Osaka Fall Foliage: 15 Best Places for Autumn Leaves in 2024

When to See Autumn Leaves in Osaka?

The best time to experience autumn leaves in Osaka typically falls between late-October and early December. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the location and weather conditions. Higher elevation areas like Mount Kongo may see colors change earlier, while urban areas often peak later. The autumn months in Osaka generally span from September to November, with fall foliage reaching its peak in November. October can be a good time to visit Osaka, as you might be able to catch early color changes and enjoy pleasant weather. Keep an eye on fall foliage forecasts for the most accurate timing during your visit.

Where Can I See Red Leaves in Osaka?

Osaka offers numerous spots to admire the vibrant red leaves of autumn. Minoo Park, just north of the city, is famous for its maple trees that turn brilliant shades of red. The Osaka Castle Park provides a stunning contrast of crimson leaves against the iconic castle. For those seeking ginkgo trees, Midosuji in central Osaka offers a golden canopy. Other notable locations include Hoshida Park, known for its suspension bridge amidst fall colors, and Expo’ 70 Commemorative Park, where you can enjoy a diverse array of autumn foliage. These spots showcase the best of Osaka's autumn leaves, catering to both urban explorers and nature enthusiasts.

Best Places for Autumn Leaves in Osaka

1. Minoo Park and Minoo Waterfall

Nestled on the outskirts of Osaka, Minoo Park is home to the stunning 33-meter Minoo Waterfall, renowned as one of the country's most picturesque waterfalls. As you meander along the park’s forested trails during autumn, you’ll be treated to a visual symphony of vibrant red, orange, and gold as the surrounding maple trees burst into fiery color. This natural wonder transforms the park into a magical autumn paradise, making it one of the best spots in the region for viewing fall foliage. In celebration of this seasonal transformation, Minoo Park hosts a lively autumn festival. A highlight of the event is the sale of tempura-fried maple leaves, a unique local treat!

2. Osaka Castle Park

The tapestry of gingko, cherry, zelkova, and more on the grounds of Osaka Castle Park form a gleaming web of color surrounding the iconic castle tower, culminating in a scenery almost too beautiful to look away from! The park’s eastern side in particular features a 1-kilometer circuit lined by golden gingko trees fit for a refreshing fall stroll. Best of all, being virtually in the middle of Osaka City, access to public transport is easy and there are dozens of other renowned tourist attractions to check out nearby!

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3. Katsuoji Temple

Perched in the tranquil hills of northern Osaka, Katsuoji Temple is known for its deep spiritual significance and breathtaking natural beauty. For centuries, worshippers from across Japan have flocked here, seeking blessings for victory and success. The temple's name itself, "Katsuoji," means "the temple of winning." The grounds are dotted with countless “daruma” dolls, symbols of perseverance and fulfilled wishes, adding a layer of tradition and charm to your visit.

Surrounded by lush forests, the temple grounds are especially captivating in autumn when maple, ginkgo, and cherry trees burst into a kaleidoscope of vivid colors. On weekends and holidays, the magic intensifies as the entire temple complex is illuminated.

4. Ushitakisan Daiitokuji Temple

Daiitokuji is a remote temple in the mountains bordering Wakayama. Despite its location, the temple grounds and surroundings are often frequented by sightseers from all over Osaka, particularly during the fall. The area boasts a delightful assortment of maple and gingko trees alongside rustic temple buildings weaving together picturesque scenery, the most famous of which is the dazzling vermillion pagoda. There are also a number of waterfalls in the area, alongside rivers, lookouts, shrines, and trails to scratch that adventurous itch!

5. Inunakiyama Onsen

Reachable after an hour’s drive from Osaka City, Inunakiyama Onsen is a lesser-known hot spring resort tucked away amongst the hills and valleys of Mt. Inunaki. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak while taking in the beautiful scenery, especially during autumn. From the onsen, a scenic hiking route leads deep into the wilderness, offering a chance to discover hidden temples and waterfalls, including the sacred "shugendo" (mountain asceticism) site, Shipporyuji Temple.

The area is famous for its rich display of ginkgo and maple trees, with the valley's natural beauty being recognized among the "Top 100 Greenery Spots of Osaka". After exploring the area, visitors can relax and take in the scenery while soaking in a hot spring bath.

6. Mt. Kongo

Standing proudly as Osaka's highest peak, Mt. Kongo offers an unforgettable nature escape that combines convenience with adventure. Though it rises to 1,125 meters, the summit can be reached with ease thanks to a scenic cable car ride that whisks you up most of the way. Once at the top, a world of lush forests, panoramic views, and vibrant autumn foliage awaits. The summit offers stunning vistas, with sweeping views that stretch all the way to Osaka Bay.

The surrounding trails are a hiker's paradise, with well-maintained paths that cater to all levels—from families with children to seasoned hikers looking for a peaceful trek. For the more adventurous, you can continue exploring the ancient Kongo-Ikoma mountain range, home to rich biodiversity and ancient shrines.

7. Midosuji

Midosuji, the main street of central Osaka, features a pleasant and spacious sidewalk shaded by over 900 ginkgo trees radiating a crisp golden color during autumn. Running almost perfectly straight for over 4 kilometers, Midosuji makes for an exhilarating cityside stroll or cycle amongst the fresh autumn air. You’ll pass by famous Osaka neighborhoods like Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, Ame-mura, and Namba, allowing you to tour the city while checking out the seasonal splendor!

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8. Daisen Park

Tucked between ancient burial mounds, Daisen Park is a vast outdoor haven that combines nature, history, and culture, offering something for everyone. As one of Osaka's largest and most beautiful parks, it invites visitors to explore its many attractions, from a serene Japanese garden with a tranquil pond to a fascinating museum showcasing the region’s rich history. The park is also home to a library, a peace tower, and a lively playground, providing an entire day’s worth of enjoyment. Naturally, the park also looks fantastic during autumn, which is heightened at night by majestic illumination displays.

9. Hoshida Park

Hoshida Park is famous for its spectacular suspension bridge, "Hoshi no Buranko" (meaning “Star Swing”), and its vast natural scenery. The suspension bridge, stretching 280 meters in length and standing 50 meters high, offers visitors a thrilling walk through the sky, while providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Especially in autumn, the park’s forests are painted in golden and orange hues, creating a stunning display of fall foliage.  From the bridge or the observation deck, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the sea of autumn leaves, alongside the beautiful cityscape in the distance.

10. Expo’ 70 Commemorative Park

Expo’ 70 Commemorative Park is the former site of the 1970 Japan World Exposition and has now transformed into a comprehensive park filled with culture and nature. The park’s Natural and Cultural Gardens and the Japanese Garden feature around 20 species and over 10,000 trees. In autumn, trees such as maple and ginkgo gradually turn red and yellow, creating a stunning autumn landscape. Visitors can stroll along paths covered in colorful leaves and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

Additionally, the iconic "Tower of the Sun”, which was designed by Japanese artist Taro Okamoto for the Expo '70 and is one of the most recognizable symbols of Osaka and a beloved piece of public art, still stands here, drawing tourists to admire the vibrant autumn scenery.

11. Settsukyo Park

Settsukyo Park, located in the northern part of Takatsuki City, is a scenic park filled with natural beauty, spanning about 42.65 hectares . The park offers distinct seasonal views, with cherry blossoms in spring and being one of the best spots for autumn foliage viewing. The "Momiji Valley" within the park is famous for its breathtaking autumn colors, where the entire valley turns golden and red during the season, attracting numerous visitors.

The park also features several hiking trails, stretching up to 4 kilometers, allowing visitors to enjoy stunning rock formations, cliffs, and beautiful streams along the way, providing a peaceful escape into nature. Settsukyo Park is not only great for outdoor activities but is also an ideal destination for families to enjoy the autumn foliage together.

12. Kyuanji Temple

Kyuanji Temple is an ancient temple founded in 725, with a history spanning over 1,200 years. The temple is known for its seasonal blooms, offering peonies and azaleas in spring, hydrangeas and water lilies in summer, and being one of the best spots for autumn foliage in fall. The temple's gate is a designated Important Cultural Property, showcasing the elegant architectural style of the Nara period. In autumn, the temple's approach and garden are bathed in beautiful red and yellow hues, attracting many visitors for worship and to enjoy the autumn leaves.

13. Hiraoka Park

Hiraoka Park is a natural park established in 1938, covering an expansive area of approximately 43.8 hectares. The park is renowned for its seasonal changes, especially the vibrant autumn foliage. When fall arrives, the area around Toyoura Bridge, a symbol of the park, is enveloped in vivid red leaves from sawtooth oaks, jolcham oaks, and maple trees, creating a breathtaking scene. Visitors can stroll along the Ankei Mountain Stream while enjoying the rich mountain forest landscape. The park also features children's play areas like the "Forest Toy Box" and an observation deck offering panoramic views of the Osaka Plain.

14. Nose

Nose Town, located on the outskirts of Osaka, boasts magnificent natural scenery and a rich tapestry of seasonal colors. The picturesque landscape, woven with rural fields and mountains such as Mount Mi, Mount Kenpi, and Mount Myoken, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the embrace of nature. Mount Myoken in Nose is particularly renowned as a sacred site, home to a precious natural monument—the stunning Japanese beech forest.

Additionally, Nose Onsen is an ideal place for relaxation, featuring hot springs where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the starry sky from the outdoor baths. Visiting in autumn offers not only the chance to enjoy beautiful fall foliage but also to savor exquisite Japanese cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. Whether you're a nature lover or a hot spring enthusiast, Nose Town is a fantastic destination for autumn sightseeing.

15. Kabusanji Temple

Kabusanji Temple, located in the mountains of northern Takatsuki City, is an ancient temple with over 1,300 years of history. Kabusanji Temple is Japan's first temple dedicated to Bishamonten and once served as an imperial temple. Every autumn, the temple attracts numerous visitors with its breathtaking autumn foliage. The vibrant red leaves surrounding the ancient structures create a stunning contrast that captivates all who visit. While the mountain roads may be challenging to access, the temple offers a serene and peaceful escape, making it an ideal spot for those looking to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the autumn scenery.

Osaka: An Autumn Paradise!

Osaka is jam-packed with spectacular autumn scenery - both within city limits and in the surrounding countryside! With a boundless assortment of parks, mountains, prominades, and more to explore, lovers of autumn should definitely be making Osaka their go-to place to enjoy the charm of Japanese fall!