Meiji no Mori Minō Quasi-National Park
Small park commemorating Emperor Meiji's accession centennial.
Meiji no Mori Minō Quasi-National Park lies in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, and was created on 11 December 1967 to mark the centennial of Emperor Meiji’s accession. Covering only 9.6 km², it ranks among the smallest of Japan’s national parks.
Situated on Mount Minō, the park spans 963 hectares of low mountain slope and forest, with elevations ranging from 100 to 600 meters. Its chief draw is Minō Falls, named for its resemblance to a farmer winnowing grain with a basket—a *mi* in Japanese. Geologically, the area is dominated by Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, with occasional granite and diorite outcrops. Inside the park lies the tomb of Kaijyo, the founding monk of Katsuō-ji Temple, built in 765.
Despite being near the Osaka metropolitan area, the park hosts 1,300 plant species and 3,500 insect species. It is also known as a haven for birds, animals, fish, and small creatures, including a legally protected monkey population. The Tōkai Nature Trail, which begins at Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park, ends here.
Access is via Hankyu Minoo Line’s Minoo Station, located to the south of the park.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Osaka, Japan
- Area
- 9.63 km2
- Established
- December 11, 1967
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The park is located on Mt Minō in Ōsaka Prefecture, encompassing 963 ha of lower mountain slope and forest at altitudes of 100 m to 600 m. Its main attraction is Minō Falls, a waterfall named because it is said to look like a farmer winnowing grain with a winnowing basket, called a mi in Japanese. Geologically, sedimentary rocks from the Mesozoic Era dominate, with occasional outcroppings of granite and diorite. The tomb of Kaijyo, the founding monk of Katsuō-ji Temple built in 765, is located inside the park.
Reader's Guide
Despite its small size and proximity to the Metropolitan Osaka Area, the park hosts 1,300 plant species and 3,500 insect species. It is known as a paradise for birds, animals, fish, little creatures, and monkeys, which are protected by law. The Tōkai Nature Trail, which starts at Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park, ends here. The park's establishment in 1967 directly ties it to the legacy of Emperor Meiji, whose accession centennial it commemorates. Its significance lies in preserving a biodiverse forest habitat near a major urban center, offering accessible nature experiences. The park is accessible north of Hankyu Minoo Line's Minoo Station.
Did You Know?
- The park was established on 11 December 1967 to commemorate the centennial of Emperor Meiji's accession.
- Minō Falls is named because it resembles a farmer winnowing grain with a winnowing basket (mi).
- The tomb of Kaijyo, founding monk of Katsuō-ji Temple (built 765), is inside the park.
- The Tōkai Nature Trail ends at this park, starting from Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park.
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