Minoo Park

**Autumn leaf timing:** Peak foliage mid-November (±1 week) when 90% of maples turn red/orange. The waterfall viewing platform becomes packed (100+ people), arrive before 9:00am or after 15:00. Weekday visits strongly recommended — weekends see 10,000+ visitors creating trail congestion. The return walk is uphill and takes 60–75 minutes; budget 3 hours total for round trip with stops. **Momiji tempura origin:** The tradition started 1,000+ years ago when Minoo temple monks preserved autumn leaves in salt for one year, then deep-fried them. The result is crispy, slightly sweet, with mild maple flavor. Modern vendors sell fresh tempura (5 leaves for ¥700). The taste is novelty — not delicious enough to warrant multiple servings, but worth trying once for cultural experience. **Wild monkeys:** Japanese macaques inhabit the forest and occasionally appear on the trail. Do not feed or approach — they bite if threatened. Keep food in bags, not visible. If monkeys approach, make yourself large and back away slowly. Monkey encounters are exciting but require caution; families with small children should stay alert.