Minoh Falls

The 2.8-kilometer trail to Minoh Falls follows a river valley through maples that go brilliantly red and orange each November. The paved path is gentle enough for most visitors and passes Ryuanji Temple along the way, before arriving at a 33-meter waterfall. Along the trail, stalls sell momiji tempura, a local specialty made from whole maple leaves preserved in salt, coated in sweet batter, and deep-fried. The tradition stretches back more than 1,300 years. Minoh is 30 minutes from central Osaka, which makes it a practical half-day trip in autumn when the forest is at its most vivid.