From parks to mountains to the city center
The best fall leaves in Osaka

As we say goodbye to the hot days of summer, fall is here to greet us with cool evenings and crisp morning air. It’s such a pleasant season and Osaka is already showing signs of autumn.

Here are a few of my favorite places to enjoy the changing of seasons and beautiful autumn foliage in Osaka. Fall blankets the city—which has a bit of a reputation for being busy and flashy—in more mellow tones giving it a nostalgic atmosphere which will leave you longing for more. Also, please remember to practice good covid precautions while you enjoy fall in Osaka.

■Osaka Castle: the obvious choice! Golden hues frame the castle keep

#OsakaTravel #landmark #autumnstroll #gingko #OsakaAutumn

Scenery at this classic spot for sightseeing changes with the seasons. Fall is particularly beautiful at Osaka Castle as the golden hues in nature amplify the gold accents decorating the castle keep. There is contrast yet harmony in the scenery all around the castle. Plus each angle offers a new silhouette and stunning views.

〈Peak viewing〉

Last year’s fall leaves: early Nov–early Dec

〈Points of interest〉

The giant gingko trees in front of the castle keep are estimated to be around 300 years old, the path on the east side of the park is lined with a kilometer of gingkoes that turn a stunning gold in fall, and the 300-ish cherry trees in Nishinomaru Garden turn beautiful shades of auburn.

〈Covid-19 prevention measures〉

Please wear a mask and practice social distancing while in the park. Park staff use good hand-washing practices and provide hand sanitizer in necessary locations. Plastic barriers have been installed in the reception area.

■Nakanoshima: gingko trees add an air of romance to historic architecture

#OsakaArchitecture #autumleaves #gingko #OsakaAutumn

Nakanoshima is well known for its gorgeous rose gardens and beautiful architecture. The star of the show is the red brick Osaka City Central Public Hall, which was constructed using the funds of a local businessman. The nearby streets are lined with gingko and Japanese zelkova trees that bring out the elegant beauty of this Neo-Renaissance building. Stroll a little further down the island to see the former Osaka branch of the Bank of Japan and its bluish-green dome roof.

〈Peak viewing〉

Last year’s fall leaves: late Oct–early Dec

〈Points of interest見どころ〉

Stroll along riverside walkways lined with colorful gingko and Japanese zelkova trees while you admire the modern and retro architecture on Nakanoshima.

■Midosuji Boulevard: 4 kilometers of golden gingko trees

#Midosuji #gingkoes #autumn leaves #OsakaAutumn

Midosuji Boulevard runs right through the center of the city connecting Umeda and Namba. Approximately 900 gingko trees line this main street and have become a symbol of the city. The fan-shaped leaves seem to change colors throughout the day as the sun’s angle changes, turning them different shades of golden yellow. At certain times of day they are so bright they seem to glow! Take a stroll down the gingko-lined street while shopping or cafe-hopping.

〈Peak viewing〉

Last year’s fall leaves: late Nov–early Dec

〈Points of interest〉

The scenery is particularly beautiful near Shinsaibashi Station on the Osaka Metro. North of the station, you’ll find 29 bronze statues on either side of the street.
Midosuji, in fall, is breathtaking.
 

■Expo ’70 Commemorative Park: magnificent nature and a larger than life sculpture

#ToweroftheSun #expo2025 #JapaneseGarden #OsakaAutumn

Once the site of the Japan World Expo 1970, this park covers approximately 2.6 million square meters (642 acres). Approximately 10,000 deciduous trees of 20 different varieties color the landscape in hues of gold, orange, and crimson. It’s absolutely stunning!

The Tower of the Sun sculpture stands tall among the trees as a proud reminder of the last World Expo that was held in Osaka, while we look forward to hosting the upcoming Expo 2025☆

〈Peak viewing〉

Last year’s fall leaves: early Nov–early Dec

〈Points of interest〉

The Japanese Garden and the Natural and Cultural Garden areas of Expo Park are particularly beautiful and have many maples.

〈Covid-19 prevention measures〉

Please wear a mask and be aware that prevention measures among the many indoor establishments in the park may vary and could include restricted admission.

■Katsuoji Temple: autumn in the mountains and models for social media pictures

#Katsuoji #OsakaTemple #OsakaAutumn

This picturesque temple is nestled in lush mountains that are painted in shades of green, gold, orange, and bright red foliage during the fall season. The wide variety of trees creates a backdrop of stunning autumn colors.

Unforgettable daruma figures are everywhere at Katsuoji. They seem to frolic among the fallen autumn leaves and they’re so incredibly cute! The temple grounds are also illuminated evenings for a limited time this season, creating dazzling nighttime scenery.

〈Peak viewing〉

Last year’s fall leaves: early–late Nov

〈Points of interest〉

The tree-lined walk from the main gate to the two-storied pagoda creates a tunnel of leaves. The view from the Kannon Pond (観音池) looking up towards the two-storied pagoda is stunning.

〈Covid-19 prevention measures〉

Hand-sanitizing at the entrance, partitions at all ticket counters and offices to prevent droplet infection, and the cafe area is temporarily closed.

■Minoh Park: impressive nature scenes at the famous Minoh Falls

#Park #JapaneseWaterfalls #FallLeaves #OsakaAutumn
This well-known nature getaway is beloved for its remarkable beauty and elegant 33-meter waterfall. The breathtaking scenery charms visitors during any season, but particularly in fall when the maple trees frame the falls in tones of vibrant red.

You’ll see those famous maple leaves on the walk up to the waterfall and a handful of shops selling these crunchy Momiji Tempura (maple leaf tempura) snacks🍁

〈Peak viewing〉

Last year’s fall leaves: early–late Nov

〈Points of interest〉

Minoh Falls surrounded by autumn foliage. The trail leading from Hankyu Minoh Station to the falls (roughly 2.7 km) is lined with trees that are stunning in fall.

*Please note that the autumn leaves will change from day to day. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information on the status of the fall leaves, Covid-19 prevention measures, and other relevant information.

And, that’s not all! There are many more places in Osaka to enjoy the changing of seasons and beautiful autumn leaves.

Other Autumn in Osaka Recommendations (in no particular order)

Mt. Inunaki (犬鳴山)
Hoshida Park (ほしだ園地)
Settsu Gorge Park (摂津峡公園)
Nagano Park (長野公園)
Daitokuji Temple (大威徳寺)
Mt. Ushitaki (牛滝山)
Daisen Park (大仙公園)
Mt. Kongo (金剛山)
Hirokawatera Temple (弘川寺)
Kanshinji Temple (観心寺)
Sefukuji Temple (施福寺)

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