Osaka Nature & Hikes for Tourists
Osaka is Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo. 7% of Japan's population resides in Osaka. Additionally, about 10% of the foreign residents in Japan are concentrated in Osaka.
Furthermore, Osaka's city center boasts high-rise buildings such as "Abeno Harukas," the second tallest building in Japan, and the Umeda Sky Building.
Despite being a metropolis, Osaka is full of nature, allowing tourists to enjoy green spaces as a break from sightseeing. The city is dotted with lush parks, including "Osaka Castle Park," which serve as relaxation spots for both residents and tourists.
Moreover, there are many spots where you can enjoy authentic trails while experiencing the changing seasons, just a short distance from the city center.
In this article, we'll introduce easily accessible nature spots in the city center where you can take a breather, as well as recommended hiking spots where you can experience great nature a little away from the center.
Osaka has many easily enjoyable nature spots
Although not well-known among tourists, Osaka has many spots where you can easily enjoy nature. Even in the city center, there are plenty of spots where you can take a break while feeling nature, such as "Osaka Castle Park," where you can enjoy seasonal changes like cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
The well-developed train network in Osaka City allows you to easily access your desired nature spots even from Umeda. Here, I'll introduce nature spots that I confidently recommend.
5 recommended spots with excellent access for enjoying nature as a break from sightseeing
Osaka Castle Park
"Osaka Castle Park" (Osaka Jo Park) is a nature-rich park spreading in the middle of the metropolis. It's directly connected to "Osaka Jo Park Station" on the JR Loop Line (Kanjousen), making it easily accessible from Umeda and simple to incorporate into your sightseeing plan.
It's an urban oasis where you can feel the changing seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, centered around the symbol of Osaka Castle Park, "Osaka Castle Tower" (Osaka Jo Tenshukaku).
Popular cafes like "Starbucks" and "Tully's" are scattered throughout the park. Especially, "Starbucks Osaka Castle Park Morinomiya Store" is designed to resemble the stone walls of Osaka Castle, offering a photogenic space. As the park is spacious, it's also recommended for taking breaks.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6755-4146
- URL: https://www.osakacastlepark.jp/articles/?lang=en&category[]=outline
- Admission: Free for park strolling, Osaka Castle Tower: 600 yen
If you are interested in Osaka Jo Castle, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Nakanoshima Park
"Nakanoshima Park" is located on a sandbar between the Dojima River and the Tosabori River flowing through the city center.
Nakanoshima Park, where you can feel the river flow and time passes slowly, is loved by citizens as an oasis. About 3,700 rose bushes are planted in the center of the park, and during the blooming seasons in May and October, the roses bloom beautifully, transforming the park into an even more vibrant space.
Nakanoshima has many facilities where you can experience culture, such as the "Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art" and the "Osaka Science Museum." There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes, so it's recommended to spend a whole day leisurely sightseeing in Nakanoshima.
Nakanoshima Park is easily accessible, just a 10-minute walk from "Yodoyabashi" station after taking the "Subway Midosuji Line" from Umeda. If you want to feel nature during your Osaka sightseeing, feel free to visit.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6312-8121
- URL: https://www.osakapark.osgf.or.jp/nakanoshima/
- Admission: Free
If you are interested in Nakanoshima Area, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Nakanoshima Area as much as possible.
Kema Sakuranomiya Park (24 hours)
source:Wikipedia
"Kema Sakuranomiya Park" is a park that stretches along the banks of the "Okawa" River flowing through the city. In spring, about 4,800 cherry trees planted along the river bloom beautifully, creating a stunning space in this 4.2 km long park with green areas.
The walking path is popular among locals for jogging and walking. You can feel the murmur of the river and experience the "City of Water" Osaka, where nature and urban life coexist.
At "The Park," a buffet and lounge in the "Imperial Hotel Osaka" located on the west bank, you can enjoy a buffet while overlooking the river flow. I often visit this place, where the culinary level is high, and it's a recommended spot to fully enjoy Kema Sakuranomiya Park.
The nearest station to the park, "Sakuranomiya Station," is just two stops from Osaka Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line, making it easily accessible from Umeda.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1 Nakano-cho, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6312-8121
- URL: https://www.osakapark.osgf.or.jp/kema_sakuranomiya/
- Admission: Free
Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park (24 hours)
source:WALKER PLUS
"Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park" is a large park with an area of about 120 hectares.
In 1990, it was selected as the venue for the "International Garden and Greenery Exposition." Even now, you can view plants from all over the world along with exotic monuments.
The scenery of the "Windmill Hill," where different plants like cosmos, sunflowers, and tulips bloom in full depending on the season, is a must-see.
In addition to beautiful plants, the park is full of activities like horseback riding, park golf, and hot springs, making it enjoyable for a whole day. With pools and athletic facilities, it's also recommended for families with children.
It's directly connected to the subway "Tsurumi Ryokuchi" station and can be accessed in about 30 minutes from major tourist spots like Umeda and Tennoji.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 2-163 Ryokuchi Koen, Tsurumi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 24-hour entry possible (excluding some areas)
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6911-8787
- URL: https://www.tsurumi-ryokuchi.jp/
- Admission: Free / Sakuya Konohana Kan: 500 yen
If you are interested in Cherry Blossom Spots, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Cherry Blossom Spots as much as possible.
Osaka Tennoji Park Entrance "Tenshiba"
Source: Official website
"Tenshiba" is a grassy plaza spreading at the entrance of "Osaka Tennoji Park," which houses "Tennoji Zoo" and "Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts." From this open plaza, you can leisurely view the scenery of the metropolis.
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants within "Tennoshiba," and events that citizens and tourists can enjoy are constantly held on holidays.
It's located right next to JR "Tennoji Station," so it's easily accessible from the station. The surrounding area is full of popular tourist spots like "Abeno Harukas" and "Shinsekai." It's especially recommended for those looking for an easily accessible nature spot to take a breather.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-108 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 7:00 - 22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6773-0860
- URL: https://www.tennoji-park.jp/
- Admission: Free
For those who want to enjoy sightseeing actively, a bicycle tour around tourist spots is also recommended!
For those who want to enjoy sightseeing actively while feeling the wind, a bicycle tour around tourist spots is also recommended. You can take photos while riding a bicycle and efficiently visit tourist spots with breaks in between.
The "4-Hour Osaka Highlights Bike Tour with Lunch" covers about 11 kilometers in 4 hours. Along with a local guide, you'll visit Osaka Castle, which we introduced earlier, as well as shrines and shopping streets. It's a content-rich tour that includes lunch featuring the soul food okonomiyaki and a break at a green tea cafe.
You can also discover the charms of Osaka's streets that you might miss when moving by train. Please try to taste the air of Osaka while feeling the wind!
If you are interested in Walking Tours in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Walking Tours as much as possible.
Hiking is also possible! Introducing spots where you can enjoy authentic trails by difficulty level
3 trail courses that even beginners can enjoy with peace of mind
Minoo Waterfall Area Course
Source:Rurubu
[Minoo Waterfall Walking Course]
This is a walking course from Minoo Station on the Hankyu Railway to Minoo Waterfall, which is selected as one of the "100 Best Waterfalls in Japan." It's a round-trip course of about 6 kilometers that takes about 3 hours, recommended even for those who are not confident in their physical strength.
One of the charms of this course is that you can easily enjoy hiking as the station is the starting point. As you walk along the waterfall path leading to Minoo Waterfall, you can constantly feel the murmur of the river, providing an excellent healing effect. The 33-meter-tall Minoo Waterfall at the goal is awe-inspiring and sure to impress.
Along the way, you'll see cafes, souvenir shops, and stores selling "Momiji Tempura." This is a snack made by coating maple leaves that have been salt-pickled for a year with batter and deep-frying them. It's a unique snack that you can only taste here. Even as a Japanese person, I find it unusual, so please try it if you come across it.
- Address: Minoo Park, Minoo City, Osaka Prefecture
- Access: From Umeda, take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to "Ishibashi-Handai-mae" Station, then change to the Hankyu Minoo Line and get off at "Minoo" Station
- URL: https://www.mino-park.jp/
Minoo Waterfall is also famous as a spot for autumn leaves. The combination of red autumn leaves and the waterfall is breathtakingly beautiful. If you want to enjoy the autumn leaves, mid-November to early December is recommended.
Katsuoji Temple to Seishoen Course
Source:WEATHER NEWS
[Katsuoji Minamiyama Hiking Course]
This course traverses from Katsuoji Temple, famous for its "Victory Daruma," to Seishoen at the foot of the mountain. You'll aim for the summit of "Katsuoji Minamiyama" at an elevation of 407m, descending via the "Utsugi Valley Forest Road."
Along the forest road, a stream flows, allowing you to enjoy the climb while feeling the coolness of the water along with the clear air. The view of Minoo City from the summit of Katsuoji Minamiyama is spectacular, and on a clear day, you can even see "Abeno Harukas," the tallest building in Osaka.
It takes about 2 hours and while it's a forest road course with little foot traffic, it's well-maintained and easy to walk.
Katsuoji Temple is believed to bring victory in sports, exams, and other competitive endeavors if you pray there. You can see Daruma dolls (red dolls with beards) all over the temple grounds. It feels good to hike down to the foot of the mountain while enjoying the clean air after visiting the temple.
- Address: Katsuodera, Minoo City, Osaka Prefecture
- Access: From Umeda, take the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line to "Minoo Kayano Station," then take the Hankyu Bus bound for "Katsuoji" and get off at "Katsuoji." Travel time is about 22 minutes. When descending, it's about a 20-minute walk to "Minoo Kayano Station"
- URL: https://katsuo-ji-temple.or.jp/access/index.php
Katsuoji Temple is also famous for its autumn leaves. In mid-November, the mountain is vividly colored in red and yellow. The scenery of the temple gate surrounded by red foliage is very vibrant. You can enjoy hiking while experiencing the beautiful contrast of autumn colors.
Hiraoka Mountain Observation Deck Course
Source:pikahiga.jp
[Hiraoka Mountain Observation Deck Hiking Course]
This course starts from "Hiraoka Station" on the Kintetsu Nara Line, passes through "Hiraoka Shrine" at the foot of the mountain, and aims for the "Hiraoka Mountain Observation Deck." The Hiraoka Mountain Observation Deck is located at an altitude of 268m. Being close to ground level, you can clearly view the cityscape of Osaka.
On a clear day, you can see as far as Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture. You can reach the observation deck in about 40 minutes from the station, making it a course where you can easily enjoy forest bathing.
Hiraoka Shrine at the foot of the mountain is a shrine surrounded by nature in the forest. Water constantly springs from the "Terunosawa Pond" in the precincts. As the name suggests, when sunlight reflects on the pond, the water surface sparkles, creating a mystical beauty.
Although it's a short course that takes less than an hour, it's a recommended course where you can enjoy both the beauty of nature and spectacular views.
- Address: Izumoihonmachi, Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Access: To Hiraoka Shrine: From "Osaka-Namba" on the Kintetsu Nara Line, get off at "Hiraoka Station" and walk for 6 minutes
To Hiraoka Mountain Observation Deck: From "Osaka-Namba" on the Kintetsu Nara Line, get off at "Hiraoka Station" and walk for about 40 minutes
- URL: https://hiraoka.osaka-park.or.jp/
Hiraoka Mountain is famous for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall. By late November, the mountain turns red, and in late March, it's beautifully colored in pink. This course is especially recommended for those looking for a trail where you can feel the nature of the four seasons.
If you are interested in Autumn Foliage Spots, check the article below! I summarized Autumn Foliage Spots I recommend and how I felt each Spot.
2 courses where you can enjoy authentic trails in Osaka's nature
Mount Kongo
Source:Wikipedia
[Chihaya Hondo Route Hiking Course]
Mount Kongo is a 1125m high mountain straddling Osaka and Nara Prefectures. It's famous as the highest mountain in Osaka.
While Mount Kongo is said to have 48 routes, the most popular is the "Chihaya Hondo" route. It's a course that takes about 3.5 hours from start to finish, including breaks. It's well-maintained with plenty of guide signs. With many other hikers, even women hiking alone can enjoy the climb with peace of mind.
At the Mount Kongo summit plaza, you can enjoy light meals like coffee and udon at the shop. "Montbell" goods that are only available here are also popular.
If you climb about 10 minutes further, you'll reach "Katsuragi Shrine" with its impressive vermilion lanterns. This quiet and sacred shrine is loved by climbers as a power spot.
At the foot of the mountain, there are many shops and cafes including "Montbell," so it's also recommended to take a break after enjoying hiking.
Access: From "Namba" on the Nankai Electric Railway, take the "Koya Line" to "Kawachinagano Station," then take the Nankai Bus "Kobuka Line" and get off at "Kongo Tozanguchi"
URL: https://www.chihayaakasaka.org/tourism/kongo.html
Mount Kongo is also famous as a spot for autumn leaves. It gets crowded with hikers enjoying the autumn leaves in mid-November. From late March, you can enjoy cherry blossoms and other flowers.
Also, snow accumulates in January and February. You can encounter a different face of Mount Kongo than usual. Regardless of the season, make sure to prepare adequately with appropriate clothing and shoes before climbing.
Mount Iwawaki
Source:otent
[Mount Iwawaki Hiking Course]
Mount Iwawaki is a mountain surrounded by an 897m mountain range. It's popular for its open view from the summit.
The standard hiking course starts from "Takihata Dam," aims for the summit, and then heads towards "Kimitoge Station" on the Nankai Electric Railway line. It's a full-fledged hiking course with a total length of 11.5km. It takes about 4 hours to reach the goal at Kimitoge Station, but there are no significant elevation changes, allowing for a leisurely hike.
A characteristic of many Japanese mountains is that the area near the summit is surrounded by trees, but the area near the summit of Mount Iwawaki is an open space with only chest-high grass. The surroundings offer a 360-degree view of mountains, allowing you to fully experience the great outdoors.
In autumn, the pampas grass near the summit shines golden, creating a fantastic space. It's quite a journey to get here, but the emotion you'll encounter is equally grand.
Access: From "Namba" on the Nankai Electric Railway, take the "Koya Line" to "Kawachinagano Station," then take the Hino/Takihata Community Bus and get off at "Takihata Dam"
While you can enjoy hiking throughout the year on this mountain rich in vegetation, autumn is especially recommended. From October to November, the pampas grass that grows naturally near the summit shines golden, creating a photogenic space.
Precautions when embarking on trails
Make sure to plan thoroughly before going on a trail. While most of the courses introduced here are well-maintained, accidents are inevitable in nature. To prevent injuries, wear long pants and sneakers. There have been many accidents involving tourists hiking in light clothing. Absolutely avoid hiking in heels or sandals.
Also, refrain from hiking on days with bad weather or when you're not feeling well.
Buses accessing the mountains are limited in number. Act with plenty of time to spare so that you don't "miss the last bus back."
Also, mountains are natural. Please don't litter on the mountain. Bring a plastic bag for your trash.