The hot summer has gone and it’s starting to feel like autumn here. Autumn in Japan has a comfortable climate and people enjoy many things such as traveling, playing sports and eating seasonal food. On top of that, they really love to see autumn leaves in various ways.
You might imagine Osaka as an urban area. However, there is a lot of nature right outside of town. Today, I’ll be introducing some good spots for viewing autumn leaves in Osaka.
Osaka Castle Park
Osaka castle was originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Warring States period. The area around the castle is now a park and has become a major tourist destination which includes a castle and history museum dedicated to Hideyoshi.
Many trees were planted in the park and the view changes from season to season. The park is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, but the flaming colors of the autumn leaves are also amazing. The combination of the castle with the colored leaves is worth seeing.
Expo’ 70 Commemorative Park (Suita City 吹田市)
This park was built on the former site of the Japan Exposition held in 1970. The park has some gardens, a cultural institution and a sports and recreation area.
You can enjoy seasonal flowers, plants and autumn leaves throughout the year.
Do you know about the broom grass, called kochia? It changes colors from green to pink-ish red.They look fluffy and cute. The park holds cosmos and kochia festivals in autumn, so you should check them out sometime.
In terms of autumn leaves, the Japanese garden and maple valley give you beautiful scenery.
Minoh Park (Minoh City 箕面市)
Minoh Park is located in the northern part of Osaka City and is surrounded by an abundance of nature. You can enjoy the famous waterfalls and hot springs within the park.
I wrote about Minoh Park in the past, so please check out my previous article for more details.
Katsuoji Temple (勝尾寺)
Katsuoji temple is also located in Minoh City and has been long known as a temple for victory. Many worshippers from Japan and abroad visit in order to receive a “Kachi Daruma.” Kachi in Japanese means either “winning” or “victory”, therefore people seek luck to win in any situation within their lives.
After you make a wish to the kachi daruma, you should place your daruma on a dedication shelf in the main hall. The view of the stacked darumas is really impressive. In autumn, there is a blending of red and crimson which adds a deeper appreciation for the season.
Forest of Osaka Hoshida Park (ほしだ園地)
Hoshida Park is located in Katano City (交野市) and is one of the parks that is maintained by Osaka Prefecture. You can enjoy outdoor activities such as taking a stroll, birdwatching and star gazing.
On top of that, crossing a bridge called “Star Swing” is really fun and thrilling. The bridge runs above the mountains, so you can take pleasure being surrounded by the autumn leaves as you go from one side to the other.
The naming of the bridge comes from the folktale of the ” Star Gazed Lovers” told during the star festival as ” Tanabata” in Japanese.
Settsu-Kyo Park (摂津峡)
The Settsu-Kyo Gorge is located on the upper reaches of the Akutagawa River in Takatsuki City (高槻市). The entire park is surrounded by mountains and forests. There are five hiking courses that are popular with locals as an enjoyable place for spending time and relaxing.
You can see some interesting shaped rocks, cliffs and waterfalls while walking along the paths. Also, you can take full pleasure in seeing the colored leaves that reflect off of the river’s surface.
Daisen Park (大仙公園)
This park is sandwiched between some burial mounds that are recognized as the World Heritage Site “Mozu Kofun Group” in Sakai City (堺市).The biggest burial mound is Emperor Nintoku Mausoleum and there are some smaller tombs that are also near the park. Historical things and modernization both exist together in this area.
The park has some museums. a tea room and a traditional Japanese garden. Why not spend time in the Japanese garden while enjoying the contrast of evergreen and colored leaves?
Mt. Ushitaki (牛滝山)
This mountain temple is located on Mt. Ushitaki in Kishiwada City (岸和田市) which was founded by En no Gyoja. It’s one of the religious training grounds located on the Katsuragi Shugendo which begins at Tomogashima island in Wakayama all the way to Oji Town in Nara.
Within Daiitokuji Temple (大威徳寺), there is a two-storied pagoda which also happens to be designated as an Important Cultural Property. The temple is famous for its autumn leaves and the entire mountain with red and yellow leaves is photo worthy.
Mt. Inunaki (犬鳴山)
Mt. Inunaki is known for being a holy spot called “Nyonin Omine” (女人大峯): Nyonin means women. It was also founded by En no Gyoja for Buddhism training. Many female practitioners come to practice waterfall meditation.
The area also has the Shippouryuji Temple (七宝龍寺), a hot spring, various hiking trails, and irregular sized forty eight waterfalls. According to some locals, the area is quite simple and very quiet. For those of you who would like an escape from a busy lifestyle, why not go there and experience time away from urbanization?
Mt. Inunaki is located in Izumisano City and close to Kansai International Airport, so you might want to make a little side trip to this mysterious place.
Midosuji Avenue (御堂筋)
Lastly, I’m going to talk about Midosuji Avenue which runs north from Umeda to south Namba.
It’s a literally urban area where big companies build headquarters and a lot of stores or restaurants set up the shops. In autumn, ginkgo trees along the road turn yellow. Furthermore, you can enjoy illuminations for Christmas.
You will definitely have a great time while walking up and down this avenue.
In conclusion I would like to say that autumn leaves viewing is very special for Japanese people because they are sensitive about changing seasons and cherish surreal things like falling colored leaves, let alone scattering cherry blossoms. Short-lived things show gracefulness even though it can be seen as sad.
Autumn leaves can be enjoyed from mid October through to early December depending on the area. Personally, I would like to see autumn leaves while soaking in a hot spring.
I hope you’ll find a way to enjoy autumn leaves when you are in Osaka.
Thank you for reading my article to the end.
Brand Ambassador of kyoto Denim company, Kimono dresser, Japanese flower arrangement instructor I was born and raised in Osaka, I know this area like my backyard. I’d like to introduce Japanese culture and good points to someone from overseas. That’why I study English every day. Please feel free to ask me if you need anything.
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