It was boiling hot day, just like any other day in Japanese summer, when I spontaneously decided it was about the time that I do something more than to move to the floor from the bed and back. That’s when I remembered a reel my friend sent me in hope to give me some motivation (what a great friend, right). The Minoh Falls. It should be in Osaka, but not the city, more like the prefecture. I remembered I’d already googled the way, but it said 2 hours. “2 hours?! How is that in Osaka?!” and I told myself I wouldn’t go. But on this specific day, I’d already had enough of boredom and I set out on the journey of changing metro and train lines by myself. A brave move from someone who has got lost in a small mall.
One thing I learnt from this trip is that Google maps sometimes work better when you use a specific station instead of your current location. Had I done that, I wouldn’t have had to walk extra 25 mins. so, don’t make my mistakes. You’re welcome.
Anyway, somehow, in the end, I arrived at the Minoh Park. Finally some nature! It was a pleasant change from the never-ending building maze. My mood was instantly boosted. Which I was (kinda) about to ruin. As I was walking down the path towards the waterfalls, I was full of energy and curiosity and, all of sudden I see a sign for an observation deck. “Ooh, I love me a good view,” I thought to myself as I changed my direction towards the stair-y mountain trail. There was a warning saying that it didn’t lead towards the falls and you’d have to come back the same way, which I didn’t consider a problem. What a girl will do for a view.
On that path, there was no one. Just naturally looking, but quite steep steps. I had no idea how long it would take me. Honestly, I thought it’d be like a few steps, a view and then come back. But apparently it was long enough for my mind to start coming up with “what could go wrong” scenarios. The truth is that no one knew where I was. I didn’t have a proper SIM card, only for data. And as there was no one there for most of my climb, what would happen if 1/ I got lost; 2/ I got injured; 3/ I died; 4/ I got attacked; … then, at last, I saw someone. 2 park employees cleaning the trail all the way from the top of the mountain. Which meant that now I had to try to breathe like a human being that’s not fighting for their life with every step up. And let’s not even mention the sweating. But the view, when I finally got to it, was really nice. Not breathtaking, but beautifully calming.
Then I continued to the waterfall. On this trail, there were definitely many more people. I haven’t seen many waterfalls in my life, so I can’t really compare it, but what was most important to me at that moment was just how refreshing it was. In the midst of summer, the water splashing all around was a nice little bonus. So I just sat there, enjoying my little life and working up courage to ask someone to take a picture of me. One of the problems is that I never know what language to use. Do I ask in Japanese? But what it they’re a Korean tourist and they don’t speak Japanese? Do I ask in English? What if they don’t speak English though? Do I ask in a bad English saying “photo, please” and point to my phone? But what if they speak perfect English and it’ll just make me look like I don’t speak it? After a good half an hour, I finally did it (I think in Japanese – I tend to erase these traumatising memories). Problems of solo travellers.
On the way back, I decided to stop by a temple in the park area. Another temple that’s not overly popular (like Daisho-in) but has incredibly peaceful atmosphere. I also burnt my first incense and got very good luck in omikuji fortune! They even provided translations for the omikuji, which was surprising, as other more touristy areas don’t always do that, but I appreciated the consideration. Overall, I think this was one of the best places in the area, though I do imagine it nicer to visit in spring for hanami or fall for momiji. They even sell momiji tempura – deep fried maple leaves. Very much worth skipping my pole dance studio rental session. 0:)
