Minoh Waterfall is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Osaka.
Although some people may not yet know it, Minoh Falls is a famous spot selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, and is visited by many people, especially during the fall foliage season.

However, some overseas travelers said that they “exceeded the expected sightseeing time” and “walked unexpectedly” because they could not obtain real information about the area in advance.

In this article, we have compiled all the information you need to know before visiting, including how to get there, how long it takes, and how to get there. Please use it to help you plan your trip!

Minoh National Park is located around Mt. Minoh and is a vast park covered with forests. It is located a short distance from the center of Osaka, about 30 minutes away, and admission to the park is free. The park is known for its fresh green foliage in spring, illuminated at night in summer, and autumn foliage in fall, attracting many casual visitors.

The Minoh Waterfall, located within the park, is a particularly popular tourist spot for its beautiful scenery and has been selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan. With a 33-meter drop, it is a powerful sight when seen up close!
It is also a popular destination for people of all ages, with children visiting on field trips and some locals making it a daily routine to take a walk to Minoh Waterfall.

The trip from Umeda, Osaka, to visit Minoh Falls takes about 3 hours, even if you just take a quick stroll around the falls and the park. If you want to take your time enjoying lunch and a coffee break, you’ll need 4 to 5 hours.

Please use the table below as a reference to plan your itinerary to Minoh Falls.

It is a popular tourist spot, but there are some things you should be aware of.

To get to Minoh Waterfall, many people walk from Hankyu Minoh Station, the nearest station. The distance is about 2.8 kilometers one way, and the time required is about 40 minutes one way without a break. If breaks are taken into account, it should be expected to take at least two hours.
The path is paved, so it is easy to walk, but it is a gradual uphill walk to the destination. There are also steep inclines in places.

Minoh National Park is vast, and general vehicles are not allowed in the park.

Let us explain in detail what the route is like.

Since there’s a lot of walking involved at Minoh Falls, leave any unnecessary items at your hotel or in a locker so you can travel light.

The following four items are essential:
・A pair of comfortable sneakers
・Clothing that allows for easy movement
・Drinks (there are also vending machines at the station and around the falls)
・A towel

To get to Minoh Waterfall from Umeda, Osaka, take the Takarazuka Line (orange) train from Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station.

The fare is 280 yen one way.

If you plan to visit other stations along the Hankyu Line, you might find it more cost-effective to use [Digital Ticket] Hankyu 1-Day Pass 2026.

There are two types of trains on the Takarazuka Line: “Express” and ” Local,” but you can take either one. Once on the train, get off at Ishibashi handai-mae Station, transfer to the Minoh Line, and get off at Minoh Station. It takes about 30 minutes from Osaka Umeda Station to Minoh Station.

Once you arrive at Hankyu Minoh Station, it is time to walk from here.
There is a convenience store adjacent to the station’s ticket gate, so it is a good idea to buy a drink.

First, walk up the slope lined with souvenir stores.
The slope from here to the park entrance is steep, so take it easy and catch your breath as you go.
It takes about 10 minutes from Minoh Station to the park entrance on foot.

“Ichi no hashi” is the entrance to the park. After entering the park, walk along the promenade along the Minoh River.

The beginning of the walk is not so steep.
Along the promenade are the famous Insectarium, a café with a nice view and terrace seats, a Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant, and a souvenir store selling “Momiji Tempura,” a standard souvenir of Minoh Waterfall. It is a good idea to check out the stores that interest you.

▼Check this article▼
8 recommended gourmet restaurants in Minoh Waterfall! Cafes & Shops to stop by for sightseeing

After a short distance, a red bridge appears.
At the foot of the bridge is Ryoan-ji Temple, which enshrines Benzaiten, the god of entertainment and fortune.

As you continue on, the slope becomes a little steeper around Yamamoto Coffee Shop.

About 150 meters from Yamamoto Coffee Shop is just the halfway point along the path.

Signs like this, with “X kilometers to go,” are posted along the way to encourage you to keep going.

A little further on, at the top of the steepest slope, you will find a rest area.

There are benches, restrooms, and a souvenir store next door. Drinks, ice cream, and snacks are available for purchase, so you can have a quick bite to eat. From here, there is only about a third of the way to Minoh Waterfall.

Further on, you will see a huge rock. Depending on the angle, the rock looks like a gorilla’s face.

Then cross the river beyond.
Once you cross the river, Minoh Waterfall will be just around the corner.

Passing a teahouse offering refreshments, you will see Minoh Waterfall splashing in the water! This is the goal!

When you get close to the waterfall, the spray of the waterfall is very powerful!
It is recommended to stand on the red bridge in front of the falls and take a commemorative photo.

If you are not confident walking the 5.6 km round trip from Hankyu Minoh Station to Minoh Waterfall and back, or if you want to reduce the walking distance as much as possible, you can take a cab.
There is a cab stand in front of Minoh Station, from where you can drive in to the Dainichi parking lot, which is the closest to the falls. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes by car from in front of Minoh Station to the Dainichi Parking Lot area, and the cab fare is about 1,500 to 1,600 yen.

If you take a cab, you can save time compared to walking from Hankyu Minoh Station, but you will still have to walk 10 to 15 minutes from the Dainichi parking lot to Minoh Waterfall.
Moreover, you will be walking back and forth on a very steep slope. Please walk with caution.

If you plan to take a cab on the way back, please make arrangements to have a cab waiting for you, as there are no cab stands near the Dainichi parking lot.

Also, during Golden Week and the season of autumn foliage, the roads are very crowded and congested. During high season, it is best to walk from Hankyu Minoh Station instead of taking a cab.

If you are not sure how to enjoy it, we have a model course in a separate article. Please take a look at that article as well.

▼Click here for the model course of Minoh Waterfall▼

Minoh, Osaka-1 Day Trip｜Enjoy The Most Beautiful Nature in Osaka!

In summer, the Minoh Waterfall and the riverside path are illuminated at night, and “kawadoko,” a riverside dining experience where visitors can enjoy a meal at a quaint tatami room along the river, is also held every year.

▼”Summer Festa Minoh Park” Click here for details▼

11 Summer Events in Kansai! Experience and learn about Japanese traditions and customs

The most people visit Minoh Waterfall during the fall foliage season.

▼Click here for articles on autumn foliage information▼

Special feature on places to see autumn leaves in Osaka and Kobe area