Katsuoji Temple Trail (Mino)

The Katsuoji Temple Trail begins at Minoo Station in Mino City, Osaka Prefecture, reached via the Hankyu Minoo Line from Umeda, with no parking or permit needed since the route starts directly from the station. The hike covers roughly 7 km round trip with about 300 m of elevation gain, a moderate outing that takes most hikers 3-4 hours including time at the temple. The path begins on the same paved route as the Minoo Waterfall trail before branching onto a narrower dirt and stone forest trail that climbs steadily through dense cedar plantation, with several stream crossings on small wooden and stone bridges. Shade is near-continuous under the forest canopy, and the terrain, while unpaved, involves no scrambling or exposure, just sustained uphill walking. The waterfall itself serves as a natural landmark and rest point partway along the route, and hikers can turn back there for a shorter outing if desired. The trail continues climbing to Katsuoji Temple (Katsuoji-dera) at roughly 400 m elevation, a mountain temple known for thousands of daruma dolls left by visitors making wishes, with the surrounding forest particularly striking in autumn. There are no mountain huts along the way, but the temple grounds have toilets and rest facilities, and the temple itself is a natural refuge point in case of sudden rain. Water is not available along the forest section, so hikers should carry enough for the climb. The trail can be combined with the Minoo Waterfall walk for a fuller day in the Mino forest area.