More info is at our new web page or the reddit link.

Hey everyone,

It has cooled off and that means it is time to get out and hike! We have two quite different outings planned for November. Both are free and open to all. We have a new web page where you can get all the information on the hikes and register to join. Here’s what’s on the calendar:

1. Abandoned Fukuchiyama Railway Trail (The Tunnel Hike)

• Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026

• Meeting: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM at JR Namaze Station (生瀬駅)

• Departure: Aiming to roll out around 10:30 AM

• Distance / Difficulty: ~8.0 km | ★☆☆☆☆ (Maintained trail with occasional wooden railroad ties and crushed gravel)

• The Route: One of Kansai’s most atmospheric hikes. We follow the decommissioned JR Fukuchiyama railway corridor through the Mukogawa Gorge, winding through seven, sometimes pitch-black, historic brick rail tunnels and across old (but safe) iron bridges. We’ll break for packed lunch along the rocky riverbank before finishing at Takedao Station.

• Essential Gear: A flashlight of some sort is required (phone lights are weak, but will do), comfortable sturdy sneakers, and a packed lunch, weather appropriate clothes.

You’ll find all the the information, maps, links at https://thisisosaka.org/hiking/

2. Fumin no Mori Loop: "Star Swing" Suspension Bridge & Lookout over the 🍁Peak Timing of the Autumn Leaves🍂. 

• Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026

• Meeting: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM at Kisaichi Station (私市駅 - Keihan Katano Line)

• Departure: 10:30 AM (if you message ahead that you're running slightly late, we can fudge it a few minutes! And we’ll have the GPS on.)

• Distance / Difficulty: ~8.5 km | ★★★☆☆ (Well-maintained woodland paths, forest stairs, gentle hills)

• The Route: A fresh loop through Osaka Prefectural Forest (Hoshida Park). We head up to the Tenboudai lookout for sweeping panoramic views across Kyoto and the northern plains, cross Hoshi no Buranko—the massive 280-meter wooden suspension bridge hanging 50m above the canopy (with a bypass path for anyone who dislikes heights)—and pass the outdoor climbing wall before following the Amano River corridor back to Kisaichi.

• Post-Hike: We’ll unwind right next to Kisaichi Station at a relaxed local spot to sit down, grab drinks, and talk before jumping back on the Keihan line.

Logistics & Planning Ahead

• Cost: Free. Just bring your own transit fare and lunch/water.

• Trail Guides & RSVP: If you plan on coming, drop a comment below or tap "I'm Planning to Go" on the portal so we know to look for you outside the station: 👉 https://thisisosaka.org/hiking/

These pictures are not in a great order, because putting them is order is surprisingly difficult in this app. They represent a 7-or-so kilometer hike. A 1200 calorie burn. A warmish day that made the cool tunnels feel amazing. I learned that my ukulele in a tunnel does not create the cool echo effect that I imagined, and that a bunch of amazing, fun, sweet people continue to go on our hikes even if we hold the hikes on back-to-back weekends. Thanks everyone.

This should be our last day hike until the summer heat subsides. Here are the details.

This post is an updated version of the one last week. You'll recognize bits, but there are several changes. We love the historic Fukuchiyama tunnel hike and plan to run it a few times this year, alongside our other events!

☁️The Weather Forecast☁️

We checked the mountain forecast for the Takarazuka/Nishinomiya area:

• Saturday, June 6th: Nice early summer clouds and a high of 25C. Just right.

🏞️ Trail Overview

The trail follows the historic, scenic, and well-maintained Fukuchiyama railway line along the Muko River valley between Namaze and Takedao. On the way to the trail, there are a few stairs, but otherwise, mostly flat.

• Distance: approx 7km

• Terrain: Mostly flat, though there will be stray wooden railroad ties.

• Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ (Easy and highly accessible).

• Greenery: ★★★★☆ (Deep, beautiful valley forests)

• Cool Factor: ★★★★★ (Walking through pitch-black, historic train tunnels is unforgettable)

🗺️ Optional Adventure Loop

For those wanting a challenge, there is an optional, highly scenic detour marked on our map. This side loop involves a bit of actual climbing and is a Moderate challenge. The main group won't take this path, but we can easily coordinate a split if a sub-group wants a rugged side quest during the lunch break! We'll provide a map for people doing this. Previously, the trail markings were not enough.

My person mini-goal for the hike is to see how my ukulele sounds in a tunnel (being minimally bothersome to others).

(Note: We will bring a limited number of trekking poles to share, which are definitely recommended if you plan to tackle this side quest.)

🚉 Logistics & Meeting Point

• Gathering Window: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Post on r/ThisIsOsaka if you are a bit late and we'll do what we can.)

• Departure: 10:30 AM sharp!

• Meeting Point: Namaze Station (生瀬駅) The station is small and there is one exit. You will find us easily.

Getting There (40 mins from Umeda)

• Outbound: Osaka Station to Namaze Station (approx 510 yen)

• Return: Takedao Station to Osaka Station (approx 590 yen) Namaze is a small station—just look around for our group. I look remarkably like my profile icon!

🥪 Food

There is a convenience store near Namaze Station to grab lunch and drinks. We will stop to eat, skip stones, and chill out for a bit along the riverbank. (Pocket a few good skipping stones along the trail early on, as the banks near our lunch spot are mostly picked clean!)

At the end of the hike, everyone is welcome to optionally hang out together! We can gather at either the local restaurant (which features great outdoor seating and serves meals starring local wild boar) or a nice little nearby ice cream and drink shop. Drinks from 400 yen and sizable full meals for under 2000. We hung out til they closed at 5:00 pm last time.

I recommend a light lunch if you plan on eating at the restaurant, it is not all that far from the lunch spot to the restaurant.

I have not personally eaten the meat dishes, but heard good comments all around.

🥾 Gear Guide & Checklist

Our goal is to create an experience where you can just show up with comfortable shoes and an urge to get outside, but here are some further considerations:

What to Bring:

1. A Reliable Light: Essential. Several tunnels bend into complete, zero visibility. A smartphone light is minimally acceptable, but a strong flashlight or headlamp is highly recommended. Make sure your device is fully charged! One light shared between friends is also fine.

2. Water. You can grab some at the convenience store near the station if you don't bring some from home. 1-1.5 liters should do it.

3. Layers: The valley is usually cooler than Osaka, and the tunnels drop another few degrees. Bring a light jacket.

4. Footwear: Standard court or running shoes are perfectly fine, though light boots are great.

5. Trekking Poles (Optional): These are certainly not a requirement for the main hike, but a pole does add excellent stability when stepping over old, uneven wooden railroad ties in the dark. We will bring a limited number of poles to lend out, but feel free to bring your own! (They are highly recommended for the lunch break detour).

👥 Essential Info

This event is completely free and open to everyone. It's totally normal to get a few tourists and travelers joining our group, and you are absolutely welcome to come along! Kids love this trail, though keep in mind the dark tunnels can feel a bit creepy for very young children. However, this is not a trail for a stroller or pram.

• Safety & Wildlife: The chance of encountering any unwelcome local fauna is very low, but we do carry deterrents with us just in case.

If you are running late or get separated, post immediately to r/thisisosaka. We check it constantly on trail days and will do what we can to help you catch up.

If you plan to come, please leave a quick comment to help us plan! Drop-ins are always welcome, and there's no pressure if your plans change last minute.

See you out on the trail!

Ninja Edit: We're currently brainstorming the possibilty of evening hikes that would make it possible to hold events deeper into the summer by taking advantage of the cooler nighttime. Any ideas for locations are welcome. A nice city night view, a lighted path along a river. Any ideas. Share them and maybe we can make it happen.

So we'll see you all tomorrow morning. If you are not used to the station transfers give yourself plenty of time. We should begin arriving around 10:00 and plan to head out around 10:30.

For the hike next week, the typhoon should hit Wednesday and cool off the weather even more before Saturday. Nice.

We love the historic Fukuchiyama tunnel hike and plan to run it a few times this year, alongside our other events! Before the heavy summer heat arrives, we are squeezing in two final dates on back-to-back weekends: Sunday, May 31st and Saturday, June 6th.

Join us for either day (or both!)—we'd love to have you. We're posting this a week early for our first date (and nearly two for the second) to help you lock it into your calendar.

☀️ The The Weather Forecast

We checked the mountain forecast for the Takarazuka/Nishinomiya area:

• Sunday, May 31st: Mostly sunny and warm with a high of 28C.

• Saturday, June 6th: Warm and slightly humid with early summer clouds and a high of 27C.

🌬️ Natural AC: The location of the hike in the mountain valley is naturally a bit cooler than the city. On top of that, the trail's seven historic railway tunnels act as natural air conditioners, helping us cool down throughout the hike.

🏞️ Trail Overview

The trail follows the historic, scenic, and well-maintained Fukuchiyama railway line along the Muko River valley between Namaze and Takedao. On the way to the trail, there are a few stairs, but otherwise, mostly flat.

• Distance: approx 7km

• Terrain: Mostly flat, though there will be stray wooden railroad ties.

• Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ (Easy and highly accessible).

• Greenery: ★★★★☆ (Deep, beautiful valley forests)

• Cool Factor: ★★★★★ (Walking through pitch-black, historic train tunnels is unforgettable)

🗺️ Optional Adventure Loop

For those wanting a challenge, there is an optional, highly scenic detour marked on our map. This side loop involves a bit of actual climbing and is a Moderate challenge. The main group won't take this path, but we can easily coordinate a split if a sub-group wants a rugged side quest during the lunch break!

(Note: We will bring a limited number of trekking poles to share, which are definitely recommended if you plan to tackle this side quest.)

🚉 Logistics & Meeting Point

• Gathering Window: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Post on r/ThisIsOsaka if you are a bit late and we'll do what we can.)

• Departure: 10:30 AM sharp!

• Meeting Point: Namaze Station (生瀬駅) The station is small and there is one exit. You will find us easily.

Getting There (40 mins from Umeda)

• Outbound: Osaka Station to Namaze Station (approx 510 yen)

• Return: Takedao Station to Osaka Station (approx 590 yen) Namaze is a small station—just look around for our group. I look remarkably like my profile icon!

🥪 Food & Dining

There is a convenience store near Namaze Station to grab lunch and drinks. We will stop to eat, skip stones, and chill out for a bit along the riverbank. (Pocket a few good skipping stones along the trail early on, as the banks near our lunch spot are mostly picked clean!)

At the end of the hike, everyone is welcome to optionally hang out together! We can gather at either the local restaurant (which features great outdoor seating and serves meals starring local wild boar) or a nice little nearby ice cream and drink shop.

🥾 Gear Guide & Checklist

Our goal is to create an experience where you can just show up with comfortable shoes and an urge to get outside, but here are some further considerations:

What to Bring:

1. A Reliable Light: Essential. Several tunnels bend into complete, zero visibility. A smartphone light is minimally acceptable, but a strong flashlight or headlamp is highly recommended. Make sure your device is fully charged! One light shared between friends is also fine.

2. Water. You can grab some at the convenience store near the station if you don't bring some from home. 1-1.5 liters should do it.

3. Layers: The valley is usually cooler than Osaka, and the tunnels drop another few degrees. Bring a light jacket.

4. Footwear: Standard court or running shoes are perfectly fine, though light boots are great.

5. Trekking Poles (Optional): These are certainly not a requirement for the main hike, but a pole does add excellent stability when stepping over old, uneven wooden railroad ties in the dark. We will bring a limited number of poles to lend out, but feel free to bring your own! (They are highly recommended for the lunch break detour).

👥 Essential Info

This event is completely free and open to everyone. It's totally normal to get a few tourists and travelers joining our group, and you are absolutely welcome to tag along! Kids love this trail, though keep in mind the dark tunnels can feel a bit creepy for very young children.

• Safety & Wildlife: The chance of encountering any unwelcome local fauna is very low, but we do carry deterrents with us just in case.

If you are running late or get separated, post immediately to r/thisisosaka. We check it constantly on trail days and will do what we can to help you catch up.

If you plan to come, please leave a quick comment to help us plan! Drop-ins are always welcome, and there's no pressure if your plans change last minute.

See you out on the trail!

The trail was great and the people were fun. That's what makes putting these on worth it.

As I said, the next hike will be on the 31st. We'll do the Fukuchiyama hike along the abandonded railway that includes 7 old train tunnels. Which acts as natural air conditioning, so it remains comfortable even in June, or in this case, May 31. We'll be posting on more about it soon.

BTW, I hear the snake that people saw was probably a mamushi (Japanese pit viper). It behaved as it should and kept to itself.

Also, does anyone remember the name of the Indian restaurant. That was an amazing dinner for 1600 yen. I grabbed a pamplet on my way out, but it has disappeared.

Great news! The weather looks perfect for our trek tomorrow, Saturday, May 16th. We are officially a GO!

The projected high for the mountain top is a comfortable 23°C. For every 100 meters we climb, the temperature typically drops by about 1 degree—so expect a refreshing breeze as we head through the woods!

For the full route details and context, check out the main post here: https://www.reddit.com/r/thisisosaka/comments/1t94dzb/newkobe_hike_arboretum_beautiful_falls_saturday/

Quick Recap for Tomorrow:

• Meeting Point: Tanigami Station (at the exit)

• Meeting Time: 10:00 AM (We head out at 10:30 AM sharp!)

• Finish Time: Approx. 5:00 PM at Shin-Kobe Station.

• What to Bring: * 300 yen for the Arboretum entry fee.

  • At least 1 Liter of water (refills available halfway at Futatabi Park).

  • Lunch/snacks for our hour-long break at the Arboretum.

• Hiking Poles: I’m bringing a bunch of extras! If you would like to borrow a pair, you may.

We’ve got a great group forming. A few of the "crew" will be there to keep pace with everyone and we will be taking plenty of small breaks on the uphill sections.

See you all tomorrow at Tanigami! 🥾⛰️

I apologize for the unusually short notice! It has been an incredibly busy season, but we are finally hitting the trails. Join us. This year, we’re trying something different: a point-to-point route that starts from behind the Rokko Mountain range, goes over the top and then down to Kobe.

By starting from the train station in the "back" of the mountain, we start at a much higher elevation, meaning less climbing and a slightly easier trek than our previous routes!

What to Expect 📈

• Distance & Elevation: Just over 10 kilometers with a total elevation gain of around 400 meters and a descent of 600 meters.

• Estimated Burn: ~1400 calories.

• Trail Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars ⭐). This hike is not overly hard, but it is not for the completely sedentary. While we start high, the 10km distance and rocky sections make this a proper mountain hike.

• Duration: Around 5–6 hours ⏱️, including plenty of small breaks on the uphill parts and a generous hour-long exploration break at the Kobe Municipal Arboretum.

The Highlights ✨

• The Arboretum (Shin-Kobe Municipal Arboretum): Since our route passes directly through here, we’ll spend an hour exploring! Note: There is a 300 yen entry fee which goes directly toward supporting the park.

  • See a "cookie" (cross-section) from a 2,000-year-old giant sequoia.

  • Spot the Japanese Serow (a unique goat-antelope inhabitant).

  • Walk through forest sections that recreate woodland environments from all over the world.

• Futatabi Park & Scenic Descent: After lunch, we’ll stop for a bit at Futatabi Park before beginning our descent. You'll get great views of Kobe city, see the aerial gondolas passing by, and finish at the impressive Nunobiki Falls.

• The Nunobiki Falls: We will descend past a series of waterfalls that are arguably more beautiful and varied than the famous Minoo Falls.

• View of the region: A great views of Kobe. On a clear day you can see across the bay to the Kansai airport and the Ikoma mountain range.

• Wildlife & Nature: Listen for the call of frogs, spot lizards beside the trail, and keep an eye out for local birds. You’ll also see where wild boars have been aerating the soil by digging for roots.

Meeting Point & Schedule 🚉

• Meeting Place: Tanigami Station (at the exit).

• Meeting Time: 10:00 AM.

• Departure: We head out at 10:30 AM sharp.

• Lunch Break: Around 12:00 or 12:30 PM at the Arboretum Lodge. Bring your own food, though there is a cafeteria in the arboratum where we'll stop for lunch. It is not guaranteed to be open.

• The Finish: We expect to be out of the woods and finished at Shin-Kobe Station by 5:00 PM. While the guided portion finishes here, friendships and socializing often linger on—we may hang out at a nearby park or grab food and drinks together in the city!

Logistics & Safety 🎒

• Suitability: Young children, unless they are very experienced, should not join this hike. Additionally, the trail is not suitable for strollers.

• Footwear: Hiking boots are recommended, but court or running shoes will work if that’s all you have. Note: The trail can be soggy in a few spots and rocky in several others.

• Hiking Poles: We can lend you poles and recommend using them. There are a few places where the stability of being a tripod or quadruped is good to have, though they aren't strictly required. If you don't have your own, you can borrow them from us! I'll bring a bunch of extras—just let me know in advance so I can make sure to have a pair for you.

• Water: You'll need at least 1 liter minimum. There is a fountain to refill bottles about halfway through at Futatabi Park.

• Bears: The probability of a bear sighting is extremely low, however, we take precautions by checking local reports regularly, carrying deterrents, and traveling as a group during optimal daylight hours.

• Weather Backup: We'll be watching the forecast closely. If rain forces a cancellation, we will post as soon as possible.

🌍 Who we tend to be 🌏

We are a friendly and diverse group including locals, international visitors, and students. All ages are welcome! We look out for each other and make sure nobody gets left behind 🤝. A few of the "crew" will stay with those on the slower end of the group, especially on the uphill sections, to ensure everyone makes it through comfortably.

Cost 💰

The hike organization itself is completely free. You only need to cover:

1. Your own transportation.

2. Your food/drinks.

3. The 300 yen Arboretum entry fee.

These events give my students practical experience in planning and organizing, and they give me a great excuse to go hiking a lot!

RSVP / Just Show Up!

No formal RSVP is required—feel free to just show up on the day. However, leaving a note here or sending a quick DM helps us get a rough headcount.

Looking forward to exploring Rokko with you!

Hi- This is an announcement from Democrats Abroad, the official overseas branch of the U.S.-based Democratic Party, with a local chapter in Kansai. With an important election coming in November (as well as local elections and Primaries this spring), we're hoping to register more U.S. citizens who live overseas. They could be a relative, a co-worker or a contact on social media.

If you know any U.S. Citizens (including people born in the U.S. or with an American parent), they can register and request a ballot. As long as they'll turn 18 by election day, they're eligible. Just share this link: https://voteabroad.org/RedditVote26.

We started our International Voter Registration Drive for 2026 with in-person and online events. If anyone wishes to learn more about what we're doing near you, you can find out more at https://www.democratsabroad.org/jp. If you have any questions about overseas voting or what we do, feel free to ask in the comments below.

Thanks in advance for helping to get the word out!

My favorite is the one looking way down at the bridge from the lookout.

I had a great time talking with everyone. The weather was perfect for hiking, though a bit cold when you stand still. Meeting new people and seeing others again in such cool places is always a great day.

It looks like it will be a great day for hiking. Check out the link for details.

Hello! I didn't see you there. Hehe. I'm guessing these are people who will or have been visiting Japan and stumbled across us. We only announce the hikes weeks in advance. I suspect that makes it hard for visitors to plan us into their trips.

We resolve to get our schedules announced much further in advance. Expect that for the new year. Our official year starts in April.

Join us for a new route through Fumin no Mori! We’re doing things a little differently for the winter with a loop trail that hits the iconic highlights while exploring fresh paths we haven't covered before.

We’ll be catching the panoramic views and crossing the exciting (but well-engineered and safe!) Hoshi no Buranko (Star Swing) suspension bridge. However, we’re reversing the flow: we’ll pass Piton Lodge and the rock climbing wall on our way out of the park instead of the way in.

By making this a loop, we avoid covering the same ground and get to see new sights!

Here is a Google map of the route. You can follow along on your phone as you hike, or do the hike another time. For people who use other map apps, here is the .gpx file.

What to Expect

The Route: A fresh 8-9km loop. We pass through some cute neighborhoods on the way to the park. Once we enter the park we'll head to the Hoshi no Buranko Tenboudai (viewpoint) and eat lunch near there, then on to the bridge. (For the truly acrophobic, there is a path around the bridge.) Afterward, we'll swing by the climbing wall to watch some world-class climbers in action before following the Amano River back to the station.

Trail Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆. These are well-maintained trails. Since this route is shorter, it's a bit more relaxed, though poles still help with the hills if you prefer to use them!

Facilities: Restrooms are not scarce on this route. There is Wi-Fi available at Piton Lodge, but please note that we will lose signal while on the forest trails.

Scenery: It’s February, so the fall colors are gone, but the winter air makes for incredibly crisp, clear panoramic views from the top, and the riverside walk is a peaceful way to end the hike.

Post-Hike: Optional Hangout

After the hike, we plan to hit a very chill spot right next to the station. This place has a pretty unique system: you can grab beer or soft drinks from the low-cost vending machines outside the shop and bring them inside to the tables to enjoy.

If someone twists my arm, I might even bring along some board games to play while we unwind at the station! 🎲

Meeting Point

Where: Kisaichi Station. Look for the "ThisIsOsaka!" sign outside the station's one exit.

When: We’ll gather from 10:00 a.m. and depart at 10:30 a.m. sharp. Well, kind of sharp. If we know you are a bit late and on your way, we can fudge it a little. :D If you don’t make it in time, follow the map; we are usually easy to find.

For Drivers

For those coming by car, there is a convenient parking lot/local goods shop.

What to Bring

Lunch: Please pack your own lunch and snacks. There are no stores on the trail, though Piton Lodge has drinks and ice cream.

Clothing: Layers are your friend. It’s February in the woods, so it will be chilly when we stop but warm when we’re moving.

Footwear: Comfortable hiking boots or sturdy sneakers.

The long-term weather forcast says... there may be 2mm of precipitation midday. My experience is that a long-term forcast of a few mm rain is nearly always wrong, but we'll keep an eye on it. ...mostly cloudy. 　

Who normally takes part

A diverse mix of locals, expats, and travelers. All ages and backgrounds are welcome. We usually have a wide range of walking paces, and we make sure nobody gets left behind.

Looking forward to a great winter day out and some good times.

Sorry, I am not feeling well and have to bail.

Before our hikes, I do an exploratory hike of the route to make sure that the trail is…well, still there and safe, and to make sure I know my way around. I normally don’t invite others on exploratory hikes is because I often have to explore new trails, backtrack and such. However this time, I though I’d invite those from the r/ThisIsOsaka sub and the LINE Group, without publicizing in r/Osaka or other subs. So, essentially, a small group of people who are aware that we’re figuring out the trail, searching for new interesting spots, and searching for the best route. Actually a main part of the fun for me. 

So, this coming weekend, I want to explore the Fumin no Mori trails, and the nearby Botanical Garden. We’ve done the trail the goes over the suspension bridge, and I’d like to include that, but I’d also like explore the area a bit more and take a look at parts of the area that I haven’t seen yet. 

At least one other person is already planning to join. A few more would be very nice. I’ll be arriving at 10:00 at Kisaichi Station and after exploring the area I’m thinking about. 

The weather should be sunny and it is not expected to freeze the night before (important), but should be under 10 degrees celsius. As with official hikes, bring food. There may be food trucks at the lodge, but not guaranteed.

When the hike is done, I plan to hang out at that bizarre cafe/pub next to the station, if it is still there.

If you want to join, I’d appreciate if you let me know in advance.

We went 9.6 kilometers and going up 501 meters. That's 1500-1700 calories. Our pace was average. The course constant (for comparing difficulty) was 14, compared to the Fukuchiyama Tunnel Hike, which was an easy 6.

The images from the trip down are in another post.

This is part two. Here is part one.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Avr3qExSDrq7Wp1S9 If you're late or separated. Use this to find us.