Osaka in Autumn: 8 Best Fall Foliage Spots

Osaka in autumn is such a beautiful time to visit. The mornings are peaceful, and the streets smell like roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes. Everywhere you go, the trees turn bright gold and red. It’s gorgeous!

In this travel guide, I’ll show you my favorite spots to see autumn leaves in Osaka and tips to make the most of the season.

Best time to see autumn leaves in Osaka

If you’re visiting Osaka in autumn, the sweet spot for fall colors is usually late November to early December. The weather’s mild, the sunlight feels soft, and parks start filling with color. It’s such a lovely time to slow down and explore.

I usually aim for the last week of November, when the leaves are at their brightest.

Osaka Castle Park looks especially beautiful then. The golden ginkgo trees line the paths and the castle makes a perfect backdrop.

If you want to catch the season a bit earlier, Minoo Park is your spot. It’s up in the hills, so the leaves turn sooner than in the city.

For 2025, the maples should peak around December 4–5, with ginkgo trees changing about a week earlier. But honestly, don’t stress too much about exact dates. You’ll still find gorgeous scenery from late November through the first week of December.

Best fall foliage spots in Osaka

Minoo Park

If you’re looking for the best place to enjoy autumn colors in Osaka, Minoo Park would be at the top of my list. It’s only about half an hour from the city, but it feels like a calm escape from all the noise.

The walk to Minoo Waterfall is about 45 minutes, and it’s honestly one of the prettiest strolls I’ve ever done in Japan. The whole trail is lined with red maple trees, and by late November, the ground turns into this soft carpet of fallen leaves. 

There are small shrines, tea shops, and local stalls along the way. If you see someone selling momiji tempura (deep-fried maple leaves), grab a bag. They’re sweet, crispy, and a bit unusual, but very local.

Osaka Castle Park

You don’t have to leave the city to see beautiful autumn colors. Osaka Castle Park is one of the easiest spots to visit, and it’s stunning when the trees start changing. The castle itself looks incredible framed by ginkgo trees. 

I love coming here in the late afternoon when the sunlight hits the trees around the moat. The reflections on the water are gorgeous! And if you climb up to the castle tower, you’ll get an amazing view of the entire park glowing in color.

There are often food stalls or small autumn events happening too, so it’s easy to spend a whole day here. I usually grab a snack (roasted sweet potato if I’m lucky!) and just wander around with no plan at all.

Katsuo-ji Temple

If you want something quieter, Katsuo-ji Temple is such a hidden gem. It’s in the mountains north of Osaka, surrounded by thick forests that turn brilliant shades of red and orange in November.

The temple is known as the “temple of victory,” and you’ll see hundreds of little red daruma dolls scattered everywhere. People leave them here after achieving their goals.

The whole walk up to the main hall is beautiful. But when the maples are at their peak, it’s honestly breathtaking. I went once during the evening illumination, and the colors looked like they were glowing from within. 

It takes a bit of time to reach from central Osaka, but I think that’s part of its charm. Fewer crowds, fresh air, and the feeling that you’ve found a little pocket of peace away from the city.

Midosuji Street (Ginkgo avenue)

If you’re in Osaka in late November, don’t skip Midosuji Street. It’s the city’s main boulevard running straight from Umeda down to Namba. 

And for a few weeks each year, it completely transforms. Around 900 ginkgo trees turn the street bright yellow, and the whole area feels like it’s glowing.

I love walking here in the afternoon when the sunlight filters through the ginkgo leaves. It’s like walking through gold! Then I usually stay until evening when the Midosuji Illumination lights up the trees.

Hoshida Park and “Hoshi no Buranko” suspension bridge

If you’re craving a little adventure outside the city, Hoshida Park in Katano is the perfect day trip. It’s famous for the Hoshi no Buranko (“Star Swing”) suspension bridge that stretches 280 meters across a forest valley. 

I’d say go around mid to late November when the trees are at their brightest. The trail up to the bridge is pretty easy, though there are a few uphill bits. 

Once you reach the bridge, take your time. The view is breathtaking, and it’s one of the most underrated fall foliage spots near Osaka.

Daisen Park Japanese Garden (Sakai area)

For something peaceful and classic, I love Daisen Park Japanese Garden in Sakai.

It’s beautifully designed, with ponds, stone bridges, and winding paths surrounded by maples. In late November, the reflection of the red leaves on the water looks like a painting.

If you have time, walk over to the nearby Daisen Kofun, one of Japan’s ancient emperor tombs. You can even rent a bike to explore the area. It’s a great mix of history and nature, perfect if you want to see a different side of Osaka in autumn.

Osaka Prefectural Flower Garden (“Fululu Garden”)

If you like discovering lesser-known spots, Fululu Garden in Kawachinagano is such a lovely escape. It’s about an hour from central Osaka. 

While it’s better known for flowers, the autumn colors here are surprisingly beautiful. By late November, you’ll see red maples, golden trees, and even blooming roses and chrysanthemums.

The place is big, around 10 hectares, with greenhouses, walking paths, and little rest spots for families. 

It’s quiet and easy to get around, which I really like after a few busy city days. Even if you’re not chasing fall foliage, it’s just a relaxing place to spend a few hours surrounded by nature. 

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park (Suita)

If you’re planning to see autumn in Osaka, I’d definitely recommend Expo ’70 Commemorative Park.

The park is massive, filled with open lawns, streams, and tree-lined paths that explode with color every November. 

It was originally built for the 1970 World Expo, and you can still spot a few relics from that time, including the striking Tower of the Sun that rises above the trees.

In autumn, the whole park feels alive. The Maple Valley (Momiji-dani) is a must-see, with hundreds of red and golden leaves reflected in the water. I like to wander slowly through the Japanese Garden afterward.

The best time to visit is usually from mid-November to early December when the fall foliage in Osaka reaches its peak. During this period, the park hosts an Autumn Foliage Festival and lights up the trees at night. 

You could easily spend half a day here. There are cafes for a quick bite, museums to explore, and wide lawns that make perfect picnic spots. It’s one of the best places to see autumn leaves in Osaka, especially if you’re traveling with family or just want a slow, peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature.

Tips for seeing autumn leaves in Osaka

Here are a few things I’ve learned from chasing fall colors around Osaka.

• Bring a bit of cash. Some gardens charge a small entry fee, and not every stall takes cards. I always keep a few coins for tickets, vending machines, and those little treats that are impossible to resist when you smell them.
• Use an IC card or travel pass. I love how easy it is to just tap through the station gates with an ICOCA card. No ticket machines, no fuss. If you’re doing a lot of sightseeing in one day, the Osaka Amazing Pass can save you both time and money.
• Try to go on a weekday. Crowds can get intense on weekends, especially in late November. If you can swing a weekday morning, it’s so much quieter.
• Check light-up schedules. Evening illuminations are beautiful, but every park has its own hours.
• Take photos at golden hour. The light right before sunset makes everything glow. If you like night shots, bring a small tripod or try your camera’s night mode.
• Pick up snacks before you go. Cafés fill up fast in autumn, and convenience store food in Japan is surprisingly great. I usually grab an onigiri and a bottle of green tea before heading out.
• Dress smart for the weather. Osaka’s autumns can’t make up their mind. It’s warm one moment, chilly the next. Read my What to wear in Japan in autumn for tips.
• Check how the colors look before your visit. Locals love sharing real-time photos on Google Maps and Instagram.

Before you go

Planning an Osaka trip in autumn? You’re going to love it. The city’s colors are incredible, but don’t stop there! Japan has so many beautiful fall spots worth adding to your list.

If you’ve got time for a day trip, hop over to Kyoto in autumn. It’s just a short train ride away, and honestly, the temples there look like something straight out of a movie.

Want to unwind after sightseeing? Check out my guide to the best family onsen towns in Japan. There’s nothing better than soaking in hot springs after a long day of walking.

Not sure what to pack? My Japan packing list and what to wear in Japan in November will help you sort that out.

And if you’re planning to stay overnight, I’ve shared a few favorites in my post on the best ryokans near Osaka. Imagine relaxing in a warm bath while the trees outside turn gold. Sounds perfect, right?

Wherever you end up, just slow down, take your time, and enjoy every bit of that autumn glow.