Osaka Half-day E-bike Tour: Minoh Falls & Katsuoji Temple
Active
4h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover two of Osaka's most spectacular yet hard-to-reach destinations on this e-bike adventure to Minoh Falls and Katsuoji Temple.
Pedal through scenic roads on e-bikes without the strain of the climbs. Feel the mist from the stunning 33-meter Minoh Falls, one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls, then find serenity at the ancient Katsuoji Temple, famous for its thousands of colorful daruma dolls and peaceful mountain setting.
Until now, visiting both Minoh Falls and Katusoji required a whole day, hours of hiking, and/or indirect public transport.
Now, you can experience both without rushing - all in time for a delicious local lunch (optional).
Your guide brings years of experience cycling Japanese roads, as well as insider local knowledge.
Tours start at Minoh Cycles, a 10 minute walk from Sakurai Station (20 minutes by train from Umeda).
Available options
Standard Tour - No lunch
Standard Tour - Lunch included
Lunch at restaurant after ride
What's included
Luggage Storage - Any bags you don't need on the ride can be stored at the meet/end point
Bicycle Insurance for rider injury & liability (TS-Mark)
Bottled water
E-bike
Admission fee for Katusoji Temple
Helmet
Small snack - Japanese rick cracker and cookie.
Detailed itinerary
1
After a brief orientation at the meeting point, we will ride alongside the Hankyu railway to the Minoh station area. We will then ascend the mountain road, and ride to Katsuoji, taking in stunning views over Osaka, and the Minoh mountains. If all goes smoothly, we'll arrive before 10:30, beating the crowds arriving on tour buses.
After a toilet stop at the entrance, we will make a leisurely circuit of the temple grounds.
At Katsuoji you can:
- check the Yakudoshi chart of auspicious ages to see if you're in for a lucky or unlucky year
- step through the spiral path of the Circle of Wisdom and make a wish
- burn an incense stick and pray at one of the shrines
- purchase a protective charm or Daruma doll containing a fortune slip - these are all in Japanese but I'm happy to translate
- stamp your postcard (received free on entry) at each of the stamping stations, to complete the multi-layered mosaic image
or just take in the experience and enjoy the stunning views.
2
We will descend the mountain road to the Minoh Falls parking area, and park the bikes. Then it's a short walk through the forest down to best place for taking in the waterfall.
There are benches, vendors selling food and drinks and public toilets. This is a great spot for an ice-cream, photos or just a well-earned rest.
3
After leaving the waterfall, we will head first to the meeting place to return the bikes and retrieve luggage.
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
4.9
10 reviews
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Take the Hankyu Minoh-line train to Sakurai station, and walk 10 minutes to the the meeting place, which is apartment 102 of Sakura Heim.
* Please check the listing photos for detailed navigation from the station.
* Please be aware that the tour guide may not be at the meeting place before 8:50.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
