Minoo Takimichi Path

In short

A walking route of approximately 2.7 kilometers that follows the Minoo River from Hankyu Minoo Station toward Minoo Falls. The approximately 2 kilometers from Ichi-no-Hashi Bridge to the falls is a walkway through Minoo Park along the ravine. In the late Meiji period, when the Minoo Arima Electric Railway (now Hankyu Corporation) opened, traditional Japanese restaurant inns (ryori ryokan) lined the path, and kawadoko (platforms over the river) were scattered in the Minoo River.

• ​Ichi-no-Hashi Bridge and Hashimoto-tei​​: Hashimoto-tei, originally built at the end of the Meiji period as the restaurant-inn "Hashimoto-ro," was rebuilt in 2020 while utilizing the design and building materials of the former structure built in 1910 (Meiji 43), and is designated as a Structure of Landscape Importance by Minoo City
• ​Historic Buildings and Temples Along the Path​​: The Former Kajikaso, with its eye-catching stone walls, earthen walls, and large Japanese maple trees, is also a Structure of Landscape Importance. Along the way are Saiko-ji Temple, the Insect Museum, and Ryuan-ji Temple, each of which can be visited
• ​Statue of Noguchi Hideyo​​: The statue is introduced as having been erected by people associated with a Minoo restaurant, who were moved by how Noguchi Hideyo, who had returned from the United States, cared for his aging mother, Shika, when the two visited the restaurant

History and Highlights

​Minoo Takimichi Path​ is a walking route of approximately 2.7 kilometers that follows the Minoo River from Hankyu Minoo Station toward Minoo Falls. Ichi-no-Hashi Bridge, located about 400 meters north of the station, marks the entrance to Minoo Park, and from there to Minoo Falls, the path continues for about 2 kilometers as a walkway through the park along the ravine. The path is paved with little change in elevation, allowing visitors to walk in casual clothes if wearing comfortable shoes.

In the late Meiji period, when the Minoo Arima Electric Railway (now Hankyu Corporation) connecting Umeda and Minoo opened, visitors to the falls increased, and traditional Japanese restaurant inns (ryori ryokan) lined the path. Inside the park past Ichi-no-Hashi Bridge, teahouses, souvenir shops, and traditional restaurants were also established. It is said that kawadoko (platforms over the river) were scattered along the Minoo River, where visitors ate boxed lunches and held go or senryu (short satirical poetry) tournaments. Starting in fiscal 2010, power lines were buried underground and the walkways were given a more attractive finish, giving the path leading from the station an ambiance reminiscent of a Meiji-period townscape.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​Ichi-no-Hashi Bridge and Hashimoto-tei​​: At the foot of Ichi-no-Hashi Bridge stands Hashimoto-tei, which was originally built at the end of the Meiji period as the restaurant-inn "Hashimoto-ro." Rebuilt in 2020 while utilizing the design and building materials of the former structure built in 1910 (Meiji 43), it is designated as a Structure of Landscape Importance by Minoo City as a building that conveys the historical atmosphere of when restaurant-inns lined the path.
• ​Historic Buildings and Temples Along the Path​​: The Former Kajikaso, with its eye-catching stone walls, earthen walls, and large Japanese maple trees, is also designated as a Structure of Landscape Importance as a building that has led the scenic aesthetic of the Takimichi Path. Turning right before Ichi-no-Hashi Bridge leads to Saiko-ji Temple, while crossing the bridge and continuing forward brings you to the Insect Museum and Ryuan-ji Temple, both of which can be visited.
• ​Statue of Noguchi Hideyo​​: Beyond Ryuan-ji Temple, ascending a staircase beside the Takimichi Path for about two minutes leads to a bronze statue of Noguchi Hideyo. It is introduced as having been erected by people associated with a local restaurant who were deeply moved by the sight of Hideyo, who had returned from the United States, tenderly caring for his aging mother, Shika, when visiting a Minoo restaurant with her.

Walking Tips

Take the Hankyu train from Osaka-Umeda Station for about 30 minutes and get off at Minoo Station. Exit the ticket gates and turn left onto the street lined with shops, which serves as the entrance to the Takimichi Path. It takes about 40 minutes on foot from the station to Minoo Falls, and about 15 minutes to the Insect Museum along the way. At storefronts, you can also taste Minoo's specialty, "momiji tempura" (fried maple leaves). During the season of fresh greenery, it is also recommended to cross to the opposite bank from Kaede-bashi Bridge north of Ryuan-ji Temple and walk along the hiking trail enveloped in vibrant green maple leaves. General vehicles, including bicycles, are not permitted inside the park, with the exception of authorized vehicles. Please do not approach monkeys or give them food. For detailed information regarding the history of the park and Minoo Falls, please see the entries for Minoo Park and Minoo Falls.