Settsukyo Park

In short

A 42.65-hectare scenic park spread along the upper reaches of the Akutagawa River in the northern part of Takatsuki City, whose entire grounds consist of mountain forest. The gorge, marked by sheer cliffs and unusual rock formations such as Meoto-iwa and Hachijo-iwa, is a scenic spot called "Settsu Yabakei," and Settsukyo itself was designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by Osaka Prefecture in 1938 (Showa 13). The roughly 4-kilometer stretch from Kaminokuchi to Shimonokuchi is a hiking course along the gorge.

• ​Shirataki Falls​​: A waterfall at the northernmost point of the park. At 15 meters high and 5 meters wide, it is not large, but it is a beautiful fall that blends with the surrounding trees
• ​Sakura Square​​: Located on the south side of the park, this is the largest open space in the park. With approximately 230 cherry trees, playground equipment such as a roller slide and a tarzan rope, and an outdoor stage, it is a place to spend time with children, too
• ​Yamaguchi Seishi Haiku Monument​​: Along the mountain-side park path on the way from Shimonokuchi to Shirataki Falls stands a haiku monument erected in 1967 (Showa 42). Inscribed with the poem by haiku poet Yamaguchi Seishi, "A floating firefly leaves the water by its own strength and takes flight," it stands quietly

History and Highlights

​Settsukyo Park​ is a 42.65-hectare scenic park spread along the upper reaches of the Akutagawa River in the northern part of Takatsuki City. Opened in 1956, its entire grounds consist of mountain forest, with the Akutagawa River flowing along the park's eastern side. The gorge, marked by sheer cliffs and unusual rock formations such as Meoto-iwa and Hachijo-iwa, is a scenic spot called "Settsu Yabakei" and has been selected as one of the "100 Best Greenery Views of Osaka." Settsukyo itself was designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by Osaka Prefecture in 1938.

In the gorge, visitors can also observe a rock called hornfels, formed when sandstone and mudstone from the end of the Paleozoic Era were metamorphosed by the intrusion of granite at the end of the Cretaceous Period. The clear stream is inhabited by sculpins, sweetfish, trout, and red-spotted masu salmon, making it known as a mountain stream fishing spot as well. The park allows visitors to enjoy the scenery of each season, with cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn foliage in fall.

Highlights for Viewing and Experiencing

• ​Shirataki Falls​​: Located at the northernmost point of the park, this waterfall is 15 meters high and 5 meters wide. While not large, it is a beautiful fall that blends seamlessly with the surrounding trees. It can be reached in about 35 minutes on foot from Kaminokuchi along the gorge.
• ​Sakura Square​​: Located on the south side of the park, this is the largest open space in the park. With approximately 230 cherry trees, it bustles with many visitors enjoying cherry blossom viewing, including during the Cherry Blossom Festival. It is also equipped with playground equipment such as a roller slide and a tarzan rope, as well as an outdoor stage, making it a great place to spend time with children.
• ​Yamaguchi Seishi Haiku Monument​​: Along the mountain-side park path on the way from Shimonokuchi to Shirataki Falls stands a haiku monument erected in 1967. Inscribed with the poem by haiku poet Yamaguchi Seishi, "A floating firefly leaves the water by its own strength and takes flight," it stands so quietly that visitors might easily overlook it if not paying attention.

Tips for Exploring

The roughly 4-kilometer stretch from Kaminokuchi to Shimonokuchi makes for an ideal hiking course along the gorge. A new hiking course was also developed in 2011. It takes about 10 minutes on foot to reach the park from the "Tsukawaki" municipal bus stop. The best time to view autumn leaves is typically from mid-November to early December. Barbecuing is prohibited within the park. As it is a deep mountain area where Asian black bears have been sighted in recent years, walking in groups is recommended. On the summit of Mount Miyoshi to the east of the gorge lie the Akutagawayama Castle Ruins, which was the residence of Miyoshi Nagayoshi.