Osaka: Local E-Bike Tour to Katsuo-ji & Minoh Falls

Discover a quieter and more local side of Osaka by e-bike with a guide who was born and raised in Minoh.

Just north of central Osaka, Minoh is known for its mountains, temples, forest scenery, local neighborhoods, and relaxed atmosphere. This tour combines two of the area’s most famous destinations — Katsuo-ji Temple and Minoh Falls — with the experience of riding through the town between them.

We start near Minoh-Kayano Station, easily accessible directly from central Osaka via the Midosuji Line.

You’ll ride high-quality e-bikes, including Specialized Turbo Vado SL models. They are light, comfortable, and natural to ride, while the electric assistance makes the hills around Minoh much easier.

Along the way:

Ride through quiet residential streets and green roads away from central Osaka Visit Katsuo-ji Temple, famous for thousands of red Daruma dolls Learn about Daruma, Japanese Buddhism, local beliefs, and the history of the temple Avoid relying on the often-crowded bus to Katsuo-ji and enjoy the journey by e-bike Explore the forested area around Minoh Falls Leave the bikes and walk part of the final approach to the waterfall Hear local stories from a guide who has lived in Minoh for decades

Katsuo-ji is much more than a photo spot. The temple is especially known for its connection with “winning” and overcoming personal challenges. Thousands of Daruma placed around the grounds create one of the most distinctive temple landscapes in Japan.

During the visit, I’ll explain the meaning behind the Daruma and introduce some Buddhist and Japanese traditions that can be difficult to understand when visiting alone.

Minoh Falls offers a completely different atmosphere. Surrounded by forest, the 33-meter waterfall is one of Osaka’s best-known natural attractions and shows another side of the region that many visitors never expect to find so close to the city.

Depending on the pace of the tour and your interests, we can also stop at one of my favorite local food spots.

Possible options include:

・A Top 100 burger restaurant in Japan ・A traditional Japanese-style café in a renovated old house, popular for set meals with many small dishes ・A family-run restaurant with around 40 years of history, serving katsudon, udon, and other Japanese comfort food ・Rikuro’s, a famous Osaka fluffy cheesecake shop — enjoy it in a quieter setting away from the long city-center lines ・A local craft brewery that has won numerous World Beer Cup awards

Food stops are flexible depending on timing, opening hours, and your dietary preferences.

This tour is not only about visiting famous sights. The ride itself is part of the experience — local streets, small neighborhoods, mountains, food, and everyday life in the town where I grew up.

You should be comfortable riding a bicycle on public roads. The e-bike assistance makes the climbs much easier, so you can focus on the scenery, culture, and experience of exploring Minoh.

Not suitable for

• Children under 15 years
• People over 220 lbs (100 kg)
• People over 70 years
• People under 5 ft 1 in (155 cm)
• People who can't ride a bike
• People with back problems

What to bring

• Comfortable clothes
• Comfortable shoes
• Travel insurance
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Know before you go

• ・Food stops depend on opening hours and tour timing
• ・Participants should be comfortable riding a bicycle on public roads
• ・Personal travel insurance covering injuries during cycling activities is recommended
• ・Please let us know in advance about any food allergies or dietary restrictions
• ・Please provide your height in advance so we can prepare a suitable bike
• ・The route includes some uphill sections, but e-bike assistance makes the climbs much easier
• ・The tour may be adjusted depending on weather, road conditions, or guest pace