Beautiful park, totally worth to walk from the falls to Minoh Station (about 3km). I guess the sights will be picturesque in autumn when all the maple leaves turn red. Easy trail with lots of tea shops, snacks that you can enjoy along the way. The signature dishes are grilled fish and maple leaf tempura.
I still cannot believe that this magnificent place is just 60mins from Osaka City. The walk from Minoh station to the Falls is quite easy to moderate (moderate for someone who’s not used to long distance walking) and it takes around 40mins. I did this walk very early am on Tuesday 28th of October and the nature was beautiful. When you arrive at Falls, the feeling was spectacular and breathtaking. From the Falls you can walk to the nearby parking area (marked in google maps “Dainichi Parking Lot”) around 15mins and you can pick up a taxi to take you to Katsuoji temple (only 5mins by car). I had to take my flight from Itami that day, so I took a taxi again from Katsuoji temple to Minoh station as I did not have plenty of time to spend (very convenient by the way - there are taxis outside waiting at Katsuoji temple).
My only regret is that I didn’t take at least a selfie or exchanging contacts with a wonderful lady I met at Falls (Erica エリカさん), she was so nice to me and I wish I had the time to spend that day for having a lunch or a coffee. Many regards from Eleni エレニ Japanese-Greek friend!
It's a lovely place. The hike is quite nice and there's a bunch of antique souvenir shops along the way if you're into that. Please go here if you are a geek about old things and nature. There's yummy ice cream, though a bit expensive, next to the fall.
this lovely spot requires a moderate hike to get to, but do not worry, it isn't very tedious. it is enjoyable in fact. there are quite a few detours along the way, leading to an observation deck and other sorts, which i did not check out. i went at night, and be warned that the roads aren't the brightest, this may inflict fear in those who are afraid of the dark. there are toilers along the way, so don't worry about that. eventually, after maybe 30-50 mins of climbing, you'll enjoy the fruits of your labour, and be greeted with a marvelous waterfall, which actually changes colour every now and then.
A good spot to visit if you are visiting Katsouji Temple. The waterfall was beautiful to visit. There are small stalls selling fish and ice-cream. There is a small restuarant that have a variety of bentos and seating available to eat (benches at the front of the waterfall) and if you're eating at the restaurant.
Getting here - there's no public transport to get to and from this location. From Katsouji, it's about a 6 min car ride from here. Parking is available near the walkway to Minoh Falls. Or you can walk for 25 mins - which I did going to this location. The walkway to the waterfall is fairly easy but coming back up it will have you out of breath.
The trail is 2.8 kilometers one way, fully paved, and takes approximately 45 minutes to walk. The path has a gentle incline with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for most fitness levels including families and older adults. The route includes some stairs and slopes but requires no special equipment beyond comfortable walking shoes.
Autumn, particularly mid-November to early December, is the peak season when maple trees display red and orange foliage. Spring offers fresh greenery, summer provides cooler temperatures under forest canopy, and winter has fewer crowds with occasional monkey sightings. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends throughout the year.
Japanese macaques inhabit the area and are frequently seen along the trail, especially in autumn and winter. Sightings are common but not guaranteed. Feeding or approaching the monkeys is prohibited. Visitors should maintain distance, secure food in bags, and avoid direct eye contact.
Public toilets are located at the trailhead, midway point, and near the falls. Rest areas with benches, vending machines, restaurants, cafes, and shops are available along the route. Most facilities have signage in Japanese and English.
