Osaka Minoh Waterfall and Katsuoji Temple Half Day Tour

Osaka Prefecture , Japan

Osaka Minoh Waterfall and Katsuoji Temple Half Day Tour

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About this experience

Meet your guide at Hankyu Minoh Station and set off on a forest walk along the Minoh Waterfall Trail. The gentle riverside path takes about 50 minutes and leads you to the impressive 33-meter Minoh Waterfall, a natural highlight in every season. After a short break for photos, you will return on foot to Minoh Station, enjoying the scenery from a different perspective. From there, board a local bus to Minoh-Kayano Station, then transfer to another bus that climbs into the mountains toward Katsuo-ji Temple. Known as the “Temple of Victory,” Katsuo-ji is famous for its countless red Daruma dolls, symbols of perseverance and good fortune. Spend around 40 minutes exploring the spacious grounds, admiring the peaceful gardens, ornate gates, and hillside views. After the visit, return by bus to Minoh-Kayano Station, where the tour concludes, offering a perfect half-day combination of nature and culture near Osaka.

Available options

Standard rate

What's included

Local Tour English Guide

Admission Fee JPY 500 1人あたり

Detailed itinerary

The gentle riverside path takes about 50 minutes and leads you to the impressive 33-meter Minoh Waterfall, a natural highlight in every season. After a short break for photos, you will return on foot to Minoh Station, enjoying the scenery from a different perspective.

This temple is called Ryuan-ji. It was founded around the mid-7th century, so it’s more than 1,300 years old.
This area used to be a training place for Shugendo, a Japanese mountain religion that mixes Buddhism and Shinto.
Monks would walk deep into the mountains, practicing meditation and physical endurance to become spiritually stronger.

The main deity here is Benzaiten, the goddess of music, art, knowledge, and good fortune.
Because of this, many people come here to pray for wealth and success, and even for lottery luck.
In fact, this temple is sometimes called the birthplace of Japan’s lottery.

Katsuo-ji is famous for its countless red Daruma dolls, symbols of perseverance and good fortune. Spend around 40 minutes exploring the spacious grounds, admiring the peaceful gardens, ornate gates, and hillside views.

What's not included

Public transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Meet at the main ticket gates of Hankyu Minoh Station. The guide will be waiting just outside the gates and can be recognized by a yellow fluorescent armband attached to their bag.

About Osaka Prefecture

Osaka Prefecture, located in the Kansai region, is a vibrant urban center known for its rich culinary scene, historic landmarks, and modern entertainment districts. Often referred to as 'The Nation's Kitchen,' it offers a perfect blend of traditional Japanese culture and contemporary urban life.

Top Attractions

Osaka Castle

A symbol of Osaka, this iconic castle was originally built in the 16th century. The castle grounds offer beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 600 JPY

Dotonbori

A bustling entertainment and dining district known for its neon lights, street food, and vibrant atmosphere. Dotonbori is a must-visit for food lovers and nightlife enthusiasts.

Entertainment/Cultural 2-4 hours Free to explore, food and shopping vary

Universal Studios Japan

A popular theme park featuring attractions based on popular movies and characters. Universal Studios Japan offers thrilling rides, shows, and themed areas.

Entertainment/Adventure Full day 8,400 JPY (1-day pass)

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring a wide variety of marine life and interactive exhibits. The aquarium is home to dolphins, whales, and a massive Pacific Ocean tank.

Nature/Adventure 2-3 hours 2,600 JPY

Shitennoji Temple

One of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples, founded in 593 AD. Shitennoji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features beautiful gardens, pagodas, and historic artifacts.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours 300 JPY

Must-Try Local Dishes

Takoyaki

A popular street food made from batter filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps, and green onions. It is cooked in a special molded pan and topped with sauces and bonito flakes.

Snack Contains seafood, can be made vegetarian upon request

Okonomiyaki

A savory pancake made with batter, cabbage, and various ingredients like pork, seafood, or cheese. It is cooked on a griddle and topped with sauces and bonito flakes.

Main course Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request

Kushikatsu

Deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables, typically served with a dipping sauce. Kushikatsu is a popular izakaya (Japanese pub) dish.

Snack/Appetizer Contains meat and seafood, can be made vegetarian upon request

Ramen

A popular noodle dish made with a savory broth, noodles, and various toppings like sliced pork, green onions, and eggs. Osaka is known for its rich and flavorful ramen broths.

Main course Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains surrounding Osaka Biking along the Yodo River Kayaking or paddleboarding in Osaka Bay Onsen (hot spring) visits in nearby towns Tea ceremonies in traditional tea houses Picnicking in Osaka Castle Park or other green spaces Temple and shrine visits Traditional crafts and workshops

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, cherry blossoms in spring, and vibrant foliage in autumn. These are the most popular times to visit with higher tourist volumes.

10-25°C (50-77°F) 50-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited), Chinese, Korean
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Osaka is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public safety. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings and personal safety.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services with proper identification
• Be cautious of strangers offering overly friendly or persistent services

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 50 km (31 miles) from Osaka city center
Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) • 15 km (9 miles) from Osaka city center

By train

Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station

By bus

Osaka Station Bus Terminal, Umeda Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Osaka Metro system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It consists of multiple lines connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Namba Umeda Shin-Osaka Tennoji

Day trips

Kyoto

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, is known for its numerous temples, shrines, and historic sites. The city offers a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life.

Nara

40 km (25 miles) • Half day to full day

Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is known for its historic temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. The city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature.

Kobe

30 km (19 miles) • Full day

Kobe, a port city on Japan's western coast, is known for its rich history, diverse architecture, and delicious beef. The city offers a mix of historic sites, modern attractions, and scenic views.

Festivals

Tenjin Matsuri • July 24-25 Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri • September 14-15 (main festival), various dates throughout the year Osaka Asian Film Festival • March (dates vary)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Try local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu at street food stalls and markets
Use IC cards like Suica or ICOCA for convenient and cashless payments on public transportation
Visit popular attractions like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds
Explore lesser-known neighborhoods and attractions for a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience