Minoh National Park Maple Festival 2024
Minoh Park, renowned as one of Kansai's premier destinations for autumn foliage, will once again host the annual Minoh National Park Maple Festival from November 9th to December 1st. With a wide range of events scheduled throughout the day and evening, this year's festival offers a unique opportunity to experience a slightly different time than usual and a somewhat different Minoh. The spectacular autumn foliage along the Falls Trail looks even more beautiful when lit up at night!Peak Foliage Forecast for Famous Viewing Spots
(A) Saikoji Temple【Peak foliage forecast】Mid-November to early December
(B) Ryuanji Temple
【Peak foliage forecast】Mid to late November
(C) Minoh Waterfalls
【Peak foliage forecast】Late November to early December
(D) Katsuoji Temple
【Peak foliage forecast】November to early December
Minoh Driveway Traffic Regulations
To alleviate traffic congestion during the peak foliage season, one-way traffic restrictions will be implemented on weekends and holidays on Minoh Driveway (Prefectural Road 43 Toyonaka Kameoka Line). (Bicycles are also subject to the regulations.) Heavy traffic congestion is expected on roads near Minoh Park, so please use public transportation when visiting.【Dates and times】
・Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., from November 9th to December 1st (eight days)
【Affected area】
・The section of Minoh Driveway (Prefectural Road 43 Toyonaka Kameoka Line) from Sanso Kaze no Mori to the three-way junction below the dam will be restricted to uphill (northbound) traffic only
【Notes】
・All vehicles except taxis are prohibited from entering the area between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. ・Motorcycles are prohibited from entering the area at all times ・Vehicles can access Sanso Kaze no Mori and Toyonocho Takayama from the Minoh Station direction ・During the restricted hours stated above, the Saigahara Forest Road is open to one-way traffic heading towards Minoh Station (southbound) ・Access to the Osaka Prefectural Minoh Park (Falls Trail) is restricted to authorized vehicles only
Fun Events at Minoh Park Maple Festival 2024
- Forest Yoga 2024 autumn
- Minoh Forest Therapy 2024 autumn
- Sparkling Lights x Autumn Leaves: Autumn Leaves Illumination
- Maple Festival Photo Contest
- Minoh Tourist Volunteer Guide Hiking
- Digital Stamp Rally: Enjoy Autumn in Minoh! Yuzuru & Momijinu Rally
【Related events】
- Ryuanji Temple Special Autumn Viewing of Ryuanji Temple’s Guest Hall, Phoenix Pavilion, and Dry Landscape Garden
- Tackey 816 Minoh FM Live Broadcast
(1) Forest Yoga 2024 autumn
Four relaxing forest yoga sessions are held during the Maple Festival every year.Unwind and rejuvenate both your mind and body with our forest yoga sessions, held in the stunning autumn foliage garden of Saikoji Temple, which boasts over a thousand years of history.
We offer two yoga courses, both suitable for beginners, that you can enjoy from late afternoon onwards, accompanied by beautiful illuminations. Choose the course that best suits your preferences.
【Dates and times】
Refreshing and Relaxing Yoga
・November 9th (Sat), 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
・November 24th (Sun), 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Gentle and Nourishing Yoga
・November 16th (Sat), 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
・November 30th (Sat), 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. *Full, currently accepting waitlist
・December 1st (Sun), 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
【Location】
・Saikoji Temple, Seitenkaku Hall
・Approximately a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Minoh Station
【Target participants】
・Women aged 18 and over
【Capacity】
・15 participants per session
【Fee】
・1,500 yen per session
【What to bring】
・Comfortable clothing, yoga mat (rental available)
【How to apply】
・Application form
(2) Minoh Forest Therapy 2024 autumn
We will be holding two sessions of Mino Forest Therapy during the Maple Festival. This program allows you to fully enjoy the healing power of nature through forest walks, hammock experiences, and guided tours of Katsuoji Temple by Minoh volunteer tour guides, helping you to refresh both your mind and body.【Dates and times】
・November 16th (Sat), 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
・November 30th (Sat), 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
【Schedule】
・9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Check-in (Katsuoji Temple grounds)
・10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Program participation (Katsuoji Temple grounds)
・12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Lunch break (Katsuoji Temple grounds)
・1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Guided tour of the temple grounds (Katsuoji Temple)
*Complimentary herbal tea will be provided during lunch
*A paid lunch option, Autumn Seasonal Bento Box, is available for ¥1,500 (reservations required)
【Location】
・Katsuoji Temple grounds
・Approximately 20 minutes by bus from Kita-Osaka Kyuko Minoh Kayano Station
【Target participants】
・Those aged 18 and over
【Fee】
・¥3,000
・Lunch option: Autumn Seasonal Bento Box ¥1,500 (reservations required)
【What to bring】
・Comfortable clothing, packed lunch (not required if you have ordered the bento box)
【How to apply】
・Application form
(3) Sparkling Lights x Autumn Leaves: Autumn Leaves Illumination
The path from Minoh Station to Minoh Falls will be transformed into a captivating illuminated trail. Soft footlights will gently guide your way, while spotlights dance on the surface of the Minoh River and illuminate the surrounding trees.This year, in addition to Ryuanji Temple's Kannondo Hall, Phoenix Pavilion, and Saikoji Temple being adorned with enchanting lights, the Falls Trail will be embellished with tape lights, casting a magical glow at night.
In addition, from November 9th (Sat) to 24th (Sun), you can enjoy the illuminated autumn leaves in front of the Ryuanji Temple Phoenix Pavilion and Insectarium.
〇 Katsuoji Temple Special Illumination: Autumn Evening Pilgrimage
【Dates and times】
・Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from November 9th to December 1st, as well as November 27th (Wed)
・Sunset to 8:30 p.m. (last entry at 8:00 p.m.)
〇 Minoh Park Special Illumination: Saikoji Temple
【Dates and times】
・Sunset to 9:30 p.m. throughout the event period
〇 Minoh Park Special Illumination: Ryuanji Temple
【Dates and times】
・Sunset to 9:30 p.m. throughout the event period
〇 Minoh Waterfalls Illumination
【Dates and times】
・Sunset to 9:30 p.m. throughout the event period
(4) Maple Festival Photo Contest on Instagram
Follow the Minoh City Tourism Association account and post your beautiful photos of Minoh Park!Capture the excitement you found or what you think is the beauty of Minoh Park in autumn and share your photos with us for a chance to win specialty products from Minoh!!
【How to enter】
① Follow the Minoh City Tourism Association's Maple Festival Photo Contest Instagram account (@minoh_kankoukyoukai)
② Post your captivating photos taken during the Maple Festival at Minoh Park, using the hashtag #R6MapleFestivalPhotoContest!
③ Winners will be notified via direct message on Instagram from the Minoh City Tourism Association's Maple Festival Photo Contest Instagram account (@minoh_kankoukyoukai)
*Please note that private accounts are not eligible to enter
【Prizes】
・Minoh Mayor's Award (1 winner): ¥5,000 worth of Minoh specialty products (sponsored by Minoh City)
・Minoh City Council Chair's Award (1 winner): ¥5,000 worth of Minoh specialty products (sponsored by Minoh City Council)
・Minoh Chamber of Commerce President's Award (1 winner): ¥5,000 worth of Minoh specialty products (sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce)
・Katsuoji Temple Award (1 winner): Large dharma cushion valued at ¥6,500 (sponsored by Katsuoji Temple)
【Entry period】
・November 9th (Sat) to December 1st (Sun)
【Terms and conditions】
・Please read and agree to the terms and conditions before entering
(5) Minoh Tourist Volunteer Guide Hiking
Participate in a free, guided hike through the mountains and town of Minoh.This is the perfect event for first-time hikers.
◆ Hike 1: Autumn Colors at the Minoh River Dam (Through the Hornbeam Forest)
【Date and time】
・November 9th (Sat) *Please note that the hike will be canceled in case of rain
・Meet in front of Hankyu Minoh Station at 9:40 a.m.
【Course】
・Hankyu Minoh Station - Saigahara Forest Road - Masano Chaya - Around Minoh River Dam - Hitome Senbon (approximately 11km)
◆ Hike 2: Autumn Foliage at Katsuoji Temple (Reservations Required)
【Date and time】
・November 18th (Mon) *Please note that the hike will be canceled in case of rain
・Meet in front of Minoh Kayano Station at 9:40 a.m.
【Capacity】
・20 people
【Course】
・Minoh Kayano Station - Ioiwa - Shirami Jizo - Katsuoji Temple (paid admission) - Katsuoji Temple Otorii (approximately 11km)
(6) Digital Stamp Rally: Enjoy Autumn in Minoh! Yuzuru & Momijinu Rally
Embark on a digital stamp rally adventure throughout Minoh City! Visit eight different tourist spots and collect digital stamps.Collect three stamps to receive a limited edition original sticker (100 per day).
Collect five or more stamps to enter a draw to win a set of Minoh specialty products. Have fun with the stamp rally while enjoying autumn sightseeing in Minoh!
【Event period】
・November 9th (Sat) to December 1st (Sun)
【How to play】
① Pick up a special pamphlet at the Minoh Transportation and Tourist Information Center or other designated locations!
② Use your smartphone to scan the QR code printed on the pamphlet to start the stamp rally!
③ Visit the designated spots and use your smartphone to scan the markers (existing structures, etc.) to collect digital stamps!
Related events in the area
(1) Ryuanji Temple Special Autumn Viewing of Ryuanji Temple’s Guest Hall, Phoenix Pavilion, and Dry Landscape Garden
During the Maple Festival period, visitors have a special opportunity to view the normally closed Phoenix Pavilion, Guest Hall, and Dry Landscape Garden.Enjoy them together with the breathtaking scenery of Mount Minoh's autumn foliage.
【Dates and times】
・November 16th (Sat) to December 1st (Sun)
・10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Last entry 3:30 p.m.)
【Fees】
・General Admission: ¥500 / Elementary, Middle, and High School Students: ¥300
*Children under elementary school age: Free
〇 Ryuanji Temple Phoenix Pavilion Music Concert
Enjoy a beautiful performance of harp and lyre ensembles.
The concert is included in the admission fee for the special viewing.
【Dates and times】
・November 17th (Sat) (1) 11:00 a.m. (2) 2:00 p.m. (Each performance is one hour)
【Location】
・Ryuanji Temple Phoenix Pavilion
(2) Tackey 816 Minoh FM Live Broadcast
The live broadcast will feature stories from people active in the Minoh mountains and information about the autumn leaves.There will also be special broadcasts related to tourism in Minoh and the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
【Dates and times】
・November 30th (Sat), 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
・November 16th (Sat), 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
・November 23rd (Sat), 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
【Locations】
・30th: Falls Trail, Mori no Fureai Hiroba (Forest Interaction Plaza)
・16th and 23rd: Hankyu Minoh Station, Outdoor Stage
The broadcast can also be listened to on your smartphone → https://www.minoh.net/netradio/
The “Takimichi” walking course where you can enjoy spectacular views of autumn leaves
The 2.7km promenade surrounded by nature that runs from Minoh Station to Minoh Waterfall is called “Takimichi” (literally “waterfall path”).This is the best walking course that allows you to walk a moderate distance in beautiful nature along the Minoh River that flows through the park.
(A) Saikoji Temple
The place where the god of marital harmony and matchmaking, Daisho Kangiten, first appeared in Japan.
The sight of the Japanese maple, ginkgo, and maple trees in the temple grounds changing color is breathtaking.
◆ Information
【Address】
・2-5-27 Minoh koen, Minoh, Osaka
【Regular holidays】
・Open every day
【Fees】
・Free
【Phone】
・072-721-3190(9:00 - 17:00)
◆ Information
【Address】
・2-5-27 Minoh koen, Minoh, Osaka
【Regular holidays】
・Open every day
【Fees】
・Free
【Phone】
・072-721-3190(9:00 - 17:00)
(B) Ryuanji Temple
Around Bentendo Hall, where Japan's first and oldest Benzaiten is enshrined, red and yellow maple trees compete for beauty.
Be sure not to miss the special viewing of the Guest Hall and Phoenix Pavilion, a nationally registered tangible cultural property, nestled in the brocade-patterned mountains.
◆ Information
【Address】
・2-23 Minoh koen, Minoh, Osaka
【Regular holidays】
・Open every day
【Fees】
・Free
【Phone】
・072-721-3003(10:00 - 16:00)
Be sure not to miss the special viewing of the Guest Hall and Phoenix Pavilion, a nationally registered tangible cultural property, nestled in the brocade-patterned mountains.
◆ Information
【Address】
・2-23 Minoh koen, Minoh, Osaka
【Regular holidays】
・Open every day
【Fees】
・Free
【Phone】
・072-721-3003(10:00 - 16:00)
(C) Minoh Waterfall
Minoh Waterfall is a famous waterfall that Oda Nobunaga visited.
Its spectacular view, which has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls, is a must-see.
On a clear day in the morning, you might even see a rainbow.
Famous as a sacred place for mountain worshipers, this is a power spot with a spectacular view where negative ions accumulate from the mortar-shaped terrain.
◆ Information
【Address】
・2-2 Minoh koen, Minoh, Osaka
Its spectacular view, which has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls, is a must-see.
On a clear day in the morning, you might even see a rainbow.
Famous as a sacred place for mountain worshipers, this is a power spot with a spectacular view where negative ions accumulate from the mortar-shaped terrain.
◆ Information
【Address】
・2-2 Minoh koen, Minoh, Osaka
(D) Katsuo-ji Temple
The sixth generation head of the temple prayed for Emperor Seiwa's recovery from his illness and cured him, which earned the temple its name “Katsuoh-ji,” meaning “the temple that conquers the king,” but the temple deemed this too presumptuous and took on the name “Katsuoji,” which is why it is worshiped as a “temple that brings luck for victory.”
During the autumn foliage season, the bright red maple trees in the grounds spanning 80,000 tsubo are spectacular.
◆ Information
【Address】
・2914-1 Aomatani, Minoh City, Osaka
【Phone】
・072-721-7010
【Opening hours】
・8:00 - 17:00 *The gate closes completely at 8:30 p.m. on light-up days (last entry at 8:00)
【Regular holidays】
・Open every day
【Fees】
・500 yen for adults, 400 yen for elementary and junior high school students, 100 yen for preschoolers, free for children under two years old
During the autumn foliage season, the bright red maple trees in the grounds spanning 80,000 tsubo are spectacular.
◆ Information
【Address】
・2914-1 Aomatani, Minoh City, Osaka
【Phone】
・072-721-7010
【Opening hours】
・8:00 - 17:00 *The gate closes completely at 8:30 p.m. on light-up days (last entry at 8:00)
【Regular holidays】
・Open every day
【Fees】
・500 yen for adults, 400 yen for elementary and junior high school students, 100 yen for preschoolers, free for children under two years old