Minoh Park: A Hidden Autumn Foliage Gem in Kansai!

✨ Minoh Park, located in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture, is a mountainous park covered by dense forests. Its most famous attraction is the 33-meter-high Minoh Waterfall, which has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. The park offers free admission and showcases seasonal beauty throughout the year, including cherry blossoms in spring, frost and icicles in winter, and stunning autumn foliage in late fall.

🚶 Suggested Itinerary
1. Shopping Street: The slope leading from the station to the park entrance is lined with souvenir shops. Be sure to try Minoh's specialty, "Momiji Tempura," a unique snack of deep-fried maple leaves.
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2. Ichinohashi Bridge: This marks the official entrance to the park. Shortly after crossing Ichinohashi Bridge, you'll encounter a red bridge leading to Ryuanji Temple, which enshrines Benzaiten, the goddess of entertainment and fortune. This temple is said to be the birthplace of Japan's lottery. The temple's red drum bridge, "Zuiun Bridge," is a notable landmark.
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3. Insect Museum: Continuing along the path, you'll pass the Insect Museum. In addition to its collection of around 10,000 insect specimens, the museum features a large butterfly conservatory with 10–15 species and over 500 butterflies fluttering year-round, offering a chance to observe their natural behavior.
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4. Yamamoto Café and Rest Area: After passing Yamamoto Café, the slope becomes steeper. At the top of the steepest incline, there's a rest area with benches, restrooms, and refreshments. From here, it's about one-third of the way to Minoh Waterfall.
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5. Minoh Waterfall: After a short walk, you'll reach the breathtaking Minoh Waterfall. With a 33-meter drop, the waterfall is a majestic sight up close.
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🌙 🍁 Special Nighttime Autumn Foliage Experience (November–December)
Minoh Park's autumn foliage season typically runs from mid-November to early December. During this time, the park hosts the "Autumn Foliage Festival," featuring nighttime illuminations of the waterfall and trails, creating a magical atmosphere. As night falls, Minoh Park reveals a charm distinct from its daytime beauty.
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Opt for a private night foliage tour for an exclusive experience:
• Secret Hours: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM (last entry at 8:30 PM)
• Light Art: Dreamlike scenes crafted by professional lighting designers
• Waterfall Light Show: The 33-meter waterfall illuminated like a celestial cascade
• Maple Tunnel: Multi-layered lighting effects create a three-dimensional maple forest
• Bamboo Path: Ground projections intertwine with bamboo shadows, creating a luminous path
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💡 Summer Activities: In summer, Minoh Park hosts nighttime light shows and other events.
💡 Other Events: The park also offers year-round activities such as nature observation sessions and forest yoga.