Best trails in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park
Meiji-no-Mori-Mino National Park is a quasi-national park located in the mountains at an altitude of approximately 100 to 600 meters above sea level in the northern part of Minoh City, and is known for its beautiful scenery. A valley runs through the forest from the park's symbol, the magnificent Minoo Falls, and the park is home to over 980 species of plants and over 3,000 species of insects. It is a valuable natural forest and also the western starting point of the Tokai Nature Trail.
The changes in the natural landscape each season are a feast for the eyes of those who visit here. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom profusely, and in summer, a lush forest welcomes visitors. In the winter, the frost-covered trees are beautiful, and in the golden autumn, the red and yellow leaves create a wonderful scenery. Mt. Minoh has long been known as a sacred place for mountain Buddhism, and is home to Takianji Temple (Minoji Temple), a famous place for Shugendo.
Families can visit the insect museum on their way to the falls. In addition to nearly 10,000 insect specimens, there are over 200 butterflies of about 30 different species flying around in the facility's large greenhouse and butterfly garden.
Top trails
- 4.7 (500)·Easy·3.6 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrThis trail is a scenic walk in Minoo Park, a forested valley on the outskirts of Osaka, often referred to as the city's most beautiful natural escape. The trail follows the Minoo River upstream, leading visitors through a lovely, cool, and shaded valley. Along the way, the path passes several small shops and historic temples, including the Ryuan-ji Temple. The main destination is the spectacular 33-meter-high Minoo Waterfall. The park is renowned for its breathtaking display of autumn...
- 4.6 (238)·Hard·5.1 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrThis trail is a beautiful forested valley that combines two of the region's most popular sights: the Minoo Waterfall and the Katsuō-ji Temple. The first part of the trail is a gentle walk along the Minoo River, leading to the spectacular 33-meter-high Minoo Waterfall. Visitors may also spot the local wild Japanese macaques. After the waterfall, the trail becomes steeper and more rugged, featuring numerous stairs that wind up through the forest to the magnificent Katsuō-ji Temple.
- 4.5 (91)·Moderate·4.9 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrThis trail is a beautiful paved path that follows the Minoo River up a shady gorge. This first section is very gentle and leads to the spectacular Minoo Waterfall. After the waterfall, the trail becomes a steep and muddy climb on rustic forest trails with numerous stairs. You will pass the historic Ryuan-ji Temple near the start, and you are very likely to see the native Japanese monkeys that live in the park.
- 4.1 (59)·Moderate·2.3 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrThis trail is a mix of paved roads and well-maintained unpaved forest trails. It takes you through a lush forest of native Japanese maple and cedar trees. The main highlight is the Katsuo-ji Temple itself. Founded in the 8th century, it is famously known as the Temple of Winner's Luck. The temple grounds are adorned with thousands of small, red Daruma dolls. The trail offers a peaceful escape from the city, often accompanied by a visit to the nearby Minoh Waterfall.
- 4.5 (19)·Moderate·2.5 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrThis trail offers a refreshing escape from the city, following a well-maintained path alongside the Minoh River. This initial walk is lined with snack stalls and traditional tea houses selling deep-fried maple leaves. The highlight of the trail is the powerful, 33-meter-high Minoh Falls. The upper parts of the trail may involve steeper, unpaved forest trails. The park is a natural habitat for a troop of wild Japanese Macaques. The trail is also a historic pilgrimage route, passing the ancient...
- 4.4 (15)·Moderate·3.9 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrThis journey begins near Minoh Station and follows the Minoh River upstream toward the mountains. The path is a mix of well-maintained paved service roads and rugged, earthen tracks that wind through a cool, dense forest of Japanese maple and deciduous trees. The trail ascends steeply to the highest point near the Minoogawa Dam, a large water reservoir. The trail offers continuous views of the forested valleys and the vast Osaka Plain in the distance.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park is Minoh Waterfalls Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 500 reviews. This trail is 3.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 603 ft.
What is the longest trail in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park is Minoh Station - Minoh Waterfalls - Katsuo-ji Temple. This trail is estimated to be 5.1 mi long.
How many trails are in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park?
There are 7 trails in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park.These trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom 961 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park?
Minoh Station - Minoh Waterfalls - Katsuo-ji Temple has the most elevation gain with 1,804 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Minoo Loop, which has 1,453 ft of elevation gain.
Are there running trails available in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 running trails in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park and the most popular is Minoh - Minoh Waterfalls Loop with an average 4.5 star rating from 91 community reviews.
Are there any trails with rivers in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with rivers in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park, including Minoh Waterfalls Trail, Minoh Station - Minoh Waterfalls - Katsuo-ji Temple, Minoh - Minoh Waterfalls Loop, Katsuo-ji Temple - Seishoen-mae, and Minoh Waterfalls Loop.
Are there any trails with dams in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a dam in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park: Minoh Station - Minoh Waterfalls - Katsuo-ji Temple.
Are there any trails with historical monuments in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a historical monument in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park: Minoh - Minoh Waterfalls Loop.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park, including Minoh Waterfalls Trail, Minoh Station - Minoh Waterfalls - Katsuo-ji Temple, Minoh - Minoh Waterfalls Loop, and Minoh Waterfalls Loop.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a scenic viewpoint in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park: Minoh - Minoh Waterfalls Loop.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with waterfalls in Meiji-no-mori Mino Quasi-national Park, including Minoh Waterfalls Trail, Minoh Station - Minoh Waterfalls - Katsuo-ji Temple, Minoh - Minoh Waterfalls Loop, and Minoh Waterfalls Loop.
