9 amazing places to see autumn leaves in Osaka

Smack bang in the middle of the city, Osaka Castle Park is the go-to autumn spot if you don’t want to stray far to see the season’s best colours. The park’s perimeter is lined with more than a kilometre of yellow ginkgo trees, while its centre is home to two prime spots for the vibrant red momiji, or Japanese maple. Near the castle’s Tamatsukuri-guchi entrance, there’s an orchard, and for ¥350, you can enter the Nishinomaru Garden, a traditional Japanese garden spanning 66,000 square metres, where clusters of momiji surround peaceful views of the castle.

Ascending the terraces circling the castle also reveals another reason why Osaka Castle Park is so popular in autumn. While the momiji and gingko leaves may steal the spotlight, the park is also home to other tree species, like the Japanese wax tree and Chinese sweetgum, which add variety to the seasonal colours. Seeing all these trees from above, surrounded by the urban buzz of Osaka, perfectly captures why autumn is so revered in Japan – and why autumn in the city can sometimes feel more striking than that of the countryside.

Getting there: Osakajo-Koen Station (JR Osaka Loop line), Morinomiya Station (JR Osaka Loop, Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi lines), Tanimachi 4-chome Station (Osaka Metro Tanimachi, Chuo lines)

If seeing the season unfold from the majestic perch of Osaka Castle Park leaves you wanting more, the Okawa River is the perfect next stop. Just a short stroll from the castle, the river is flanked by parks and promenades lined with golden ginkgo trees.

Taking to the water offers a more immersive way to enjoy the season, as the colours close in around you from both banks. During the day, you can hop on the Osaka Aqua Liner from Osaka Castle Pier to see the ginkgo reflecting off the water. At night, the river cruise feels more romantic, as the autumn colours take on a new life under the city lights. During this time of the year, there’s a special sunset cruise departing from Hachikenyahama Pier.

Getting there: Osaka Castle Pier is best accessed directly from the Osaka Castle Park. For Hachikenyahama Pier, alight at Temmabashi Station (Keihan Main Line, Osaka Metro Tanimachi, Nakanoshima lines)

Further into the heart of Osaka lies Midosuji Avenue, a four-kilometre thoroughfare that transforms into a golden boulevard every autumn. Over 800 ginkgo trees line the road, their sunny yellow leaves creating a striking contrast against the area’s otherwise utilitarian skyline. Running through the centre of Osaka and passing key areas including Shinsaibashi, Honmachi and Yodoyabashi, the avenue is hard to miss.

The best way to enjoy the autumn foliage here is on foot, ideally in the afternoon when the sunlight hits the leaves from the south and sets the ginkgo tree aglow. The boulevard also comes alive with illuminations every day from sunset to 1am. So even if you pass through after dark, you’ll be treated to a magical path of light that further enhances the already radiant trees.

Getting there: Yodoyabashi Station (Keihan Main Line, Osaka Metro Midosuji line), Hommachi Station (Osaka Metro Chuo, Midosuji, Yotsubashi lines), Shinsaibashi Station (Osaka Metro Midosuji, Nagahoritsurumiryokuchi lines)

Just south of the Unesco-listed Mozu Kofun burial mounds in the city of Sakai, southern Osaka, Daisen Park is one of the prefecture’s largest green spaces. This gorgeous traditional garden offers a Kyoto-like escape from the urban bustle.

With around 100 momiji trees and other seasonal foliage, the park becomes a vibrant tapestry of red, gold and amber in autumn. The grounds are meticulously landscaped, featuring ponds, bridges and small islands, where the vivid red maple leaves create a striking contrast with the golden ginkgo.

The arched Ingetsu-kyo (Bridge of the Reflected Moon) and Eizuru Bridge are particularly photogenic, especially during the limited-time autumn illumination event (Saturday, Sunday and holidays from mid- to end-November, 5.30pm–8pm). During these evenings, strategically placed lighting transforms the garden into a magical space, with the leaves mirrored on the water to breathtaking effect.

Getting there: Mozu Station (Hanwa line)

On the outskirts of Osaka City, Minoh Park is often ranked among the best places to see autumn leaves in all of Japan – and for good reason. Even before reaching the park’s main path, you’ll be greeted by your first sight of momiji trees and a row of maple-themed shops selling souvenirs and the area’s famous momiji tempura.

The park’s paved path, which follows the Minoh River, is lined with charming restaurants, cafés and hotels, evoking a distinctly quaint, countryside atmosphere. As you venture deeper into the park, the towering momiji trees cast a red hue over the valley. The peaceful walk culminates in a literal crescendo with the powerful sound of the 33-metre-high Minoh Falls.

It’s a 45-minute walk from the station to the falls, and the winding path is as enchanting as it is accessible. If you’re feeling adventurous, continuing further from the waterfall will lead you to Katsuoji Temple, another stunning site for autumn foliage. Not only is the temple teeming with red daruma dolls, in autumn, the grounds come to life with the magical sight of momiji reflecting off the temple’s ponds and on its pagodas.

Getting there: Minoo Station (Hankyu Minoh line)

For a quieter alternative to Minoh, head to Settsukyo Park. Located on the upper reaches of the Akutagawa River, halfway between Osaka and Kyoto, the park also boasts a riverside walk, waterfalls, its own momiji-dani (momiji valley), and, of course, plenty of autumn foliage.

A gentle four-kilometre hiking course winds through the woods, leading to an observation deck with panoramic views of the surrounding forests and ending at the 15-metre Shirataki Waterfall. For an overnight stay, the Sansuikan ryokan offers an outdoor onsen overlooking the river, allowing you to continue your autumn immersion into the evening.

The park is easily accessible from Osaka, just 15 minutes on the Tokaido Sanyo line from Umeda Station to Takatsuki Station, followed by a short bus ride to the foot of the river. It’s an ideal day or overnight trip for a memorable autumn escape.

Getting there: Takatsuki Station (JR Tokaido Sanyo line), then bus No. 23 to Nishinokawarabashi Bus Stop

For a more adventurous autumn escape, Hoshida Park in Katano, across the Osaka Plain from Settsukyo Park, offers forest trails and one of Osaka’s most striking autumn viewpoints. Hoshi no Buranko is a 250-metre wooden suspension bridge that swings high above a lush valley.

In autumn, the canopy below ignites in some of the region’s best seasonal colours, creating a truly picturesque panorama. Seen from above, the vibrant leaves stretch out in every direction, allowing you to float over the autumn scenery as the serene forest lies below.

There’s also a climbing wall just past the bridge. This makes Hoshida Park perfect for families looking to enjoy autumn with something for the kids. The park is accessible via a 30-minute walk from Kisaichi Station – just follow the Amano River along a well-marked nature trail.

Getting there: Kisaichi Station (Katano line)

For those looking for a hike, Hiraoka Park in Higashi-Osaka offers forested trails, sweeping views and brilliant autumn foliage. The park spans over 40 hectares and is especially striking in autumn, when the slopes are ablaze with red maples.

The most popular route begins at Hiraoka Station and passes through Hiraoka Shrine before ascending to the observation deck at 268 metres above sea level. The hike takes about 40 minutes and rewards you with sweeping views over Osaka. 

Along the way, you’ll pass the dokonjo momiji, a ‘tenacious maple’ that has grown through a boulder, clinging to the rock face in defiance of the elements. With its mix of forest-bathing trails and seasonal colour, Hiraoka Park is ideal for those seeking to add a dose of adventure to their autumn escapade.

Getting there: Nukata Station (Kintetsu Nara line)

With striking architecture set against a backdrop of autumn colour, Mt Myoken in the town of Nose is a hidden gem. Often called ‘Osaka’s Karuizawa’ for its cool climate and high mountains, the area is easily reached in about 50 minutes from Umeda via the picturesque Nose Electric Railway, whose charming maroon carriages create a Ghibli-esque entry to this seldom-visited part of Osaka prefecture.

From Myoken Station, a two-hour trail takes you up the mountain through rustling autumn leaves, past moss-covered historical sites, a murmuring river and a torii gate marking the sacred path. The autumn foliage here is breathtaking, with ginkgo and maple trees spanning the slopes, forming a crimson canyon that surrounds hikers.

At the peak, the Nose Myoken-san temple complex is equally stunning. The main temple, a Nichiren sect holy site founded over 1,200 years ago, sprawls across the summit. There’s also the Seirei Hall, an avant-garde architectural marvel inspired by the North Star, which stands in spectacular juxtaposition with the otherwise traditional temple.

For views, Café Stellina offers panoramic vistas of the forested mountains and valleys of Kyoto prefecture. There’s also an observation deck on the other side, where you can see all the way to Osaka Bay and Awaji Island on a clear day.

Getting there: Myoken-Guchi Station (Nose Railway Myoken line)