I'm not exactly adventurous but I adore nature, especially those that can be found in Japan, so Minoh Park was listed under one of the top places I had to visit during our stay in Japan. It is easily reached by a 30 minute train ride from Umeda in Osaka city on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line. We got off at the Ishibashi Station and transfer to the Hankyu Minoo Line to Minoo Station. The journey to Minoo Station was a quiet and peaceful one.
I guess most tourists prefer shopping in high-rise buildings over hiking and mountain climbing.
The weather at Minoh Park was chilly cold that day but the residents there did make the place a whole lot warmer for us. Once we reached Minoo Station, a resident approached us as we were clearly looking lost when we realized the information counter was closed. She directed us on where to go and answered to our questions while smiling warmly at us the whole time. She told us that Minoh is a beautiful place and that she hoped we would enjoy ourselves there.
We most certainly did and couldn't agree more on its untouched beauty.
However, before we embarked on our journey, we stopped by a small cafe along the peaceful town for lunch.
The food wasn't fantastic but the cafe owner was sure thoughtful and creative.
The coffee art that the owner did for the both of us.
He told us that it was an image of my dear and me (Ɔ ˘⌣˘)♥(˘⌣˘ C)!
かわいいでしょ?!
Isn't it cute?!!!
That was simply so sweet of him. I couldn't bear to drink it as it was the first time someone made a coffee art for us and I felt sinful for ruining something this cute! To appreciate it more, I kept staring at it as we finished our meal.
We thanked the owner and started our one hour long hike up the mountain. Unlike the parks found in Singapore, Minoh park is as big as an island. It consists of hot springs, spas, resorts, hotels, mountains, insect museum, 3500 species of insects, temples, 1300 species of trees, rivers, and our final destination, the majestic Mino Waterfall.
The journey up to the waterfall took us approximately an hour with plenty of amazing sight of nature to see.
Along the way, we visited a small temple.
It was so serene and quiet there.
During our hike, we witnessed plenty of old Japanese folks and residents going up to the waterfall with ease. Some of them were jogging while others were walking in leisure pace. I am embarrassed to say that most of them just bypassed us effortlessly. Either we were going too slowly or the elders in Japan are way too fit. No matter what, I have great respect for the seniors there for their lively spirit and healthy lifestyle.
It was freezing cold at Minoh that afternoon till we could not even feel our hands and legs, but the coldness was nothing compared to the scenic view like this.
Finally, after an hour of leisure walk, we reached the Mino Waterfall!
It was as though we reached heaven. I swear that this is how I picture heaven to look like.
♥ Ashley ♥
It was freezing cold at Minoh that afternoon till we could not even feel our hands and legs, but the coldness was nothing compared to the scenic view like this.
Finally, after an hour of leisure walk, we reached the Mino Waterfall!
It was as though we reached heaven. I swear that this is how I picture heaven to look like.
We spent some quiet time sitting near the waterfall and appreciating its great beauty. I was wondering how nice it would be if I could just build a house at that spot and stay there.
This end our first hiking experience together. We felt like we had unlocked an achievement -- and such a beautiful one. Even though we ended up with aching legs, it was all worth it. Minoo Park is such a therapeutic place to be which I am sure that no nature lovers will regret visiting.
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