Hoshida Park, home to the enchanting Star Swing, is located in Katano City in northeastern Osaka Prefecture.

To reach the park from Osaka City, take the Keihan Electric Railway to Hirakata Station, transfer to the Katano Line, and alight at Kisaichi Station. From there, it’s about a 30-minute walk. Follow National Route 168 until you come across the Amano River flowing alongside the road. From this point, continue along the scenic nature trail that runs beside the river to reach Hoshida Park.

We visited during the latter part of May when the foliage was a lush green. Walking through this pleasant greenery you will arrive at the entrance gate to Hoshida Park, one of Osaka's popular tourist attractions. Admission is free.

Very near the information board, you can see the Forest Railway-style Footbridge.

This wooden deck bridge spans about 200 meters and stands roughly 10 meters above the ground. The air is filled with the sounds of a babbling brook and birds singing in the woods. As you stroll slowly through this beautiful natural setting, a gentle breeze may occasionally rustle the leaves and carry with it the fresh, earthy scent of the forest.

After passing over the forest railway-like pedestrian bridge, the field of view gradually expanded. Just ahead is the climbing wall, which rises to a height of about 16.5 meters!

Groups of 2 to 6 people can use it if accompanied by one adult at least 20 years of age, who has passed the climbing class held by Hoshida Park (for 4th graders and above) and have been certified. There are also regular seminars for beginners, so please check the website (participation fee is 3,000 yen per person, tax included; reservations accepted from one month in advance on a first-come-first-served basis).

The Piton Lodge, located opposite the Climbing Wall, serves as both a rest area and an information center. Inside, visitors will find vending machines offering drinks and ice cream, along with tables and chairs for relaxation and a washroom. The facility is free to use and open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

After a quick rest here, it’s time to head to the Hoshi-no-Buranko, or Star Swing! As I walked along the wide, gently sloping gravel path, I noticed something in the sky between the trees ahead—it looked like part of the suspension bridge coming into view.

Walking about 10 minutes from the Piton Lodge I came upon a signboard.

Up to this point, the walk has been easy, but now the path changes. Winding through the trees, you'll need to climb the stairs with care. Along the way, a massive boulder towering beside the trail creates an awe-inspiring sight.

There’s only one path, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost. However, I felt a pang of unease when I spotted a "Beware of Pit Vipers" sign and instinctively glanced around. My nerves were momentarily jolted when a lizard suddenly darted past my feet, but I pressed on, continuing along the aptly named Road of Adventure, surrounded by this extraordinary natural setting.

After taking a few breaks along the way, I spent about 30 minutes walking the Road of Adventure before it opened onto a wide, gently sloping trail. From there, the Star Swing was just two or three minutes away.

Suddenly, something came into view—it was the Hoshi-no-Buranko, the Star Swing suspension bridge!

The Star Swing, perched at an elevation of 180 meters, is a wooden-planked pedestrian suspension bridge stretching about 280 meters and soaring roughly 50 meters above the ground. It’s one of the largest suspension bridges with wooden planking in the entire country!

It was finally time to cross. Beneath the planks, there was nothing but a vast canopy of trees far below. A wave of fear swept over me, and I cautiously placed one foot in front of the other, nerves on edge with every step.

I started forward very cautiously. The planks seemed to be thick enough to support my weight without bending, and there was a metal handrail, too. The wind did not cause the bridge to sway, so I felt a little relieved!

Even if you don't like high places, you might be able to cross over while enjoying the surrounding nature as the bridge is very solidly constructed. This area in Hoshida Park is stunning in the autumn when the leaves are all red and yellow.

Hoshida Park offers an even more exhilarating viewpoint beyond the Star Swing. To reach it, you’ll need to continue walking a bit farther after crossing the bridge. Along the way, you’ll pass Yamabiko Plaza, a convenient rest area equipped with restrooms.

Beyond the forested mountain is Kyoto City in the right rear background. From there, continuing to the left, you can see Takatsuki City and Hirakata City in Osaka Prefecture. If you look even further to the left, you will see the Tower of the Sun standing at the Expo'70 Commemoration Park in Suita City.

Hoshida Garden is a place set in the broad expanse of nature where you enjoy the clean, forest air in an area that can be easily accessed from Osaka. This place is wildly popular and heavily visited by many people during the spring and autumn, as well as on weekends and major holidays; the parking lot can accommodate 88 normal-sized vehicles. You can also quickly get there using public transportation.

The area from Katano City, where the Hoshida Garden is located, to the neighboring Hirakata City, is considered the birthplace of the legend of Tanabata in Japan. Katano City is also called the “Star Town” because it is dotted with spots related to Tanabata.

We took this occasion to visit the Hatamono Shrine, the most famous of all these.

After returning from Hoshida Park to Kisaichi Station, take the train to Kawachimori Station, just one stop away. From there, walk about five minutes to JR Kawauchi-Iwafune Station. Then, take the Katamachi Line (Gakken Toshi Line) for one stop to Tsuda Station. From Tsuda Station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to Hatamono Shrine.

During the 3rd to 7th-century Kofun (Tumulus) Period, trade with the continent began. It is believed that a group of visitors skilled in sericulture, weaving, and astronomy traveled from Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an, China) and settled in the area around Hatamono Shrine. This connection is thought to be why Orihime, the Weaver Girl, came to be enshrined here.

In the early Heian period, Emperor Kanmu held a festival in the area to honor the North Star and pray for the nation’s prosperity. This led to Kyoto's nobility visiting the site as a favored hunting ground and hosting poetry gatherings inspired by the Tanabata legend.

Although it is a small shrine, I was amazed by the richness of its history in this area that has been inhabited since the arrival of the first visitors from the continent.

A grand Tanabata Festival is held on July 6th and 7th every year.

In the neighboring Hirakata City, you’ll find the Kengyu-Seki (Cowherd Stone), believed to house the spirit of Hikoboshi (Altair). This area is also known as the "Village of Tanabata," inspired by the Tanabata legend, where Orihime and Hikoboshi are said to reunite once a year across the Amano River.

Make sure to visit Katano City, Osaka, for a superb view of the Star Swing that can be enjoyed by both adults and children, and discover the romantic Tanabata legend.