On the southwestern side of Osaka prefecture, lying along the foot of the Kongozan to Mt. Katsuragi is the area known as Minami-kawachi. The area is right along the border of Osaka and Nara, and includes cities such as Kawachinagano and Chihayaakasaka Village. It is a popular spot not only for those who enjoy camping, trekking and hiking, but also to those who like to visit historical spots, for the area has nearly 300 kofun (tumulus) as well as many temples and shrines. After you are exhausted from visiting many natural and historical spots, relax yourself in the hot spring.
Osaka's roof – the Kongo - Katsuragi mountain range
Heading south along the chain of mountains from Mt. Ikoma, the Kongo - Katsuragi mountain range is the higher mountains among the chain. The highest peak in Osaka is the top of "Kongozan" which is 1,125 meters high. Enjoy the fresh green leaves in spring till the beautiful silver frost in winter on foot or on the ropeway. In early May we recommend you visit "Mt. Katsuragi" when the red azaleas are at their full bloom. It is said that you can see one million azaleas in just one look and the red flowers can be seen from the peak of Kongozan as well.
Delightful nature at Takihata
"Kotakiji Camp Site" is located on the lakeside of the Takihata Dam. Most of it is untouched land and has many hiking courses. Children are definitely going to have fun with the 160 meter slide or athletic playground at the "Takihata Lake Park". Upstream is a "fishing ground" which is stocked with red spotted masu trouts and trouts. The "Takihata 48 Falls" has been chosen as one of the Best 100 Greenery in Osaka for its variety of scenery.
Relaxing spas
Minami-kawachi is a popular area for hot spring lovers for its variety to choose from. Located in the "World Ranch" is the "Ichi-no-yu Spa" which is a natural hot spring. "Amami-onsen" has been famous ever since the beginning of the 1330's. After you've gone hiking, you can relax your sore muscles at "Taishi-onsen". Why not give yourself a holiday by taking a dip in one of the hot springs in Osaka?
Chikatsuasuka – an ancient homeland
The Nara side of Asuka area is referred to as "Toutsuasuka (Far Asuka)" whereas the Osaka side which is Habikino city and Taishi-cho is referred to as "Chikatsuasuka (Near Asuka)". "Chikatsuasuka Fudoki-no-oka Historical Park" has more than 300 tumuli that you can visit and an observation deck too. At the "Osaka Prefectural Chikatsuasuka Museum", designed by Andou Tadao, you can study about kofun (tumulus) from books, motion pictures and other materials.
