Best Places to See Autumn Foliage in Osaka
Osaka's autumn foliage spots are a hidden gem for those seeking a less crowded alternative to Kyoto, with options to suit all tastes. Top picks such as Osaka Castle Park, Midosuji Avenue, Minoh Park, and Katsuoji Temple are all highly favored by tourists. Spots within 25 minutes from the city center are advised for you to spend a couple of hours soaking in autumn’s beauty. For farther attractions, dedicate half a day to a full day to explore more natural autumn views.
For Easy Access - 6 Places within 25min from Osaka Downtown
Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park showcases yellow, red, and green ginkgo and maple leaves in autumn. For a closer appreciation, stroll along the moat or take the Osakajo Gozabune boat ride to admire Osaka Castle from across the moat. Alternatively, ascend Tenshukaku (main tower) to overview the park.A standout photo opportunity awaits with the 300-year-old golden ginkgo tree as the foreground, Tenshukaku with azure and gold accents in the middle, and the vast blue sky in the background, creating a layered scene of stunning beauty.
Opening Hours: Park - Round-the-clock, Tenshukaku - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Ticket Price: Park – Free, Tenshukaku - 600 yen
Transportation: 10-minute subway from Higashi Umeda Station
Overlook Osaka from Tenshukaku Tower in Autumn
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Midosuji Ginkgo Avenue
Midosuji is a main thoroughfare connecting Umeda, Shinsaibashi, and Namba, with over 800 ginkgo trees planted along its entire 4-kilometer length. After late November, the ginkgo leaves turn a brilliant gold, perfect for leisurely strolls to take in the urban autumn scenery. Entry: Free Transportation: 5-minute walk from Namba Station. It is recommended to enjoy the view from Umeda Station to Namba Station along Osaka Metro Midosuji Line on the ground level.Daisen Park, Sakai City
Nestled beside Hisakiyama Ancient Tomb Cluster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Daisen Park boasts a Japanese garden with artificial hills, lush forests, trickling streams, and serene springs. In autumn, it transforms into a scene of deep red maple and golden yellow ginkgo leaves contrasting beautifully with the evergreen trees. Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 (March to November), 09:30-16:30 (December to February), closed on Mondays. Ticket Price: 200 yen
Transportation: 15 minutes by train from Namba Station.
Daisen Park, Sakai
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Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park
Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park stands as an oasis amidst the city's hustle and bustle. In autumn, metasequoia trees lining the central pathway glow in a radiant orange, while vast lawns are adorned with trees dressed in red leaves and pink cosmos flowers blooming in abundance. Ducks leisurely play in the ponds, enhancing the tranquil ambiance. Opening Hours:Mountainous Area: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (April to October), 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (November to March)
Other Areas: All day
Ticket Price: Free
Transportation: 23 minutes by subway from Namba Station.
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Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park, Osaka
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Expo’70 Commemorative Park
The park features distinct areas with unique charm. The Japanese Garden Area features bamboo forests, picturesque ponds, and waterfalls adorned with fiery red maple leaves in autumn – a sight known as Maple Leaf Stream. Meanwhile, the Plane Tree Area glows with golden plane tree leaves carpeting the ground, and the Flower Hill Area blossoms with a riot of pink and white cosmos and roses. Opening Hours: 9:30～17:00 (entry before 16:30), closed every Wednesday Ticket Prices: 260 yen Transportation: 25 minutes in total by train and tram from Osaka Umeda (Hankyu) Station.Nagai Botanical Garden
In autumn, maple leaves, golden cedar trees and vast flower fields highlight the beauty of Nagai Botanical Garden. At night, "teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka" lighting event transforms the garden into an art gallery where dahlias and cosmos flowers and golden cypresses glow in the darkness and emit enchanting music. Opening Hours: 9:30-17:00 (entry before 16:30) from March to October; 9:30-16:30 (entry before 16:00) from November to February. Closed on Mondays. Ticket Price: 300 yen Transportation: Take the subway from Namba Station and arrive in 16 minutes.For Deeper Natural Enjoyment - 4 Places within 1h from Osaka Downtown
Minoh Park
Minoh Park is famous for Minoh Waterfall, a 33-meter-high waterfall that ranks among Japan's Top 100 Most Beautiful Waterfalls. During autumn, the silvery water cascades down and reflects the multicolored tapestry of foliage, making it a prominent fall scenic spot.Don’t forget to indulge in local delicacies like crispy maple leaf fritters and maple beer, both exclusive to the area. Explore diverse maple species in the Maple Leaf Valley of Minoh Botanical Garden to make your hike more plentiful.
Opening Hours: All day Ticket Price: Free Transportation: 40 minutes in total by train and bus from Osaka Umeda (Hankyu) Station.Katsuoji Temple
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Katsuoji Temple in Autumn
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Opening Hours: Weekdays & Sundays: 8:00 ~ 17:00, Saturdays: 8:00 ~ 18:00. Last entry: half an hour before closing. Ticket Price: 500 yen
Transportation: 45 minutes in total by subway and bus from Umeda Station.
Settsukyo Park
One autumn must-see of the park is Momiji-dani Valley with vibrant foliage intertwined with rocks, cliffs, and precipices. At the summit of its hill, an observation deck rewards climbers with stunning vistas of the valley cloaked in autumn's colors and the distant city skyline.|
Settsukyo Park in Autumn
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Opening Hours: All day Ticket Price: Free Transportation: It takes 40 minutes in total to reach Settsukyo Park by train and bus from Osaka Station.
Hoshida Park
Hoshida Park features the "Star Swing," Japan's longest suspension bridge, stretching 280 meters long and reaching a height of 50 meters. In autumn, the bridge offers such an extraordinary viewing spot that tourists may feel like flying high to overlook the golden and red forest below, with the cityscape of distant Komono and Kyoto as background. Opening Hours: Park - all day, Star Swing - 9:30~16:30 Ticket Price: Free
Transportation: Reachable in about an hour in total via train from Osaka Namba Station, a bus ride and a 1.4km walk.
Tips
1. The best time to visit is from mid-to-late November to early-to-mid December.2. Minoh Park and Katsuoji Temple are close and ideal for a day trip if you're energetic and have time. Begin with Kishimen Falls, then head to Katsuragi Temple.
3. Dress warmly for autumn's fluctuating temperatures between daytime and night.
4. Photograph red leaves in the morning or afternoon, when the light is soft and the colors are more vivid.
5. Attractions 40min to 1h away from downtown may offer less dining options and involve hiking. Pack a picnic and plenty of water to stay refreshed.