Minoh

Travel Guide

Minoh
Photo by Elaine Tan
Photo by Yagiza Neo
Photo by Brian Jocson
Photo by Brian Jocson
One of Japan’s oldest national parks in this city is where you’ll find beautiful waterfalls, an ancient Buddhist temple and forested hillsides.

Minoh is a city in Osaka prefecture that is home to a much-loved national park, gorgeous Japanese maple forests and intriguing Shinto history. Also known as Minoo, Minoh is a landmark in the Kansai region for its magnificent natural scenery, ancient shrines and agricultural heritage. Visit peaceful temples and Shinto shrines and experience the beauty of Minoh’s surrounding foliage in spring and fall.

The city’s downtown area is a good place to find out what’s happening during your visit. Explore the city streets, which are presided over by the picturesque Hokusetsu mountain chain. Go shopping or relax in casual cafés. Specialties that are particular to Minoh include momiji tempura sweets, which are sweetened and fried maple leaves. Minoh is also famed for its Mino Yaki pottery, which incorporates the deep-red colors of maple leaves in the fall. Pick up souvenir items or “omiyagi,” gifts for your loved ones at home.

Minoh’s premier attraction is undoubtedly its magnificent Meiji no Mori Minō Quasi-National Park. Explore the park’s main hiking trail, Takimichi, which follows the Minō River at the bottom of a beautiful gorge. After a 1.8-mile (3-kilometer) stroll along the paved pathway, you’ll reach the breathtaking Minō Waterfall. This roaring cascade is a sight to behold in all seasons. The valley’s forests of maple trees cloak the hillsides in a rich tapestry of orange, red and yellow during the fall, while in spring the wild cherry blossoms come into bloom.

See intriguing insect collections in the national park’s insectariums and learn about the region’s ancient spirituality at the Ryuan-ji Temple. In Katsuo-ji Temple, you’ll find an enormous collection of traditional daruma dolls, while Saiko-ji Temple is renowned for its camellia blooms. Join locals as they celebrate the changing of the seasons during the Setsubun festival at Taisyaku-ji Temple to the east of the city.

Minoh is located 11 miles (19 kilometers) north of the center of Osaka. It can be reached within 30 minutes via Osaka’s railway network. Stay in one of Minoh’s traditional ryokan lodgings or enjoy modern hotels. Minoh is busiest during the fall, when the turning of the leaves brings a crowd to the tranquil national park.

Where to stay in Minoh

On my way to Minoo Koen, saw this Buddist ceremony. 'Twas an offertory religious chanting. Quite impressive to see as they make a huge makeshift of bonfire.

Rurikei Onsen

Travelers enjoy Rurikei Onsen for its mountain views and breweries. Consider checking out Meiji Memorial Forest Minoo Quasi-National Park while you're in the area.

Rurikei Onsen
APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower

3 out of 5
1-2-13 Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
The price is NT$1,867 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
NT$1,867
NT$2,259 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dotonbori and Nipponbashi are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,103 reviews)
Small rooms
"Nice location, convenient to train and metro, great ac. Room was really small. Luggage had to go under bed. Check in was automated. No personal contact. Elevator lines super long at night. Extra charges for pool, hot tub, and gym. For four of us, we had to have connecting rooms. Wouldn’t be good ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/20

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi

Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi

3 out of 5
2-4-10, Minami-Senba, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room massages, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Great location and value. Hotel is older and bathroom smells of sewage. It is clean though, just old; it might be due to ventilation issues. No smart tv."

Reviewed on 2025/6/26

Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba

Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba

3 out of 5
Nanba Chuou-ku 2-chome 3 -9, Osaka, Osaka
The price is NT$2,884 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
NT$2,884
NT$3,173 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,174 reviews)
"Excellent option. Free breakfast buffet is wonderful!!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/20

Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Minn Juso

Minn Juso

3 out of 5
Jusohon-machi 1-17-20, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and concierge services. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (645 reviews)
"perfect"

Reviewed on 2025/6/27

Minn Juso
Eslead Hotel  Namba Daikokucho

Eslead Hotel Namba Daikokucho

4 out of 5
2-4-19, Osaka, Osaka
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, premium bedding, and in-room soaking tubs. Popular attractions Nipponbashi and Spa World are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (104 reviews)
"It was ok. Clean and more space. No breakfast available inside."

Reviewed on 2025/7/16

Eslead Hotel Namba Daikokucho
MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST

MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST

4 out of 5
3-chome-1-14 Motomachi, Osaka, Osaka
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and Netflix. Popular attractions Nipponbashi and Dotonbori are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (112 reviews)
"This was a very clean and very spacious place for my family of 4 to stay at. Very large living room!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/17

MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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