Hiking from Satsukiyama to Mino

What?
One of the few mountainous stretches just next to Osaka City (大阪市) is the one between Ikeda city (池田市) and Mino city (箕面市). “Mountainous” might be a strong word, as the highest point is only 315 meters. Nevertheless it is a popular relaxation spot for the inhabitants of Japan’s 3rd biggest city. Mino on the other hand is more famous, especially for its waterfall that attracts flocks of local tourists.
Where?
Ikeda and Mino are neighbouring cities in Osaka Prefecture (大阪府), a little north of Osaka City. There are different starting points of the course, but we got off the train at Hankyu Ikeda Station (阪急池田駅) to get back on the train at the Hankyu Mino Station (阪急箕面駅).
URL
Japan Guide Outline Ikeda Tourism Yamareco

I used to live in Matsumoto where hiking trails were rampant all around you. From time to time I loved going out for a day to random areas with beautiful trails and views. Living in the urban area of Kansai such trips have become a lot more scarce. So when I got invited to take a one day hiking trip from Satsukiyama to Mino I did not have to think twice.

All in all there’s nothing special to this trip. The first few kilometers in Satsukiyama Park are cozy and have an interesting tower and some nice views along the way. The middle part though is mainly on a paved road next to golf terrain. The other side of the road though is mainly used for dumping garbage. That’s a pity of course, but the dozens of useless car wrecks also have a kind of “movie-feel”.

The first few 100 meters.

Between Satsukiyama and Minoh cars find a resting place.

When leaving the paved road to descent to the Mino Waterfall the trail becomes a lot more interesting again. Finding your way through a dense forest, you finally arrive at a river bank with clear water. Following this river you slowly get closer the living world again until you merge with the masses on Mino’s road from the station to the waterfall.

While nothing special, this hiking trail is easy to do in any season and can be a breath of fresh air for all who live near Osaka.