Generally, the weather in Osaka is pleasant in autumn. In November, as the days grow shorter and the season settles in, the average high temperature is 17.6°C (64°F), with average lows around 9.9°C (50°F).

Toward the end of the month, when the leaves along tree-lined streets begin to change color and the mornings and evenings turn chilly, it’s a sure sign that winter is not far off.

In the center of Osaka, Osaka Castle Park is one of the city’s must-see spots and is easily reached from Osaka Station via the JR Osaka Loop Line. While popular year-round, it’s especially stunning in autumn. The Nishinomaru Garden on the west side bursts into color as nearly 300 cherry trees turn red, with the castle tower rising dramatically above the foliage.

On the east side, a row of golden ginkgo trees offers a peaceful walking path, while the main square’s Japanese garden adds extra charm. With colors peaking from mid to late November, this is one of the best places for first-time visitors to enjoy Osaka’s autumn scenery.

Running about 4 km from Umeda to Namba, Midosuji Street is Osaka’s main north–south avenue and one of the city’s most stylish thoroughfares. In autumn, the rows of ginkgo trees lining both sides of the street turn a brilliant yellow from late October, giving the bustling city center a warm, elegant glow.

The contrast of golden leaves against modern buildings makes for unforgettable photos, and each evening the trees are illuminated, creating a romantic, almost Christmas-like atmosphere. After shopping along Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street, don’t miss the chance to stroll beneath the lights and take in Osaka’s autumn charm.

Centered around the iconic Tower of the Sun by artist Taro Okamoto, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a sprawling green space with highlights like the Japanese Garden, the Natural and Cultural Garden, and the Japan Folk Craft Museum.

For autumn, the must-see spot is Momiji Falls, where brilliant maples frame the waterfall in dazzling contrast. Another favorite is Kouyokei, or “autumn leaf valley,” a scenic trail perfect for a leisurely stroll through the foliage

Along Nishioji Street, a 360-meter cobblestone path lined with about 260 sycamores becomes a popular photo stop. The leaves can be enjoyed from mid-October to early December, with November particularly stunning. In 2025, peak colors are expected around November 23. To get there from Osaka, take the Osaka Monorail and get off at either Bampakukinenkoen or Koen-higashiguchi Station.

Minoh Park, one of the symbols of northern Osaka, has been selected as one of the “100 Best Forests.” This vast 83.8-hectare park is a beautiful focal point for tourists throughout the year.

One of the most attractive Osaka autumn sights in the park is Minoh Falls, chosen as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. The dazzling flow of water from the 33m drop is a scene of both power and refreshment one could watch forever.

When the leaves change, the water takes on a tasteful red and yellow hue. A walk along the waterfall path is well worth the 40-minute walk (approx. 2.7 km) from Minoh Station.

The best time to see the leaves is from mid-November to early December (peaking around November 29 this year), but due to the difference in elevation between the north and south ends of the park, there is also a difference in the leaves’ progress depending on location.

There is no parking lot in Minoh Park, and no vehicle entry, so walking from Hankyu Minoh Station is recommended.

Located in Minoh City, Katsuoji Temple is a historic site of the Koyasan Shingon sect, best known for its “winning daruma” charms. Worshippers visit to pray for success in business, exams, sports, and more.

From early November, the surrounding mountains turn vivid shades of red and yellow, creating a breathtaking 26.4-hectare landscape. The temple’s vermilion gates and main hall stand out beautifully against the autumn foliage, offering visitors an unforgettable view.

On weekends from the second Saturday in November through the first weekend of December, the grounds are illuminated at night, transforming the solemn temple into a dreamlike world of glowing colors (sunset to 8:30 PM).

Access: From Kansai International Airport, take the Nankai Railway to Namba Station or JR to Shin-Osaka Station, then transfer to the Osaka Metro for Senri-chuo Station. From there, it’s about 37 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by taxi.

Hoshida Park’s highlight is the “Hoshi no Buranko” (“Star Swing”) — one of Japan’s largest pedestrian suspension bridges. Spanning 280 meters at an altitude of 180 meters, with a maximum height of 50 meters above the ground, the bridge offers thrilling views of the forest canopy below.

The park is popular year-round, but in autumn the mountains are blanketed in a stunning gradation of colors, making a stroll across the Star Swing unforgettable. The best time to visit is from mid-November to late December.

There is a parking lot, but it fills quickly, so public transportation is recommended. From Osaka, take the Keihan Katano Line to Kisaichi Station, then walk about 40 minutes to reach the park.

Located in Takatsuki City in northern Osaka, Settsukyo Park is a scenic gorge where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the year. Families and hikers alike can take advantage of open plazas, a waterfall trail, and mountain courses for more active exploration.

While spring cherry blossoms and summer greenery are lovely, autumn is when the park truly shines. The Momiji Valley on the south side is especially breathtaking, with crimson leaves spreading upward as if to color the sky itself. For added relaxation, a hot spring inn in the gorge offers outdoor baths surrounded by seasonal beauty. In 2025, the foliage is expected to peak around November 30.

Access: From Osaka, take JR to Takatsuki Station or Hankyu to Takatsuki-shi Station. From JR Takatsuki Station’s north exit, board a bus bound for the park (about 15–20 minutes).

Daisen Park, located beside the world’s largest burial mound, is part of a registered World Heritage site. Within its spacious grounds you’ll find a large lawn, a museum, and a tea room, but the highlight in autumn is the Japanese garden.

From mid to late November, the maple leaves turn a brilliant red, reflecting beautifully in the garden’s large ponds. Features such as a human-made mountain modeled after China’s famous “Rozan” in Jiangxi Province, along with flowering plants and stone arrangements, add to the garden’s refined atmosphere. Evening light-ups further enhance the magical scenery.

Access: From Osaka, take the JR Hanwa Line to Nakamozu Station, then walk about 15 minutes to the park.

Spanning 120 hectares, Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi is a vast green space filled with cultural and sports facilities. Conveniently located within the city, it’s easily reached via Osaka Metro Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Station, making it a great option for travelers looking to enjoy nature without leaving Osaka.

In autumn, the park’s wooded “mountain areas” glow with seasonal colors. For a more tranquil experience, visitors can admire the foliage while enjoying tea at the elegant Murasaki-tei tea house.

For a more secluded autumn experience, head to Inunakisan Onsen, often called Osaka’s “secret” hot spring. Just about an hour’s drive from the city, this quiet hot spring village feels a world away, nestled in a valley rich with natural beauty.

In autumn, the area around Inunakisan Shipporyuji Temple comes alive with vibrant colors. The 5-meter-high Toh-no-Taki waterfall framed by crimson maples creates a mysterious, almost otherworldly scene. Nearby, the Gyoja-no-Taki and Ryokai-no-Taki waterfalls are equally striking against the autumn backdrop. After sightseeing, soak in the hot spring to ease your fatigue and complete the experience.

From easily accessible autumn leaves in urban areas such as Osaka Castle Park and Midosuji to local spots where you can relax and unwind, Osaka is full of excellent leaf-viewing sites. All are perfectly picturesque, so take your time and be sure to take plenty of photos!