If you've ever used the Kansai International Airport, you may have taken a ride on the Nankai Electric Railway. Trains run directly from the airport to many popular tourist destinations around Osaka and Namba, making it a popular railway option for foreign tourists.
There are plenty of historical and natural attractions along the Nankai Electric Railway. Around this time of year, in particular, many travelers go out in search of colorful autumn scenery.
Here we will introduce travel plans for seeing the autumn leaves in Osaka using the Nankai All Line 2 Day Pass, a convenient travel pass for foreign tourists to use along the Nankai Line!
Main image courtesy of Nankai Electric Railway
- Table of Contents
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- What is the Nankai All Line 2 Day Pass and Where to Get It
- Daiitokuji Temple (Kishiwada Station): A Famous Foliage Spot in Osaka Prefecture
- Daisen Park (Sakaihigashi Station): Stroll Through A Vast Japanese Garden
- Kanshinji Temple (Kawachi-Nagano Station): A Japanese National Treasure Surrounded by Beautiful Autumn Leaves
- Kongoji (Kawachi-Nagano Station): An Impressive Garden Full of Fallen Leaves
- Mount Inunaki (Izumisano Station): Hiking Through The Mountains During Peak Fall Season
What is the Nankai All Line 2 Day Pass and Where to Get It
The Nankai All Line 2 Day Pass is a 2-day, unlimited-ride pass valid on the Nankai Electric Railway and available to foreign tourists. Not only does this ticket allow you to ride all Nankai Electric Railway lines as many times as you want for 2 days, it even includes perks such as discounts at specified shops and facilities.
You can purchase and use it anytime during the sales period from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 (ticket valid any two days from October 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022). Days do not have to be consecutive.
Adult tickets are available for 2,100 yen at Namba Station (2nd floor service center*, 3rd floor ticket counter), Shin-Imamiya Station, Tengachaya Station, Sakai Station, Izumisano Station, Rinku Town Station, Kansai Airport Station, and Sakaihigashi Station. You will need to present a valid, stamped passport with a sticker for short-term stay in Japan at the time of purchase.
(*Sales to begin at Namba Station 3F ticket counter as soon as business resumes)
Currently, ticket sales staff members only speak Japanese. However, multilingual support is available using the Poketalk translator. You may also use their inquiry form for assistance in English (email only).
You can also purchase tickets online through the Nankai Electric Railway official site (ends November 2021) or by clicking the link below. First, complete the sales form from the link below.
Then print your ticket voucher and exchange it at either of the above two counters for your actual ticket. The online ticket price is 2,000 yen - that's 100 yen cheaper than buying at the counter! (Adult tickets only)
With unlimited rides, the Nankai All Line 2 Day Pass is a great deal! Whether you want to tour 2-3 spots in a single day, or take your time fully enjoying one location, this pass will help you save on transportation costs.
Next, let's take a look at five favorite foliage spots along the Nankai Line. Feel free to refer to the Free Pass 2-day Tour Plan!
Daiitokuji Temple (Kishiwada Station): A Famous Foliage Spot in Osaka Prefecture
Daiitokuji Temple is located on Mount Ushitaki in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture. Colorful leaves cover the entire mountain, making it one of Osaka's most popular autumn destinations.
The most iconic location is the Tahoto pagoda, an important cultural property of Japan. Autumn leaves surround this vermilion tower which has stood here for about 500 years.
The best time to see the autumn leaves here is from mid- to late November. The colorful contrast of the idyllic green mountains, the fiery Tahoto, and the red autumn leaves create such a powerful landscape, you can practically feel it burning itself into your memories.
In addition to Tahoto, many other old buildings stand out amongst the dazzling autumn leaves, including the bell tower and the gates. If you follow the mountain path, you'll even come upon a magnificent waterfall. There's also a Maple Festival held every November when the autumn leaves have reached their peak. The delicious gourmet at the food stalls is certainly something to look forward to!
To access, ride the Nankai Main Line to Kishiwada Station, transfer to the Nankai Wing Bus bound for Ushitakisan, and ride (about 50 minutes) to the last stop. Your visit will feel just like a hiking trip!
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Daiitokuji Temple大威徳寺
- Address 1178-1, Osawacho, Kishiwada Shi, Osaka, 596-0114, Japan
・Hours: 8:00AM-4:00PM
・Admission: Free
・Closed: Open daily
*Road to waterfall currently closed due to landslide as of October 2021. Reopening time TBD.
Daisen Park (Sakaihigashi Station): Stroll Through A Vast Japanese Garden
Daisen Park encompasses a vast site of about 380,000 square meters, and is a popular leisure spot for residents of Sakai City, Osaka. You can see the autumn leaves in the park's Japanese garden from mid- to late November.
One highlight of this garden is the artificial hill made in the image of a scenic spot, Mount Lu in Jiangxi Province, China. Admire the beautiful scenery of the autumn leaves reflected on the pond's surface. Take a break and enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets in the garden.
There's a light-up after sunset during the fall season in Daisen Park that offers a view that's different from daytime but just as spectacular.
The row of ginkgo trees in front of the Peace Tower in the northern part of Daisen Park is another popular fall viewing spot. The ginkgo leaves change color all at once into a beautiful, brilliant yellow. Together with the Peace Tower, which was built in the hopes of achieving world peace, it is a beautiful scene to behold.
To access, ride the Nankai-Koya Line to Sakaihigashi Station, then transfer to the Nankai Bus Rural Line. Ride to Daisen Park Nishi and walk for about 5 minutes. The Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku, which is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Osaka, is right next to the north side of the park, so you may want to stop by there as well!
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Daisen Park大仙公園
- Address Daisennakamachi, Sakai-ku, Sakai, Osaka 590-0801
・Open: March-November: 9:00AM-5:00PM; December-February: 9:30AM-4:30PM (Last entry 30 min before closing)
・Admission: Japanese Garden: Adults 200 yen, Students (Elementary/Junior High): 100 yen
・Closed: Every Monday (Closed the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday), New Year's Holiday
Kanshinji Temple (Kawachi-Nagano Station): A Japanese National Treasure Surrounded by Beautiful Autumn Leaves
Kanshinji Temple in Kawachinagano City, Osaka Prefecture, was founded in 701. Legend has it that Kukai, the monk famous for spreading Buddhism in Japan, visited this temple in 808 to offer a prayer in honor of the Big Dipper.
The temple's highlight is the kondo, the main hall of the temple, and the oldest national treasure in Osaka. This rare and valuable building combines various ancient architectural styles. Maples and ginkgo color the precincts from early to late November.
The approach from the gate to the main hall is also dyed with the colors of the autumn leaves. In addition to the main hall, Kanshinji has many historical attractions, including buildings that once housed famous military commanders. Feel free to stroll around when coming to view the autumn leaves!
To access, ride the Nankai Takano Line to Kawachinagano Station and transfer to one of the following buses: the Nankai Bus Kobuka Line Kongosan Ropeway Mae, the Ishimigawa line, or the Kobukidai Danchi Line. Get off at the Kanshinji bus stop.
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Kanshinji Temple観心寺
- Address 475, Teramoto, Kawachinagano Shi, Osaka, 586-0053
- Phone Number 0721-62-2134
・Phone: 0721-62-2134
・Hours: 9:00AM-5:00PM (Last entry: 4:30PM)
・Admission: Adults: 300 yen, Students (Elementary/Junior High): 100 yen
・Closed: Open daily
Kongoji (Kawachi-Nagano Station): An Impressive Garden Full of Fallen Leaves
Kongoji Temple is another great autumn viewing spot in Kawachinagano City, Osaka Prefecture, also known as a cultural heritage site of Japan. One spot to see is the Kanzoin Garden, a dry garden with no ponds or streams. Especially impressive is the green carpet-like moss.
The best time to see the autumn leaves is from late October to the end of November. You can even see the gorgeous Japanese scenery of the fallen maple leaves scattered about the moss at the end of November.
Kongoji Temple is also known as Nyonin-kouya, as women were allowed to worship here, as opposed to Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture, where women were once not allowed.
You can feel the depth of history within the precincts with its white walls, red bridges, and beautiful autumn leaves. The garden is in the Honbo (main temple) area of the vast precincts. In the Garan temple area, you can see the main hall, the Tahoto, and the bell tower, which were renovated in 2019.
To access, ride the Nankai-Koya Line to Kawachi-Nagano Station and transfer to the Nankai Bus bound for Komeiike, Makio Junior High School, or Cycle Sports Center. Get off at Mt. Amano bus stop.
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Amanosan Kongoji Temple天野山 金剛寺
- Address 996, Amanocho, Kawachinagano Shi, Osaka Fu, 586-0086
- Phone Number 0721-52-2046
・Hours: 9:00AM-4:30PM
・Admission: 400 yen (Garan Honbo General Admission)
・Closed: Open daily
Mount Inunaki (Izumisano Station): Hiking Through The Mountains During Peak Fall Season
Mount Inunaki towers over the backwoods of Izumisano City, where Kansai International Airport is located. It's also a famous spot for viewing autumn colors.
From mid- to late November, you can enjoy the autumn leaves while strolling along the hiking course. The mountain was once a sacred place for Japan's unique religion, Shugendo, and still retains the atmosphere of a power spot. The mountain roads leading to Shipporyuji Temple also boast a mystical, magical view.
Mount Inunaki is home to 48 waterfalls of all sizes. You can also enjoy the autumn leaves while taking in the negative ions off the area near the waterfall. We also recommend stopping by Mount Inunaki Onsen, the only hot spring village in Osaka Prefecture. It's the perfect spot to relieve any exhaustion after your hike!
To access, ride the Nankai Main Line to Izumisano Station and transfer to the Nankai Bus bound for Mount Inunaki. It only takes about 30 minutes. The hiking route from the Mount Inunaki bus stop to Shipporyuji Temple takes about 40 minutes one way.
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Mt. Inunaki犬鳴山
- Address Ogi, Izumisano Shi, Osaka, 598-0023
Free to enter
Text by: K.K. Bikoo Kobo
*Information in this article as of November 2021. Please see official website for the latest information.
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*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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