In November, the Kansai region of Japan is gradually turning into autumn and starts the mesmerizing "red leaf season". In particular, Kyoto and Nara in the Kansai region attract tourists from all over the world every year during the fall foliage festival; however, Osaka is also a good place to admire Japan autumn colours while enjoying the Japanese culinary delights in this bustling city. Here is our complete guide to the Osaka fall foliage 2024.
Table of Contents
1. "Red Leaf Hunting" during Autumn in Japan
2. Osaka Fall Foliage 2024 Forecast
3. Popular Spots to View Osaka Autumn Foliage 2024
4. Less-Crowded Spots to See Autumn Leaves in Osaka 2024
5. Autumn Illumination Osaka 2024 to Enjoy Fall Foliage at Night
6. Things to Do in Osaka During an Autumn Leaves Tour 2024
1. Japanese Red Maple: Know about the Gorgeous "Red Leaf Hunting”
In ancient Japan, viewing the maple leaves in autumn was called "Red Leaf Hunting", and everyone from the court to the common people valued this activity. Originally, the word "狩り" meant hunting birds and animals, but as people visit the mountains and enjoy the natural scenery, it is very similar to hunting, so "狩り" also means "viewing". The Japanese maple leaf, like a beast with magnificent fur, smells the scent of autumn and runs across Japan from north to south at an average speed of 27 kilometers per day for about 50 days. People follow in their footsteps like hunters with cameras. Every year, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) forecasts the "Maple Leaf Front" in advance so that people can go to Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Osaka, Nara, and other places to explore the red autumn leaves when it is the best time to see fall foliage in Japan.
2. Best Time to Visit Osaka in Autumn to See Maple Leaves 2024
Autumn foliage viewing is one of the top 10 things to see and do in Japan. According to the Momiji forecast 2024, the Japan maple leaf season 2024 begins in mid-September from north to south, starting in Hokkaido and then gradually moving into the lower altitudes and the south until it reaches Tokyo and Kyoto in the second half of November, and in Fukuoka, which is in Kyushu and slightly south Japan, the season can last until December. The Japanese maple leaves do not turn red in an instant but gradually change from light to dark without you realizing it. The best time to see the Osaka autumn leaves 2024 is from October to December. It is definitely a visual feast to embark on a Japan autumn trip to Osaka to see the fall foliage at this time and enjoy the changing colors of Osaka autumn 2024.
■Here are our recommended autumn tours in Japan with Osaka itinerary, don't hesitate to contact us to tailor the tour if you have any special needs, to enjoy autumn in Osaka 2024.
10 Days Tokyo - Mt.Fuji - Hakone - Nagoya - Nakasendo - Kyoto - Osaka Tour
10 days | From $ 6250
14 Days Tokyo - Nikko - Mt. Fuji - Hakone - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Nara - Osaka Tour
14 days | From $ 7355
11 Days Tokyo - Mt.Fuji - Takayama - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Nara - Osaka Tour
11 days | From $ 6580
7 Days Tokyo - Mt.Fuji - Kyoto - Nara - Osaka Tour
7 days | From $ 3450
3. Best Spots to Enjoy Autumn Leaves Osaka 2024
Although there aren't many places to enjoy the maple leaves in Osaka among plenty of famous fall foliage viewing spots in Japan, there are actually some spots that are suitable for autumn Osaka 2024. Here are 5 great places to see fall foliage Osaka 2024.
Osaka Castle Park: Enjoy the Best Osaka Autumn Colors of Red Maples and Golden Ginkgo Trees
Best Time to Enjoy Osaka Castle in Autumn: Late October to early December
Osaka Castle Park is an urban park dotted with many important cultural assets, including Osaka Castle, and surrounded by lush forests. Trees in the park usually begin to change color in early November. The most striking tree is the large ginkgo tree in front of the castle tower, which is about 300 years old. Be sure to take a photo of the beautiful citadel. The cherry blossom leaves in the park are also the first to turn red. In Osaka Castle autumn, the color of the cherry blossoms changes so beautifully that the term "sakura-maple" is used to describe them. In the Japanese gardens of the park, there are also Iroha maple trees, and in the main building of the castle, you can enjoy the autumn colors of hazelnut trees, which is the most stunning scenery of the Osaka Castle Park autumn, especially during November in Japan.
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 6-6755-4146
Expo '70 Commemorative Park: Enjoy the Red Leaf Festival, Themed Concerts, Tea Ceremonies and Various Events
Best Time to Admire Osaka Maple Leaves at Expo '70 Commemorative Park: Early November to early December
Expo '70 Commemorative Park is located in Senri, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture. It is rich in natural beauty, with maple trees, ginkgo trees, azaleas, sequoias, sycamore trees, and zelkova trees. During the Expo '70 Commemorative Park autumn, tall cedar trees (such as hibiscus) turn red, orange, and yellow in a variety of colors. In addition, at Maple Falls, visitors can enjoy the bright red maple trees around the waterfall and pond while soaking in negative ions. Other must-see attractions include the maple trees in the "Japanese Garden" and the sequoias along the pond. Just find your favorite spot to enjoy Osaka autumn foliage 2024 there.
Address: Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan
Hours: 9:30 am - 5 pm
Phone: +81 6-6877-7387
Ushitakisan Daiitoku-ji: Witness the Pagoda Be Colored Bright Red and Golden Yellow during the Osaka Fall Foliage Season
Best Time to Enjoy Osaka Autumn Festival at Daiitoku-ji: Mid-November to late November
Ushitakisan Daiitoku-ji is located in Osawa-cho, Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture, and the pagoda of the temple is designated as a nationally important cultural property. It is famous for its red foliage and attracts many tourists who come to catch a glimpse of the beauty of the red leaf during Osaka maple leaves season. The contrast between the moss-covered stone steps and the red and yellow autumn foliage of Ushitakisan Daiitoku-ji is breathtaking! The temple also has a circular garden with Ichinotaki Falls, Ninotaki Falls, Sannotaki Falls, and Kanryuu-no-taki Falls, where you can take a walk and enjoy the negative ions during the best time to visit Osaka in autumn foliage season. There will be the Ushitakisan Maple Festival in late November.
Address: 1178 Osawacho, Kishiwada, Osaka 596-0114, Japan
Hours: Opens 8 am
Phone: +81 80-3852-0035
Mido-suji: Stroll the Best Ginkgo Avenue of Osaka in Autumn
Best Time to See Osaka Autumn Leaves at Mido-suji: Late November to Mid December
Midōsuji Avenue is a road with about 800 ginkgo trees in Osaka. When it is the best time to visit Osaka fall 2024 for ginkgo leaves viewing, the whole Midōsuji seems to turn into a golden avenue. Walking and shopping here have a different feeling during autumn in Osaka.
Settsukyo Park: A Serene Spot to Enjoy the Best Autumn Leaves in Osaka
Best Time to See Osaka Autumn Foliage at Settsukyo Park: Late October to Late November
Settsukyo Park is also one of the best places to visit in Osaka during autumn. It takes a 50-minute tram ride from Osaka to Settsukyo Park in Takacho City. The park is centered around natural forests. In the fall foliage season, the entire valley is dyed red with autumn leaves. On a clear day, you can see both wild birds and red leaves.
Address: Japan, 〒569-1036 Osaka, Takatsuki, 大字原地内ほか
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 72-674-7516
These top 5 spots are the best places to visit in Osaka during autumn to enjoy the maple leaves season 2024. Which one is your favorite Osaka fall foliage viewing spot?
4. Little-Known Spots to View the Osaka Autumn Leaves 2024
Where to go in Osaka during autumn? For those popular autumn leaves viewing spots, there may be a large number of crowds, which will result in a less enjoyable experience when seeing the fall foliage. Therefore, here are our best 5 less-crowded maple leaf spots highly recommended for you when you visit Osaka in autumn.
Enmei-ji
Best Time to Enjoy Osaka Autumn at Enmei-ji: Late October to Late November
Enmei-ji Temple, an ancient temple in Osaka with a history of 1,000 years, is a place that has seen the passage of time and the sedimentation of years. The sunset maple leaves here are designated as a natural monument by the Osaka Prefecture, and are praised as "the most beautiful red leaves at sunset," and every year from late October to the end of November, worshippers and photographers will visit the temple to enjoy the best autumn leaves in Osaka. Inside Enmei-ji Temple, there are two nationally designated important cultural properties, the "Dolmudan Inner Sanctuary Mandala" and the "Seiryo-ji Style Sakya Rudraksha Standing Statue," both of which are of profound historical and cultural value. The 1,000-year-old tree known as the "Maple of Sunset", is an enchanting picture when the setting sun is on the maple leaves in the late fall, attracting countless people to come here to experience the tranquility of the temple and the poetry of the years during the best time for autumn leaves Osaka.
Address: 492 Kamigaoka, Kawachinagano, Osaka 586-0054, Japan
Nearby Station: Mekadai Loop Bus "Kannogaoka-guchi" Station
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Phone: +81 721-62-2261
Fee: Free of charge
Kanshin-ji
Best Time to Experience Osaka Autumn Leaves at Kanshin-ji: Late November
Kanshin-ji Temple is also an ancient temple founded in 701, and later it was changed into the center of the Shingon Sect by Kobo Daishi Kōkai. Located on the border of Osaka, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures, the temple is associated with Kusaki Masanari, a military commander during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Kanshin-ji's golden hall enshrines the national treasure, the Kanshinji Eren Kannon statue, as well as a number of other important cultural assets. Kanshin-ji Temple is the 25th of 25 sacred sites in the Kansai Flower Temple Sanctuary Association and is popular for its seasonal flowers such as plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, azaleas, and sarsaparilla, as well as its red foliage. When you see the bright red Japanese maple trees at the temple gate, you immediately get the feeling of being in autumn in Osaka! The colorful Osaka fall foliage in the Kanshin-ji is a delight to the eyes and you will feel the four seasons in change here.
Address: 475 Teramoto, Kawachinagano, Osaka 586-0053, Japan
Hours: Opens 9 am
Phone: +81 721-62-2134
Hoshida Park
Best Time to Enjoy Osaka Autumn Colors in Hoshida Park: Late November to early December
The Hoshida Park Swing, located in Koshino, Hirakata City, is one of the largest humane suspension bridges in Japan, with an elevation of 180 meters above sea level, a total length of 280 meters, and a maximum height of 50 meters above the ground. Standing on the bridge, you can overlook the seasonal beauty of the forest in Hoshida Park and enjoy the thrill of walking in the air. The autumn leaves Osaka of the Hoshida Swing usually reach their peak between late November and early December. The view from the suspension bridge is spectacular, with a mixture of red and yellow leaves! It is highly recommended that you take a photo of the "Hoshida Swing" and the red leaves at the viewing point during the Osaka maple leaves season.
Address: 3 Chome Hoshida, Katano, Osaka 576-0016, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 72-892-0121
Matsuoji
Best Time to Enjoy Osaka Fall Colors in Matsuoji: Mid-November to early December
Matsuoji Temple is a historic Tendai sect temple in Wakizumi City, said to have been built in 672. The main hall has been designated as a cultural asset by the Osaka Prefecture, and the temple is blessed with cherry blossoms in the spring, green trees in the summer, red leaves in the fall, and snowy landscapes in the winter. Matsuoji Temple is known as a good place to enjoy the autumn leaves in Osaka. During Matsuoji autumn, the path from the temple gate to the main hall looks like a tunnel of colored leaves. Many red leaves can also be seen in and around the main hall, and when the maple leaves begin to fall, you can also see carpets of bright Osaka red leaves 2024.
Address: 2168 Matsuojicho, Izumi, Osaka 594-1154, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 725-54-0914
Shijonawate Jinja
Best Time to Visit Shijonawate Jinja during Autumn in Osaka: November
Shijonawate Jinja is located at the foot of Mt. Iimori, surrounded by greenery, and is dedicated to Masayuki Namiki, a famous general who was defeated by Ashikaga's army in the Battle of Shijonawate during the Minami-Bukucho era, and his 24 subordinates. Shijonawate Jinja is popular with locals for its Sakura in spring and red leaves in autumn. After passing through the Torii Gate, there are 103 steps leading up to the shrine, and you can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage on both sides of the steps. The main shrine is located on a hill, and from here you can also enjoy the Osaka autumn view of yellow, orange, and red trees and the townscape.
Address: 2 Chome-18-1 Minamino, Shijonawate, Osaka 575-0021, Japan
Hours: Opens 9 am
Phone: +81 72-876-0044
Pick the best place to see autumn leaves in Osaka without crowds, you will have an unforgettable experience during your Osaka fall foliage tour 2024.
5. Osaka Autumn Illuminations 2024 to Enjoy Fall Colors at Night
Every year during the the best time to visit Osaka fall foliage season, there will be some Osaka autumn illuminations, where people can admire the autumn leaves after dark. Here are the 3 best places to enjoy Osaka autumn night illumination for different experiences of viewing fall foliage.
Katsuoji
Katsuoji Autumn Illumination Dates 2024: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from mid-November to early December
Katsuoji Illumination Time 2024: After sunset until 20:30 (last admission at 20:00)
Best Time to Enjoy Katsuoji Autumn: Mid-November
Katsuoji Temple is a historic temple in Osaka. It is not only a great spot to view the Osaka Sakura, but also a popular spot to enjoy Osaka fall foliage at night. Many people visit the temple in early November every year to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage leaves and the surrounding mountains. Passing through the mountain gate, the temple unfolds in front of you, with its red and yellow colors resembling an oil painting. Looking up at the Dabojikata Pagoda from the Kannon Pond Plateau, you will feel that the tunnel of red maple leaves covering the path to the main hall is spectacular.
From Saturday, November 11 to Sunday, December 3, 2023, the temple was lit up after sunset on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. And tourists enjoyed a different view of the red leaves than during the day.
Address: 2914-1 Aomatani, Minoh, Osaka 562-8508, Japan
Hours: Opens 8 am
Phone: +81 72-721-7010
Minoh Falls
Minoh Falls Autumn Illumination Dates 2024: Mid-November to early December
Minoh Falls Illumination Time 2024: After sunset to 21:30 (last admission at 20:00)
Best Time to Enjoy Osaka Autumn Colours at Minoh Falls: Mid-November to early December
Located in Minoh Park, Minoh Falls is known as one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. The Minoh Falls is popular for its beautiful green maples in spring, summer as a summer resort, and snow-covered waterfalls in winter, but the combination of autumn foliage and bright red waterfalls is also a must-see.
From Saturday, November 11 to Sunday, December 3, 2023, Minoh Otaki Falls was illuminated. People enjoyed the spectacular view of the red leaves and the waterfall, which cascades down from a height of 33 meters, up close. During this period, the path leading from Minoh Station to Minoh Falls was also lit up with footlights, and the surrounding trees were also illuminated.
Address: 2-２ Minookoen, Minoh, Osaka 562-0002, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 72-723-1885
Daisen Park Japanese Garden
Daisen Park Japanese Garden Autumn Illumination Dates 2024: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from mid-November to the end of November
Daisen Park Japanese Garden Illumination Time 2024: 17:30-20:00 (last admission 19:30)
Best Time to Enjoy Osaka Autumn Festival at Daisen Park Japanese Garden: Mid-November to late November
Located just south of the Daisen-ryo Kofun, the Daisen Park Japanese Garden is a beautiful 26,000-square-meter garden built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Sakai City's municipal organization. There are many attractions in the garden, including a peak modeled after the famous Mount Lushan in China's Jiangxi Province, and two bridges, Ingetsukyo Bridge and Eizuru Bridge, which span small islands at the mouths of pond fountains that look like the sea.
In 2023, the third special fall nighttime opening event, "Red Leaf Party," was held. The event is held on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from November 11 to 26, 2023, for seven days, and visitors enjoyed the illumination of the Osaka fall foliage from sunset to 20:00. The red leaves reflecting on the pond in the garden were breathtaking!
Address: 17 Daisen Nakamachi, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0801, Japan
Hours: Opens 9:30 am
Phone: +81 72-247-3670
The fall foliage in Japan shows a different charm with the autumn illumination, which is very different from that of during the daytime as it is a little more dreamy. Why not pick the best place to visit in Osaka during autumn to enjoy the 2024 Osaka red leaves at night?
6. Things to Do During an Osaka Autumn Leaves Trip
An autumn trip to Osaka offers a wonderful blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and seasonal festivities. In addition to viewing the autumn leaves in Osaka 2024, here are some top activities and places to visit during autumn in Osaka.
●Dip into Osaka Hot Springs (Onsen)
Spa World: Located in the Tennoji area, Spa World is one of the best onsens in Osaka, which offers a variety of themed baths and relaxation facilities, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
Solaniwa Onsen Osaka: One of the best tattoo-friendly onsen in Osaka, Solaniwa Onsen accepts guests with tattoos if they cover up their tattoos fully with stickers.
●Visit Temples and Shrines
Shitenno-ji Temple: One of Japan's oldest temples, which looks especially beautiful with autumn foliage.
Sumiyoshi Taisha: A historic shrine with striking architecture and serene gardens.
●Explore Cultural Sites
Osaka Castle: Beyond its beautiful park, the castle itself is a fascinating historical site with exhibits on Japan's feudal history.
●Try Food Adventures
Dotonbori: The lively entertainment district is perfect for evening strolls and enjoying Osaka's vibrant nightlife and famous street food.
Kuromon Ichiba Market: Known as "Osaka's Kitchen," this market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, street food, and local specialties.
Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki: Try these iconic Osaka dishes at local restaurants or street vendors.
●Participate in Osaka Autumn Festivals
Midosuji Parade: Held in early November, this parade features floats, dancers, and performers along the Midosuji Boulevard.
Shin-Osaka Minami Area Local Festival: Experience local culture and community spirit with traditional performances and food stalls.
●Discover Museums and Aquariums
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: One of the largest public aquariums in the world, featuring a diverse range of marine life.
Osaka Museum of History: Offers insights into the city's past with interactive exhibits and panoramic views of Osaka Castle.
●Enjoy Shopping
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street: A bustling shopping arcade with a mix of international brands and local boutiques.
Umeda District: Home to numerous department stores and the futuristic Umeda Sky Building with its Floating Garden Observatory.
●Embark on Day Trips
Nara: Just a short train ride away, Nara is famous for its friendly deer, Todai-ji Temple, and stunning autumn scenery.
Kyoto: Another nearby city, Kyoto offers beautiful temples and gardens that are especially breathtaking during autumn.
●Have Fun in Theme Parks
Universal Studios Japan: Enjoy seasonal events and Halloween-themed attractions in October and November.
●Experience the Night View from Tsutenkaku Tower
Tsutenkaku Tower: Offering a great view of Osaka, the tower is beautifully illuminated in the evenings, and the autumn air makes the experience more comfortable.
Any of these activities can be tailored to your private Osaka autumn tour itinerary, to ensure a memorable autumn trip to Osaka during the fall foliage season 2024. Lose no time to contact us now.
Conclusion
Traveling to Japan in autumn to enjoy the maple leaves is not inferior to the spring tour to view cherry blossoms. Japan's autumn is long, and maple leaves turn red from north to south, showcasing the most gorgeous colors in autumn. Each Japanese maple leaf speaks of the changing seasons and the unyielding nature of life. In the fall foliage season, you can feel the tranquility and warmth of autumn, and realize the breadth and depth of life. Join us for a Japan trip to enjoy the best Osaka fall foliage 2024.