Ōsaka Fuei Minookōen

2014 Escapade in Japan– review #3
The Minoo waterfall (located in Osaka’s Minoo Koen) is an example of a new and exciting area that might be overlooked unless you hear about it. Unilocal gives us excellent insights in a direct and easy-​to-​find format, being the equivalent of the electronic bulletin board to get the information.
Fellow Unilocaler from Osaka– Miwako O. gave us that initial piqué of interest with a great review and she was also kind enough to respond to our information inquiries.
For someone who was visiting Osaka for the first time, getting to the falls outside of the city proper involved changing railways and s transfer points but with Miwako’s guidance, the journey went quite smoothly.
From the train drop off point it’s about a 2 kilometer trek each way along a well paved path to get to the payoff– Namoo Falls. It takes about 35 to 45 minutes depending upon how fast you go or whether you stop along the way enjoy the beauty of the area. If you are lucky, you might see wild monkeys which inhabit the area as there are many signs warning hikers not to feed the critters (and I don’t mean Curious George either)
The path is somewhat winding and requires a gentle uphill climb much of the way. There are many interesting things to see along the way including temples, an insect museum and many quaint shops that serve food and sell souvenirs. Autumn is especially enjoyed because of the color changes to the leaves. And of course the payoff is the beautiful Namoo Falls which is a relaxing and serene reward after the hike.
The area is also noted for their tempura maple leaves (momiji tempura) and you will see many shops along the path making and selling this local delicacy. Did we try it? Of course! It is a delicious sweet cracker type of snack that is a batter fried maple leaf that tastes great. Kind of tastes like the Hawaii «Chinese Pretzel». A good way to get more roughage into your tummy? You bet!
An interesting spot somewhat off the beaten tract to visit when in the Osaka area and you want to do something a little different.

It is one of the most famous autumn leaves viewing spots in Osaka. After you get off Minoo station, you walk for five minutes or so to reach Minoo park. On the way to the park, you can enjoy looking at souvenir shops lining side by side. They provide various local foods, among them deepfried sweet maple called «Momiji (maple) no Tenpura (deepfried foods)» is special! You can buy one nowhere except here. I hesitated to eat one at first, but the sweet such as snack made me a captive. So please try one!
I enjoyed hiking on the passage of mountain stream, watching some rocks, bridges, or images of famous persons. The highlight is the splashing waterfall! I took spray and felt negative ion here.
Probably you hear the rumor of the monkeys in Mino, which are very notorious. Friends of mine were robbed of their lunch boxes when they were eating them. Some monkeys had wisdom to steal a caned beverage of the vending machine on which someone bought it. I heard they had opened the pull-​top by themselves and drunk the beverage. Unbelievable! I can’t despise them just because they are monkey. They are clever enough. I’ve meet the monkeys in Minoo before. They were so meek that I felt affection for them.
Tips:
If you come here, Minoo, have lunch or sweets in Hashimototei, which is a very old-​style tasteful café!
There is no parking lot, so you have to use the public transport.

Minoo Park is a forested valley famous for it’s colourful trees during the Autumn. Unlike other parks, the trees here grow wild and free, lending a true sense of natural awe and connection to these woodlands.
Minoo Park’s main hiking trail goes through a valley alongside the Minoo River, ending at the Minoo Waterfall. With a height of 33 meters, the waterfall is the park’s main natural attraction. It truly is a wonderful landscape deserving of a view. This is worth the adventure to Minoo Park, let alone the wonderous nature surrounding you on the way to it.