Osaka Prefectural Forest Hoshida Park

In short

One of the Osaka Prefectural Forests, located in Hoshida, Katano City, and covering 105 hectares. Visitors can enjoy the four seasons as the mixed forest transitions from budding to fresh green, autumn leaves, and fallen leaves. The Amano River flowing nearby is known as the setting of the Tanabata legend, and many giant boulders are scattered throughout the park, including "Takerugamine," which is tied to the legend of Tenson Korin (the descent of the heavenly grandchild).

• ​Hoshi no Buranko​​: A suspension bridge with a wooden deck, measuring 280 meters in total length and up to 50 meters above the ground. As a suspension bridge for pedestrian crossing, it is one of the largest in Japan
• ​Forest Railway-style Footbridge and Viewpoint​​: From the wooden footbridge measuring approximately 200 meters in total length, visitors can look down upon the riverbed of the Amano River, and the viewpoint offers views extending from Mount Hiei to the mountains of Hokusetsu and the urban area of Kyoto
• ​Climbing Wall​​: A full-scale wall standing 16.5 meters above the ground, built as the venue for mountain climbing competitions at the National Sports Festival held in Osaka in 1997 (Heisei 9). There is also a mini experience zone where children can try climbing

History and Highlights

​Hoshida Park​ is one of the Osaka Prefectural Forests located in Hoshida, Katano City. The Prefectural Forests are natural parks developed by Osaka Prefecture to commemorate the centennial of the prefectural administration, designed to help people enjoy the nature of Kongo-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park, and there are nine such locations within the prefecture. Covering an area of 105 hectares, Hoshida Park allows visitors to enjoy the four seasons as its mixed forest transitions from budding to fresh green, autumn leaves, and fallen leaves.

The Amano River flowing nearby is known as the setting of the Tanabata legend, and the "Tales of Ise" contains a waka poem by Ariwara no Narihira, who visited this area. The park's suspension bridge, "Hoshi no Buranko" (The Star's Swing), was also named with the idea of serving as a symbol of the village of the Tanabata legend and the village where stars fall. In 1997, a climbing wall was built as a venue for mountain climbing competitions at the National Sports Festival held in Osaka, and the suspension bridge was constructed around the same time.

Inside the park are several hiking trails, and many giant boulders are scattered throughout, including "Takerugamine," which is tied to the legend of Tenson Korin (the descent of the heavenly grandchild).

Sights and Experiences

• ​Hoshi no Buranko​​: A suspension bridge with a wooden deck measuring 280 meters in total length and up to 50 meters above the ground. As a suspension bridge for pedestrian crossing, it is one of the largest in Japan, allowing for an aerial stroll with views of the forest spreading out below.
• ​Forest Railway-style Footbridge and Viewpoint​​: From the wooden footbridge measuring approximately 200 meters in total length, visitors can look down upon the riverbed of the Amano River. The viewpoint offers panoramic views extending from Hoshi no Buranko to Mount Hiei, the mountains of Hokusetsu, and the urban area of Kyoto.
• ​Climbing Wall​​: A full-scale climbing wall standing 16.5 meters high with three faces. It was used as an official competition venue for the National Sports Festival. There are also workshops for beginners and a mini experience zone where children can try climbing.

Walking Tips

From the "Piton no Koya" visitor center and administrative building to Hoshi no Buranko, it takes about 15 minutes via the stair-lined "Bouken no Michi" (Adventure Trail), and about 30 minutes via the gentle maintenance road. A loop course starting from Piton no Koya, crossing Hoshi no Buranko, passing Yamabiko Plaza, and returning takes about 1 hour on foot. Because there are unpaved mountain trails, please wear shoes that do not slip easily. Climbing the giant boulders is prohibited, as they weather easily and are prone to crumbling.

From Kisaichi Station on the Keihan Katano Line, it takes about 40 minutes on foot along a hiking trail. However, because the "Kawazoi no Michi" (Riverside Trail) section of this route can sometimes be closed, check the park information before setting out. When arriving by car, search for "Hoshida Park Parking Lot" on your car navigation system. The parking lot becomes very crowded on weekends and holidays in spring and autumn, as well as during Golden Week. Approximately 740 meters to the east-southeast is Iwafune-jinja Shrine, whose object of worship is the giant rock Ame-no-Iwafune.