Minoh Autumn Leaves Festival
Follow a forest trail through brilliant autumn foliage to one of Osaka's most famous waterfalls. From November 14 to December 6, 2026, Minoh's annual autumn festival brings illuminated scenery, music and seasonal experiences to the mountains north of Osaka.
The forested valley of Minoh becomes one of Osaka’s most colorful autumn destinations. As darkness settles over Meiji no Mori Minoh Quasi-National Park, trees, bridges and flowing water take on a different character when nighttime illumination transforms the 2.7-kilometer waterfall trail into a glowing woodland promenade.
This year’s special attraction, Minoh Forest: A Night Stroll of Sound and Light, runs from November 14 to December 6, 2026. Illuminations shine from sunset until 21:30, while music adds another dimension to the experience. At five locations along the trail, visitors can touch their smartphones to designated signs to access compositions created to complement the surrounding forest. Bring earphones to enjoy the music alongside the sounds of the river and rustling leaves.
There’s plenty to discover during daylight hours, too.
Guided hikes explore the surrounding mountains, while a festival photography contest invites visitors to capture their favorite autumn scenes. At Saikō-ji Temple, special forest yoga sessions offer morning and evening experiences, including a meditation component led by the temple’s priest. Advance registration and participation restrictions apply.
Nearby Ryūan-ji Temple opens historic buildings and a dry landscape garden for special autumn viewing on selected dates. The festival program also includes local activities and opportunities to explore Minoh’s cultural heritage.
And then there are the leaves themselves.
Every autumn, Japanese maples transform the wooded valley into a tapestry of reds, oranges and golds. The trail follows the Minoh River toward the park’s most famous landmark, the 33-meter Minoh Falls, where cascading water provides a dramatic backdrop for seasonal photographs.
The park’s history stretches well beyond the festival. Designated a quasi-national park in 1967, its protected forest covers approximately 963 hectares and supports an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life.
Just a short train journey from central Osaka, Minoh offers visitors a chance to experience autumn beyond the city’s streets. Come for the illuminated waterfall, join a festival activity, or spend an afternoon exploring the forest before returning after dark to see it transformed.
Illuminated Forest Walk – Follow the 2.7-kilometer trail as trees, bridges and water glow beneath evening lights.
Music Among the Maples – Discover five listening stations where smartphone-accessible music complements the forest’s natural sounds.
Minoh Falls in Autumn – Photograph the 33-meter waterfall framed by brilliant red, orange and golden foliage.
Temple Traditions – Explore Ryūan-ji Temple’s autumn openings or enjoy forest yoga and meditation at Saikō-ji.
Guided Walks & Photography – Explore mountain trails on guided hikes and enter the festival photography contest.
Image Credits: Minoh Forest: A Night Stroll of Sound and Light, Osaka Scene Staff, Japan Scenes
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Contact
THE SCENE: FAQ’s
ACCESS
ACCESS
Venue: Meiji no Mori Minoh Quasi-National Park
Address: 1-18 Minookōen, Minoh, Osaka 562-0002, Japan
TRAINS
- Hankyu Railway: From Osaka-Umeda Station, take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Ishibashi-Handai-mae Station. Transfer to the Hankyu Minoh Line and ride to Minoh Station.
SUBWAYS
- Osaka Metro Midosuji Line: Take the subway to Umeda Station, then transfer to Hankyu Railway at Osaka-Umeda Station.
- Alternative via Kita-Osaka Kyuko: Take the Midosuji Line north toward Minoh-Semba-Handai-mae Station, continuing onto the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line. From there, take a local bus toward Hankyu Minoh Station.
WALKING
- Park entrance: Approximately 5 minutes from Hankyu Minoh Station.
- Minoh Falls: Approximately 40–50 minutes from Hankyu Minoh Station along the 2.7-kilometer waterfall trail.
◷ FROM CENTRAL OSAKA
- From Osaka-Umeda: Approximately 30 minutes by Hankyu Railway to Minoh Station, plus walking time.
- From Namba: Take the Midosuji Line to Umeda, then transfer to Hankyu Railway. Allow approximately 50–60 minutes to reach Minoh Station, plus walking time.
SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE
Festival: November 14–December 6, 2026
Autumn Illumination
- Daily: Sunset–21:30
- Location: Minoh Falls and illuminated sections of the waterfall trail
Minoh Forest: A Night Stroll of Sound and Light
- November 14–December 6
- During evening illumination hours
- Music accessible at five designated locations along the trail
Forest Yoga at Saikō-ji Temple
- Morning sessions: November 22, 23 and 29, 9:00–11:00
- Evening sessions: November 15, 23 and 29, 17:00–19:00
- Advance registration required
Ryūan-ji Temple Special Autumn Viewing
- November 20–23 and 27–29
- 10:30–16:00 (last admission 15:30)
Autumn Photography Contest
- November 14–December 6
Guided Autumn Hikes
- November 7 and December 7
- Departure: 9:40 from Hankyu Minoh Station
- Both dates fall outside the main festival period.
Foliage: Colors typically peak from mid-November to early December, depending on weather and location.
TICKETS
TICKETS
Admission: Free entry to Minoh Park, Minoh Falls, the autumn illumination and the nighttime music experience. No tickets or reservations required.
Forest Yoga: ¥2,500 per person. Advance registration required. Participation is limited to women aged 18 and older, with 18 places per session.
Temple Special Viewing: Separate admission arrangements may apply. Check the official festival information for details.
Guided Hikes: The November 7 guided hike is free and requires no reservation.
Official Information & Reservations: https://minohkankou.net/information/momiji-matsuri/
THE EXPERIENCE
THE EXPERIENCE
Minoh’s Autumn Leaves Festival offers more than a walk through colorful foliage. Visitors can explore illuminated woodland trails, discover historic temples and enjoy activities that celebrate the forest’s natural beauty.
- A Forest After Dark: Follow the 2.7-kilometer waterfall trail beneath illuminated maples, with bridges, rocky streams and woodland scenery transformed by evening light.
- Music in the Mountains: Stop at five designated locations to access specially composed music using an NFC-compatible smartphone. Bring earphones to enjoy the music alongside the sounds of the forest.
- The Famous Minoh Falls: Walk to the 33-meter waterfall, where autumn foliage frames the cascading water. The scenery changes throughout the season, making every visit a little different.
- Forest Yoga & Meditation: Join morning or evening yoga sessions at Saikō-ji Temple. Evening sessions incorporate traditional Ajikan meditation led by the temple’s priest. Advance registration is required.
- Historic Temple Discoveries: Visit Ryūan-ji Temple during its special autumn opening to see historic buildings and a dry landscape garden normally closed to visitors.
- Capture the Colors: Photograph your favorite autumn scenes and enter the festival’s photography contest. Guided mountain hikes offer another way to explore the surrounding landscape, with separate dates and routes.
For the fullest experience, arrive during daylight to enjoy the autumn colors, then stay as the forest illumination begins. The festival’s combination of nature, music and cultural traditions makes Minoh especially memorable after sunset.
INFO & TIPS
INFO & TIPS
Best Time to Visit: Arrive during daylight to enjoy the autumn foliage, then stay for the illumination from sunset until 21:30. Peak colors typically occur from mid-November to early December, depending on weather and location.
Walking & Footwear: The waterfall trail is approximately 2.7 kilometers each way from Hankyu Minoh Station. Allow 40–50 minutes to reach Minoh Falls. Wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes and bring a flashlight for the return journey after dark.
Nighttime Music: Bring an NFC-compatible smartphone and earphones to enjoy music at five designated locations. Stop at each listening station rather than using your phone while walking.
Weather & Safety: Illumination may be canceled during storm warnings, landslide alerts or dangerous river conditions. Check the official park website before visiting.
Parking & Traffic: There is no parking inside Minoh Park, and private vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles cannot enter. Seasonal one-way restrictions apply to sections of the Minoh Driveway on weekends and holidays during the festival.
Photography Contest: Enter using Instagram with #R8もみじまつり写真コンクール and tag @minoh_kankoukyoukai, or use the organizer’s online entry form. Check the official rules before submitting.
Accessibility: The waterfall trail is a substantial walk through a mountain park. Visitors with mobility concerns should consult the park’s official accessibility information before traveling.
Contact Info: Minoh City Tourism Association (箕面市観光協会). Official festival information, activity registration and updates: https://minohkankou.net/information/momiji-matsuri/
Park Updates: Minoh Park Official Website: https://www.mino-park.jp/
