Night Stroll in Minoh Forest — A Special Night Woven with Light and Sound
Just 30 minutes north from Osaka/Umeda by train, and once you step out of Minoh Station you are already inside a national park. The “Takimichi” walking course stretches about 2.7 km to Minoh Waterfall. During the foliage season it’s illuminated, and the night forest turns into a dreamlike “garden.”
Scan the QR codes placed at each spot to enjoy music curated to harmonize with the scenery.
Pause your steps and soak your eyes, ears, and heart in nature.
Overview
- Name: Minoh National Park Maple Festival 2025
- Illumination: Nov 15 (Sat) – Dec 7 (Sun), 2025 / From after sunset to 21:30
- Venue: “Takimichi” walking course (around Hankyu “Minoh” Station – Minoh Waterfall)
- Music QR spots:
- Saikoji Temple
- Ryuanji Temple
- Shugyo-no-Koba (Training Site)
- Near Daimon Bridge
- Minoh Waterfall
- Distance guideline: Takimichi approx. 2.7 km one way
Highlights | Night stroll with Light × Sound × Autumn Leaves
Each spot offers a QR code so you can enjoy music curated for that exact scene. Put on your earphones and enjoy the illuminated autumn leaves with all five senses. Wear comfortable shoes, bring warm clothing, and make sure your phone is fully charged.
Experiences
1) Forest Yoga 2025 autumn (Evening session)
Take a deep breath away from your daily routine and reconnect with your body and mind. We welcome you to a tranquil temple draped in brocade-like autumn foliage.
- Dates: 11/15 (Sat), 11/23 (Sun), 11/24 (Mon/National Holiday), 12/7 (Sun)
- Time: 17:00–19:00 (each day)
- How to apply: See the special page (details and instructor info)
Touch Minoh — Forest Yoga 2025 autumn (JP/EN/KR/CH)
2) Instagram Photo Contest
Post your best shots capturing the charm of autumn in Minoh Park and win local specialty prizes!
- Period: 11/15 (Sat) – 12/7 (Sun)
- How to enter: Post with the hashtag “#R7もみじまつり写真コンクール” and follow @minoh_kankoukyoukai
- Notification: Winners will be contacted via Instagram DM
- Note: Private accounts are not eligible
- Main prizes: Minoh Mayor’s Award / City Council Chairperson’s Award / Chamber of Commerce & Industry Chairperson’s Award (each worth ¥5,000), Katsuo-ji Temple Award (original goods worth ¥5,000), etc.
3) Minoh Sightseeing Volunteer Guide Hiking
* For course details and notes, please refer to the Minoh Sightseeing Volunteer Guide website.
Open Hiking (No reservation required / Free)
- 11/9 (Sun) “Autumn Colors around Minohgawa Dam (Stroll through the Akashide Forest)”
Meet at 9:40 in front of Hankyu “Minoh” Station (approx. 11 km course) - 12/7 (Sun) “Enjoy the Last of the Autumn Colors!”
Meet at 9:40 in front of Hankyu “Minoh” Station (approx. 7 km course)
Reservation-based Hiking (Advance application required / Free)
- 11/28 (Fri) “Saigoku Kaido (Tracing History)”
Meet at 9:40 at the west exit of Hankyu “Ishibashi Handai-mae” Station (approx. 12 km course)
Related Events
In addition to the illuminated Takimichi, you can enjoy special temple openings at Ryuanji (and more), the Art Walk, the Yamabushi Procession, and weekend programs (Forest Yoga / beginner-friendly Trail Running). There are also photo contests and food trucks (“kitchen cars”)—great for families. Please check the official website for the newest schedules and details.
Access & Tips
- Starting point: Walk straight from Hankyu “Minoh” Station along the “Takimichi” to Minoh Waterfall (approx. 2.7 km one way).
- What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes and warm layers (gloves and a scarf recommended).
- Night safety: Some areas are dim after dark; a small flashlight is helpful.
- Music QR: Earphones recommended. Playback may vary depending on your network connection.
“Takimichi” Walking Course for Stunning Autumn Leaves
From Minoh Station to Minoh Waterfall, a nature-filled 2.7 km promenade is known as “Takimichi.”
It follows the Minoh River through beautiful natural scenery and offers the perfect distance for a leisurely walk.
Legend says the deity “Daishokangiten,” known for matchmaking blessings, first manifested here at Saikoji Temple.
The grounds are spectacular when the ginkgoes and maples turn vivid shades of red and gold.
◆ Information
Address
・2-5-27 Minoh, Minoh City, Osaka
Closed
・Open daily
Admission
・Free
Known as the birthplace of the lottery in Japan, Ryuanji enshrines Japan’s first and oldest Benzaiten.
Around the Benten Hall, brilliant reds and yellows of maple leaves compete in beauty.
◆ Information
Address
・2-23 Minoh Park, Minoh City, Osaka
Closed
・Open daily
Admission
・Free
A famed waterfall once visited by many historical figures.
Selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls,” it’s an unmissable scenic highlight.
On clear mornings you may even catch a rainbow.
◆ Information
Address
・2-2 Minoh Park, Minoh City, Osaka
Renowned as the “Temple of Victorious Fortune,” Katsuo-ji attracts visitors from all over the world.
During the peak foliage season, the vast 80,000-tsubo precincts turn an overwhelming crimson.
◆ Information
Address
・2914-1 Aomatani, Minoh City, Osaka
Tel
・072-721-7010
Hours
・8:00–17:00 * On illumination days (weekends and holidays in Nov), the gate closes at 20:30 (last entry 20:00).
Closed
・Open daily
Admission
・Adults ¥500, Elementary/Junior high ¥400, Preschool ¥100, Under 2 free
Contact
Minoh Transportation and Tourist Information Center
2-1-1 Minoh, Minoh City, Osaka 562-0001
TEL: 072-723-1885
FAX: 072-721-1788
For details, reservations, and the latest updates, please check the official notices and each organizer’s website.
Back to the Minoh City page