It’s November again, which is a good time to go to Japan to see the autumn leaves. With the recent low exchange rate of the Japanese yen, it’s even more reason to visit Japan and take some photos! The timing for viewing autumn leaves varies depending on the location, but in the Kansai Osaka area, it’s generally from early November to early December, with the best viewing time around December 3rd. If you’re about to embark on a trip to Osaka, you might want to bookmark these few maple viewing spots!
1. Minoh National Park
One of the famous attractions in Osaka, surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, only a half-hour drive from Osaka city. While enjoying the autumn leaves, you can also admire the majestic Minoh Waterfall, which has been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls, along the park trail. The street leading to Minoh National Park also has food stalls and small shops.
2. Osaka Castle Park
Located in the center of Osaka, there are beautiful natural landscapes all year round. In the park, there is a castle tower and other historical sites that can be visited, allowing you to appreciate the autumn scenery while experiencing the historical and cultural atmosphere.
Further reading:
- 【Christmas Destination 2023】Hong Kong Disneyland’s New Christmas Music Live, Magical Dream Castle New Year Countdown!
- teamLab Winter Limited Exhibition! Interact with Hand-Drawn Christmas Patterns/IG-able Immersive Light and Shadow Photo Spots
- Tokyo’s “Magic Literature Museum” opens on November 3rd! The dreamy strawberry-colored decor recreates the town from “Kiki’s Delivery Service”!
3. Wanbo Memorial Park
Wanbo Memorial Park has a Japanese-style garden, complemented by a sea of vibrant red maple leaves, creating a picturesque scene that is perfect for Instagram! The park also features a Sun Tower, a Folk Museum, and a Natural Cultural Park, making it a great place to explore and spend half a day.
4. Star Field
A maple leaf paradise in the city of Koyo, surrounded by stunning maple leaf scenery, is the largest swing bridge in Japan, measuring 280 meters in length. Walking on it allows you to fully appreciate the breathtaking beauty! Additionally, you can also visit the observation deck to overlook the picturesque mountain forest scenery, resembling a watercolor painting.
5. Hachise Daibara Ruriko Temple
Located in Higashiyama, Kyoto, the Yase Ohara Rurikoin is a vast 12,000 square meter estate that served as a recuperation retreat for aristocrats and samurais during the Heian period. In the late Taisho era to the early Showa era, it was renovated and transformed into the main temple of Yase, and later opened to the public for visitation.
Everyone steps inside and sits on the tatami mat, where they can enjoy the beautiful maple leaves outside the garden. The reflection of the maple leaves outside the window will also be projected onto the floor inside, creating a beautiful and dreamy scene known as the “most beautiful window view”!
