"Monkeys!"
There were several of them sitting on the fence and in the trees just next to the road.
I squeezed the brakes on my rented e-bike and pulled to the side of the road where the monkeys allowed myself, my guide Jonathan, and several other people to take pictures. We weren't even one hour into the half-day cycling tour and already we'd been delivered monkeys, pink yaezakura flowers (a type of cherry blossom), trees swathed in spring's freshest green, expansive city views, and all the refreshing sights and sounds that the quiet mountain roads of Osaka's Minoh City have to offer.
Osaka is known for its castle; the neon lights, shopping and entertainment of the Dotombori and Shinsekai; and for delicious food items like takoyaki (savory octopus dumplings) and okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancakes). It's not all hustle and bustle though. Minoh City, a short train ride to the north of Osaka offers an easy getaway to the mountains, the historic and beautiful Katsuoji Temple, and the scenic Minoh Waterfall. A cycling tour with Minoh Cycle Tours might be the best way to see and experience all of those things.
Minoh Cycle Tours is located a short (~5 minute) walk from Makiochi Station on the Hankyu Line. It provides guests with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide, and comfortable modern e-bikes that make the experience all the more fun.
Your guide will meet you at the Minoh Cycle Tours base, get you set up with a helmet and a bike, and then lead you up into the mountains on the way to Katsuoji Temple (entry included in the cost of the tour), and Minoh Waterfall. There are many places along the way that are worthy of stopping for a look and a picture, and your knowledgeable guide can provide you interesting information of the various sights. Come in the spring for Japan's signature pink sakura flowers, the autumn for fiery foliage, or summer for a cool mountain escape (winter is awesome too). Maybe you'll be lucky enough to see the monkeys too?
