Minoo Park Osaka
If I have to pick my most favorite place in Osaka among all that I’ve been to, I’d choose Minoo Park. Looks like I am still more of a rural girl at heart. I prefer sceneries, trees and grass over high-rise buildings and shopping malls anytime. Minoo Park is such a therapeutic place and I felt so refreshed and rejuvenated being there, even though the trek to the waterfall was tiring!
We had to catch a train to Minoo Park and the train captain was right next to me!
The skies were beautiful at Minoo Station. It might be an illusion, but the air felt even fresher here! :)
Minoo Park is famous for its beautiful autumn views, but I love it here in winter too. The trees may be bare, but there is a sad beauty in it all – if you get what I mean. :)
Near the train station are shops that sell the local specialities in Minoo – Deep fried maple leaves and Roasted Chestnuts. We didn’t buy any to try though because we just finished breakfast.
Love how ancient Minoo Park looks and feels. It’s like I stepped into another dimension altogether.
Just a short walk from the main street, you will spot this iconic hotel. I imagine the views must be quite spectacular way up there on the cliff.
It was cold, but I was thirsty, so I bought my favorite drink in Japan – Calpis Soda. It tastes a little like carbonated yakult and is very yummy. Calpis can be ordered in most restaurants, and can be mixed with soda or alcohol, or drank on its own. Look out for this drink whenever you visit Japan. :)
The trekking towards the waterfall begun. Not the tough type of trekking though, because there are proper roads to walk on. Along the way, we were just taking in the amazing sights of Nature and enjoying the cold and crisp air. I felt like I was doing a detox for my lungs – Felt so good.
Along the way, we visited a temple. It was so quiet and peaceful.
Then we spotted this and I couldn’t miss a chance at a shot. So much feel in this one photo, don’t you think? :)
Finally, after more than an hour of slow walking, we approached the waterfall.
It felt like a piece of heaven here, quite frankly.
I could sit here and admire the waterfall all day. Did you spot the rainbow? =D
It was really beautiful.
And I shared the moment with my matcha ice-cream.
And couldn’t resist a stick of toasted mochi and some french fries. Hehe. Somehow, they all tasted better when eaten in front of a waterfall.
The trekking back from the waterfall felt like a much shorter one, maybe because we had a goal in mind – L.U.N.C.H. We decided to settle our lunch at Minoo Park before heading back to Central Osaka, and we shared this colorful and awesome plate of beef hamburg and rice. It was such a healthy and yummy with a side of appetizing salad. :)
I absolutely recommend a visit to Minoo Park when you are in Osaka!
Getting to Minoo Park: From Umeda in central Osaka, take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line from Hankyu Umeda Station to Ishibashi Sation (15 minutes) and transfer to the Hankyu Minoo Line to Minoo Station (5 minutes). The entire one way trip takes about 25 minutes, costs 270 yen and is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
