR Gakkentoshi Line, which connects to JR Kyobashi Station. Alternative access includes taking a train to Keihan Kisaichi Station followed by a 40-minute walk, or using bus No. 18 from Keihan Katano Station Bus Terminal or Keihan Kisaichi Bus Stop. The journey from central Osaka takes approximately one hour. Admission to the park is completely free, though the park is closed on Tuesdays except during April, May, October, and November.