Minoo Things to Do Tips by mikegr

Shrines on the way to the falls

There are a couple of small shrines on the road leading up to Minoo Falls.

The first one you come to is a new looking wooden building, right next to the red bridge on my Minoo Introduction page.

A more pleasant one is located beyond this one - walk to the back of the shrine and go up the stairs with the the row of stone lanterns next to them. This one is not immediately apparent from the road so watch out for it (although it is more obvious on the return journey)

This shrine (sorry don't know the names for either of them) is made of a darker wood and is much more atmospheric to wander around, with the smell of woody incense.

It is definitely worth a look.

Address: Minoo

Directions: On the road from Minoo to the waterfall.

Minoo Insect Museum

Just 5 minutes walk past the Minoo Hotel will bring you to the Minoo Insect Museum.

The displays here largely consist of dead insect specimens in display cases, which will probably only be of interest to insect enthusiasts.

There is also a large butterfly house with a glass roof which is much more interesting. There are places to sit and numerous species of butterfly fluttering around. It really is very pleasant and there are plenty of opportunities for those interested in photography.

One thing to note is that each butterflies has an identity number written on its wings, which kind of spoils the effect. Fortunately photoshop does a wonderful job of masking this!

Address: Minoo, just past the Minoo Hotel

The Ugliest Hotel Ever? (but a nice spa...)

OK - I told you it was hideous!

Have you ever seen such an ugly hotel?

What was the architect thinking??

Minoo Hotel dominates the hillside overlooking Minoo town and is a real eyesore. On the plus side it makes a useful landmark - just walk up the road past it to get to the falls.

It also has a pleasant spa.

Take the lift up to the hotel (a couple of hundred yen and free on the way back) and follow the signs for the spa. It costs 1300 yen and apparently there is an outside bath for the women (although not the men). You buy modesty towels from the dispenser in the changing room and you are best to bring a towel for drying with you.

It is a bit of a haunt for the older generations and it may not be worth the entry price but its still quite nice and good for warming up in after a hike to the falls on a winter day

Address: Minoo

Directions: You really cannot miss this monstrosity, it is clearly visible from the station

Minoo Falls

The main attraction in Minoo are the falls which are a 30 - 40 minute walk away from the train station. It is very easy to find, from the station walk towards the hideous Minoo Hotel which dominates the hillside and follow the road past it.

Keep going and you will reach it in no time.

At the falls there is an area where you can sit and eat a picnic, but this can be crowded at the weekend.

During the week it is not uncommon to see locals doing their streching there. I have been a few times and have been surprised by how friendly the people there are - its not unusual to be approached by someone who wants to chat.

Address: Minoo, near Osaka

Directions: From the station Turn left and walk past Minoo Hotel and keep going!