Autumn Leaf Viewing in Kansai region – Kobe, Osaka, Himeji

Post date: Monday, November 20, 2017

Wondering where to go for Koyo (Autumn Leaf viewing)? Famous places in the Kansai region such as Buddhist temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto are not the only places to enjoy Koyo. There are other wonderful spots to enjoy Koyo in the cities of Kobe, Osaka and Himeji.

Here are some famous places we recommend visiting to enjoy the Koyo scenery during your stay in Japan.

Kobe, Suma Rikyu Park

Suma Rikyu Park has a full-scale European style garden with very large grounds that used to be the location of a villa for the Imperial Family called “Muko Rikyu.” In the center of the park is a fountain square made up of multiple fountains from where you can look out over the Gulf of Osaka.

Seasonal trees and flowers can be enjoyed year round in the park. During autumn the recommended spot to visit is Midori-taki (Green Waterfall,) where colored maple leaves hanging against the waterfall are reflected on the water’s surface giving it the look of a brocade patterned cloth. A path running along the a row of maple trees, called the Maple Trees Path, becomes a tunnel of orange, red and yellow during Autumn.

Suma Rikyu Park Website http://www.kobe-park.or.jp/rikyu/index.html

Osaka, Osaka Castle Park

Osaka Castle is a well known place in Osaka and its surrounding area is beautifully maintained with lush greenery. During this time of autumn, rows of ginkgo trees on the east side of the park and a 200 year old, large ginkgo tree in the Honmaru Square are not to ben missed. We recommend experiencing the autumn scenery of fall leaves on the background of the castle tower.

MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO re-opened this October after a renovation of its historical facilities in the park including brand new cafes and restaurants. There are also BBQ spaces on the rooftop floor with a direct view of the castle tower.

Osaka Castle Park Website

http://osakacastlepark.jp/

MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO Website https://www.miraiza.jp/

Himeji, Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle, which is registered as Japanese national treasure as well as world's cultural heritage, is a wonderful sightseeing spots to be able to visit throughout the year. It attracts even more visitors during Koyo when the castle’s surrounding tree’s foliage changes color.

The light up event, called Himeji Castle Fantasy Illuminations, is now open at night. It consists of approximately 100,000 multi-colored LED lights that twinkle to music, transporting you into a fantasy world.

There is a traditional Japanese style pond surrounding garden called Koko-en Garden next to Himeji Castle. There are a total of 9 big and small beautifully landscaped gardens on the castle’s land. The autumn leaves combined with the scenery of Himeji Castle, also known as Shirasagi-jo (Egret Castle) for its white-colored appearance, is extraordinary scenery that can only be viewed here. The gardens are lit up with illuminations so that you can enjoy a different atmosphere during the nighttime.

Himeji Castle Nishioyashiki-ato Garden Koko-en Website http://himeji-machishin.jp/ryokka/kokoen/