Minoo Park

A 2.7-kilometer paved path follows a river valley north from Minoo Station into the forested hills above Osaka, ending at a 33-meter waterfall. The walk takes about 45 minutes at a comfortable pace and passes through maple groves that turn red and orange in autumn. Along the way, shops sell momiji tempura, deep-fried maple leaves in sweet batter, a local specialty made in this area for over 1,300 years. Wild monkeys occasionally appear in the trees. The historic Ryuanji temple sits within the park. In summer the valley stays noticeably cooler than the city below, and in spring cherry blossoms line the approach.