Autumn in Osaka

4:54 AM

In Osaka, you can enjoy the fall foliage at the Osaka Castle Grounds and different parks. If you have a half to a full day, you should head up to Minoh. 








OSAKA CASTLE

Enjoy fall foliage of cherry, maple and gingko trees on the castle grounds. One of Osaka's iconic sights, the Osaka Castle is among the must-see spots. The grounds are beautiful and it;s great to walk around the park (Osaka -Koen). Even beautiful in the Spring when cherry blossoms are at it's peak and in the fall to enjoy the Koyo or autumn foliage. 

The Castle itself is a replica which houses a museum and an observatory on its top deck. 

I wouldn't advise going inside the castle itself. There is usually a long line to go inside even before it opens. You aren't allowed to take photos in the museum part. The view on the observation area is beautiful but is a little blocked with the wire fencing around. There is just a few elevators going up and you'll have to take the stairs going down. Stairs is quite narrow and is usually packed with numerous visitors. 

 





I'd suggest visiting early in the day to avoid the crowds and would work your way down. Start with the observatory then go down to the museum and displays. If availing of the Osaka Amazing Pass, entrance is free. You'll just present your Osaka Amazing Pass ticket to enter. 

There are souvenir shops inside the castle and around the park. There is a machine that sells medals you can personalize with your name and dates your visit in the park. You have the option to purchase a keychain holder or necklace to hold the pendant. 

There is also a time capsule that is buried in front of the castle. Look for the marker.  Enjoy some soft ice cream and some souvenir shopping around the park. 

The Castle is about 15 minute walk from either Morinomiya, Osakajo koen, or Tanimachiyonchome Stations. 

I use the Morinomiya station and have a pleasant walk up. It's close to where buses park, so there won't be a problem getting lost since all you need to do is follow the tourists going in.  


From Morinomiya exit 1 or 3B, walk up to the grounds passing the Southern outer moat on your left, then continue up the driveway towards the Sakuramon Gate then enter. You'll approach the castle's main tower from the front. There are souvenir stands in the left side and the time capsule is in the middle part of the area. 

•   Website: http://www.osakacastle.net/english/museum/index.html
•   Entrance Fee: Y600 Museum, Castle Grounds:  Free
•   Nearest Train Station: Morinomiya (Chuo Exit # 1 , 3-B or Nagahori Tsurumiryokchi Line Exit # 3-B) ; Tanimachi 4 Chome Station (Chuo Line Exit # 9) / tanimachi line)  or Osakajo Koen (JR Osaka Loop 
•   Hours of Operation: 9:00 - 5:00 PM Museum


MINOH (MINOO)







One of the favorite places to visit during this season is in Minoh (Minoo) in Northern Osaka. Admire the spectacular fall foliage of Mt. Minoh & its waterfalls in the Meiji no Mori Mino Quasi-National Park.  There are many events and activities during this season as many visitors are expected.

MINOH WATERFALLS


Just a 26 minute train ride from Umeda Station (Hankyu Line) of Osaka, you’ll reach Minoo Station. On weekends and holidays during the season a special bus is available to the Minoh Park. Otherwise you can enjoy the 2.8 km or 45 minute scenic walk to the Minoh Waterfalls. 





Along the way, there are stores and small temples you can visit. You can stop by Ryuanji Temple and try the deep fried maple leaves called “Momiji Tempura”. Another local produce you can enjoy are the different Yuzu products available. This citrus fruit is in season.
One of the oldest national parks of Japan, Mino Park is picturesque especially as the leaves turn.  Considered as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan, the hike up will definitely be worth it.

Website: http://www.mino-park.jp
Nearest Train Station: Minoo Station (Hankyū Minoo Line from)             
You can also take Northern Osaka Hankyu Bus from the express line "Senri Chuo Station" (No. 11 stop) ride to Mino Bus Stop in Minoo Park.
Entrance: Free

KATSUOJI TEMPLE


While in Minoh, you should also visit the Katsuoji Temple. This temple known for the good luck to business, sports, elections, etc. The Kachi Daruma or winning Daruma in the temple is available for purchase at the temple.

Associated with the Japanese proverb “Nana Korobi Yaoki” or “fall down seven times, get up eight”. The rounded shape makes the Daruma stand up again when knocked over. This doll reminds us to have persistence on our goals. When you first buy a Daruma doll, the eyes are blank. You’re supposed to paint one eye as you think of your goal, and then when the goal or wish is accomplished you paint the other eye completing the Daruma.

 There is an autumn illumination until late November until 7:30 PM. 










Website: http://www.katsuo-ji-temple.or.jp/katuouji_e/index.html
Entrance Fee: Y 400
Nearest Train Station: Kita Senri or Senri Chuo  then bus # 29. It’s a 2 hr walk from Minoo Station. There is a limited number of departures on week days.

Hours of Operation: 8AM-5PM Weekdays & Saturdays ; 8AM-6PM Sunday & Holidays

 Tip: To save on time and considering how early the sunsets in autumn, instead of taking the bus to Katsuoji we took a cab from Minoh Station and rode the bus on the way to Senri Chuo Station. Cab was about Y2000 and was worth it since we were able to go around at a good pace and was in time to catch the bus back at 11:18 to Senri Chuo.


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