The gently uphill riverside path is approximately 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles) each way and takes about 50 minutes, leading you to the impressive 33-meter Minoh Waterfall—a natural highlight in every season. Although there are no stairs, the route includes a gradual incline and is not wheelchair accessible. After a short break for photos, you will walk back to Minoh Station along the same path, enjoying the scenery from a different perspective.

This temple is called Ryuan-ji. It was founded around the mid-7th century, so it’s more than 1,300 years old. This area used to be a training place for Shugendo, a Japanese mountain religion that mixes Buddhism and Shinto. Monks would walk deep into the mountains, practicing meditation and physical endurance to become spiritually stronger. The main deity here is Benzaiten, the goddess of music, art, knowledge, and good fortune. Because of this, many people come here to pray for wealth and success, and even for lottery luck. In fact, this temple is sometimes called the birthplace of Japan’s lottery.

Katsuo-ji is famous for its countless red Daruma dolls, symbols of perseverance and good fortune. Spend around 40 minutes exploring the spacious grounds, admiring the peaceful gardens, ornate gates, and hillside views.