Osaka’s autumn leaves are usually at their best from mid-November to early December. From ginkgo-lined streets in central Osaka to the lush natural scenery of Minoh Falls and historic temples, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes unique to autumn. Here, we introduce seven autumn foliage spots that are easy to visit on a day trip, focusing mainly on Osaka City.

1. Osaka Castle ParkOne of Osaka’s top autumn foliage spots, where you can enjoy trees turning shades of red and yellow against the backdrop of Osaka Castle’s main tower.
Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December
Admission: Free entry to the park (fees apply to facilities such as Osaka Castle Tower)
Nearest stations: JR Osakajokoen Station, Osaka Metro Tanimachi 4-chome Station and Morinomiya Station
Access: A short walk from JR Osakajokoen Station to the park entrance. It takes approximately 20 minutes on foot to reach the area around the main tower.
Illumination: No regular illumination specifically for autumn foliage has been confirmed. Visitors can enjoy Osaka Castle Tower illuminated at night.

2. Midosuji Ginkgo Tree AvenueMidosuji, Osaka’s main thoroughfare, is lined with ginkgo trees that turn the entire street a brilliant golden yellow in autumn. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery while shopping in Shinsaibashi and Namba.
Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December
Admission: Free
Nearest stations: Osaka Metro Yodoyabashi, Honmachi, Shinsaibashi and Namba stations
Access: Just a short walk from each station
Illumination: The Midosuji Illumination is held annually. Please check the latest official announcements for the 2026 dates and lighting hours.

3. Minoh Falls and Minoh ParkThis nature-rich destination features the approximately 33-meter-high Minoh Falls, surrounded by mountains covered in beautiful shades of red and yellow. Enjoy the autumn foliage as you walk along the scenic trail leading to the waterfall.Best time to visit: Mid- to late November
Admission: Free
Nearest station: Hankyu Minoh Station
Access: Approximately 40–50 minutes on foot from Hankyu Minoh Station to Minoh Falls
Illumination: Please check whether seasonal illumination is being held and confirm the dates.
4. Expo ’70 Commemorative ParkThis vast park offers several beautiful spots for viewing autumn foliage, including the Japanese Garden and Momiji Valley. Another highlight is the chance to enjoy the autumn scenery alongside the iconic Tower of the Sun.Best time to visit: Mid- to late November
Admission: Adults (high school students and older): ¥450; junior high school students and younger: Free
Nearest station: Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Station (Osaka Monorail)
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from the station to the Central Gate
Illumination: Autumn foliage illumination events for 2026 have not been confirmed. Please check the latest information for autumn foliage events and schedules.
Admission fees were revised in April 2026.
For details, please visit:https://www.pref.osaka.lg.jp/faq/o070130/faq_001813.html

5. Keitakuen Garden (Tennoji Park)Located within Tennoji Park, Keitakuen is a traditional Japanese garden where you can enjoy autumn foliage while strolling around the pond. It is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December (approximate)
Admission: Adults: ¥300; high school and university students: ¥200; junior high school students and younger: Free
Nearest station: Tennoji Station (JR and Osaka Metro)
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Tennoji Station
Illumination: Autumn foliage illumination for autumn 2026 has not been confirmed.
Opening hours: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
For details: Please check the official website:https://www.keitakuen-garden.jp/info

6. Nagai Botanical Garden
Spanning approximately 240,000 m², this spacious botanical garden features trees such as metasequoias and bald cypresses that turn beautiful autumn colors. It is an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy a relaxing walk surrounded by nature.
Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December (approximate)
Admission: Adults: ¥300; high school and university students: ¥200; junior high school students and younger: Free
Nearest station: Nagai Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line
Access: Approximately 10–15 minutes on foot from Exit 3 of Nagai Station to the botanical garden entrance
Illumination: The garden hosts the nighttime event teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, which requires a separate admission fee from daytime entry. This is not an illumination event specifically for autumn foliage.
Opening hours: November–February: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM)
For details: Please check the official website:https://botanical-garden.nagai-park.jp/guide/information/](https://botanical-garden.nagai-park.jp/guide/information/
7. Katsuoji Temple
Known as the “Temple of Victory,” Katsuoji is famous for its autumn foliage, which adds vibrant color to its vast grounds spanning approximately 80,000 tsubo (about 264,000 m²). In autumn, the approach from the temple gate to the main hall is enveloped in brilliant shades of red and yellow.
Best time to visit: Mid-November to early December
Admission: Adults (high school students and older): ¥500; elementary and junior high school students: ¥400; children aged 3–5: ¥100; children aged 2 and under: Free
Nearest station: Minoh-kayano Station on the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line
Access: Approximately 20 minutes by Hankyu Bus from Minoh-kayano Station. Get off at the “Katsuoji” bus stop, located just outside the temple.
Illumination: November 1 (Sunday)–29 (Sunday), 2026, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, from sunset to 8:30 PM (last admission at 8:00 PM)
Highlights: Autumn foliage along the route from the temple gate to the Tahoto Pagoda, accompanied by enchanting nighttime illumination
For details: Please check the official website:https://katsuo-ji-temple.or.jp/seasons/autumn.php

Tips for Enjoying Autumn Foliage in Osaka
Best time to visit: Mid- to late November is generally a good time to enjoy autumn foliage in both central Osaka and the surrounding areas.
What to wear: Mornings and evenings can be chilly in the second half of November, so bringing a jacket is recommended.
Avoiding crowds: Popular spots such as Minoh and Katsuoji Temple can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. Using public transportation is recommended.
Illumination events: Visiting dates, admission procedures, and fees for nighttime events may differ from those for regular daytime visits.
※The autumn foliage season is based on typical conditions in previous years. Before your visit, please check each attraction’s official website for the 2026 foliage conditions and any illumination event details that have not yet been announced.