Top 10hikeOsaka

Top 10 Best Places to Hike in Osaka

Escape Osaka's urban energy on scenic hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty surrounding Japan's kitchen. From the maple-covered slopes of Minoo Park to the challenging peaks of Mount Kongo, Osaka offers diverse outdoor adventures just a short train ride from the city center.

Updated January 21, 2026

All-Time Best

1.

Minoo Park Waterfall Trail

Minoo Park Waterfall Trail
$
1-18 Minokoenshita, Minoo, Osaka 562-0002, Japan

A picturesque 2.8km trail through forested ravines leading to Minoo's famous 33-meter waterfall. The path passes temples, maple groves, and shops selling the area's famous fried maple leaf treats.

Highlights

  • 33-meter waterfall
  • Fried maple leaf snacks
  • Ancient temple
  • Year-round beauty
Also available on:Book Tour
waterfallforesteasymaple-trees
2.

Mount Kongo

Mount Kongo
$
Chihayaakasaka, Minamikawachi District, Osaka 585-0051, Japan

Osaka Prefecture's highest peak at 1,125m offers challenging trails through pristine forests. Popular year-round, the mountain features rope-assisted sections and stunning views from the summit.

Highlights

  • Highest peak in Osaka
  • Rope climbing sections
  • Panoramic views
  • Winter ice trees
Also available on:Book Guided Hike
mountainchallengingsummitforest
3.

Mount Ikoma

Mount Ikoma
$
Kadoma-oji, Ikoma, Nara 630-0266, Japan

A popular mountain straddling Osaka and Nara with multiple trails for all skill levels. The summit features an amusement park and shrine, with cable car access for an easier return journey.

Highlights

  • Multiple trail options
  • Cable car available
  • Summit amusement park
  • Historic shrine
Also available on:Book Tour
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4.

Katsuoji Temple Trail

Katsuoji Temple Trail
$
2914-1 Aomatani, Minoo, Osaka 562-8508, Japan

Hike through forest paths to this victory-bringing temple famous for its thousands of daruma dolls. The extensive grounds offer peaceful walking among seasonal flowers and pagodas.

Highlights

  • Thousands of daruma dolls
  • Beautiful temple grounds
  • Seasonal flowers
  • Peaceful atmosphere
Also available on:Book Tour
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5.

Hoshida Park Suspension Bridge

Hoshida Park Suspension Bridge
$
5019-1 Hoshida, Katano, Osaka 576-0011, Japan

Cross the thrilling 280-meter Star Forest suspension bridge, one of Japan's largest, then explore the network of forest trails in this scenic nature park northeast of Osaka.

Highlights

  • 280m suspension bridge
  • Rock climbing area
  • Forest trails
  • Observation decks
Also available on:Book Adventure Tour
suspension-bridgeforestadventurescenic
6.

Diamond Trail

Diamond Trail
$
Chihayaakasaka, Minamikawachi District, Osaka 585-0051, Japan

A challenging 45km long-distance trail connecting Mount Kongo with other peaks in the Kongo-Ikoma mountain range. Tackle sections for day hikes or attempt the full multi-day journey.

Highlights

  • 45km total length
  • Multiple peaks
  • Section hiking possible
  • Wilderness experience
Also available on:Book Guided Hike
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7.

Osaka Castle Park

Osaka Castle Park
$
1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka 540-0002, Japan

Explore 105 hectares of parkland surrounding Osaka's iconic castle, with walking paths, plum and cherry groves, shrines, and moats perfect for an urban nature experience.

Highlights

  • Iconic castle views
  • Cherry blossom groves
  • Historic sites
  • Free park entry
Also available on:Book Castle Tour
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8.

Mount Iwawakisan

Mount Iwawakisan
$
Iwawaki, Kishiwada, Osaka 596-0114, Japan

A sacred mountain with well-maintained trails leading past Buddhist statues, rock formations, and peaceful temples. The varied terrain offers both easy and challenging route options.

Highlights

  • Buddhist statues on trail
  • Rock formations
  • Temple at summit
  • Forest bathing
Also available on:Book Hike
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9.

Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park

Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park
$
2 Chome Ryokuchikouen, Tsurumi Ward, Osaka 538-0036, Japan

A sprawling urban park created for the 1990 International Garden Festival, featuring international gardens, walking paths, windmills, and seasonal flower displays across 120 hectares.

Highlights

  • International gardens
  • Windmill landmark
  • Seasonal flowers
  • Exercise trails
Also available on:Book Park Tour
urbangardenseasyfamily-friendly
10.

Nakayama Temple Pilgrimage Path

Nakayama Temple Pilgrimage Path
$
1 Nakayamadera, Takarazuka, Hyogo 665-0861, Japan

Walk the ancient pilgrimage route to Nakayama Temple, known for safe childbirth prayers. The wooded path offers a spiritual journey through nature to this important temple.

Highlights

  • Historic pilgrimage route
  • Ancient temple
  • Peaceful forest
  • Cultural significance
Also available on:Book Pilgrimage Tour
pilgrimagetemplespiritualhistoric

Best of 2026

1.

Minoo Park Waterfall Trail

Minoo Park Waterfall Trail
$
1-18 Minokoenshita, Minoo, Osaka 562-0002, Japan

A picturesque 2.8km trail through forested ravines leading to Minoo's famous 33-meter waterfall. The path passes temples, maple groves, and shops selling the area's famous fried maple leaf treats.

Highlights

  • 33-meter waterfall
  • Fried maple leaf snacks
  • Ancient temple
  • Year-round beauty
Also available on:Book Tour
waterfallforesteasymaple-trees
2.

Mount Kongo

Mount Kongo
$
Chihayaakasaka, Minamikawachi District, Osaka 585-0051, Japan

Osaka Prefecture's highest peak at 1,125m offers challenging trails through pristine forests. Popular year-round, the mountain features rope-assisted sections and stunning views from the summit.

Highlights

  • Highest peak in Osaka
  • Rope climbing sections
  • Panoramic views
  • Winter ice trees
Also available on:Book Guided Hike
mountainchallengingsummitforest
3.

Hoshida Park Suspension Bridge

Hoshida Park Suspension Bridge
$
5019-1 Hoshida, Katano, Osaka 576-0011, Japan

Cross the thrilling 280-meter Star Forest suspension bridge, one of Japan's largest, then explore the network of forest trails in this scenic nature park northeast of Osaka.

Highlights

  • 280m suspension bridge
  • Rock climbing area
  • Forest trails
  • Observation decks
Also available on:Book Adventure Tour
suspension-bridgeforestadventurescenic

Spring Hikes

1.

Osaka Castle Park Cherry Blossom Walk

Osaka Castle Park Cherry Blossom Walk
$
1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka 540-0002, Japan

Experience one of Japan's best hanami spots with over 3,000 cherry trees blooming around Osaka Castle. The West Garden and South Garden offer particularly stunning sakura viewing.

Highlights

  • 3,000+ cherry trees
  • Castle backdrop
  • Evening illumination
  • Picnic areas
Also available on:Book Sakura Tour
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2.

Mount Yoshino Day Trip

Mount Yoshino Day Trip
$$
Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Nara 639-3115, Japan

Take a day trip from Osaka to Japan's most famous cherry blossom mountain, where 30,000 cherry trees create waves of pink across the hillsides in spring.

Highlights

  • 30,000 cherry trees
  • UNESCO World Heritage
  • Mountain trails
  • Temple visits
Also available on:Book Day Trip
cherry-blossomsmountainday-tripunesco

Summer Hikes

1.

Minoo Park Early Morning Hike

Minoo Park Early Morning Hike
$
1-18 Minokoenshita, Minoo, Osaka 562-0002, Japan

Beat the summer heat with an early morning hike to Minoo Falls, where the forested valley and waterfall mist provide natural air conditioning on hot days.

Highlights

  • Cooling waterfall mist
  • Shaded forest trail
  • Early morning serenity
  • Beat the crowds
Also available on:Book Morning Tour
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2.

Mount Kongo Forest Trail

Mount Kongo Forest Trail
$
Chihayaakasaka, Minamikawachi District, Osaka 585-0051, Japan

Escape to Osaka's highest peak where temperatures are several degrees cooler. The dense forest canopy provides shade while the elevation brings refreshing mountain air.

Highlights

  • Cooler temperatures
  • Dense shade
  • Mountain streams
  • Rewarding summit
Also available on:Book Hike
mountaincoolforestescape-heat

Fall Hikes

1.

Minoo Park Autumn Colors

Minoo Park Autumn Colors
$
1-18 Minokoenshita, Minoo, Osaka 562-0002, Japan

Witness Osaka's most spectacular autumn display as the maple-filled valley transforms into a corridor of red and gold. The famous momiji tempura (fried maple leaves) are a must-try fall treat.

Highlights

  • Spectacular fall colors
  • Momiji tempura snacks
  • Peak mid-November
  • Waterfall backdrop
Also available on:Book Fall Tour
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2.

Katsuoji Temple Fall Foliage

Katsuoji Temple Fall Foliage
$
2914-1 Aomatani, Minoo, Osaka 562-8508, Japan

Explore the daruma-dotted grounds of Katsuoji Temple surrounded by brilliant autumn colors. The contrast of red leaves and colorful daruma dolls makes for unique photography.

Highlights

  • Daruma with fall colors
  • Temple grounds
  • Unique photo ops
  • Less crowded option
Also available on:Book Fall Tour
autumntempledarumaphotography

Winter Hikes

1.

Mount Kongo Winter Wonderland

Mount Kongo Winter Wonderland
$
Chihayaakasaka, Minamikawachi District, Osaka 585-0051, Japan

Experience Osaka's winter magic on Mount Kongo, where frost-covered trees create ethereal ice formations called juhyo. The winter landscape transforms the mountain into a wonderland.

Highlights

  • Ice tree formations
  • Snow-covered trails
  • Clear winter views
  • Hot drinks at summit
Also available on:Book Winter Hike
wintersnowice-treeschallenging
2.

Osaka Castle Park Winter Walk

Osaka Castle Park Winter Walk
$
1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka 540-0002, Japan

Enjoy peaceful winter walks through Osaka Castle Park when crowds are minimal. The castle looks striking against winter skies, and plum blossoms begin blooming in late February.

Highlights

  • Fewer crowds
  • Clear winter air
  • Early plum blossoms
  • Castle photography
Also available on:Book Tour
wintercastleplum-blossomspeaceful

Frequently Asked Questions

For beginners, Minoo Park offers an easy 2.8km paved trail to a beautiful waterfall. Osaka Castle Park provides flat urban walking with historic views. Mount Ikoma has gentler routes with cable car options. These trails require no special equipment and are accessible year-round with good transportation links from central Osaka.

Take the Nankai Koya Line from Namba Station to Kawachinagano Station (about 40 minutes), then transfer to a Nankai Bus bound for Kongo Ropeway (30 minutes). The ropeway operates seasonally. For hiking the full trail, get off at Kongo-Tozan-guchi bus stop. The whole journey takes about 1.5 hours from central Osaka.

Peak autumn colors in Osaka typically occur from mid-November to early December. Minoo Park is the most famous spot, usually reaching peak colors around November 20-30. Mount Kongo and Katsuoji Temple also offer excellent fall foliage. The timing varies yearly based on weather, so check local forecasts before visiting.

Yes, Mount Kongo (1,125m) offers the most challenging hike in Osaka Prefecture with steep sections and rope-assisted climbs. The Diamond Trail provides a 45km long-distance option for experienced hikers. Mount Iwawaki and the Kongo-Ikoma traverse offer moderate challenges with technical sections. Always bring proper gear and check weather conditions.

Yes, several hiking areas offer nearby onsen. After hiking Mount Kongo, visit the Kongo Ropeway area's facilities. The Arima Onsen resort is accessible after Mount Rokko hikes. Minoo has day-use onsen facilities in the town. Many hikers enjoy the Japanese tradition of soaking in hot springs after a long day on the trails.