Osaka’s Hidden Autumn Beauty, Hoshi no Buranko

There are many nice spots throughout in Osaka where you can enjoy the koyo, or autumn colors. One such place is Hoshi no Buranko in Hoshida Prefectural Park. Hoshi no Buranko is a long suspension bridge that connects two small mountains. The observation deck near the top of one mountain offers a breathtaking 360 panorama view of nearby Osaka, Kyoto, as well as the brilliantly colored leaves.

Hoshi no Buranko

Hoshida Park

From Kisaichi Station of Keihan Katano Line, head to Hoshida Park. From the station, it is about 30 minutes to Hoshida Park.

Hypothetically, you could drive to Hoshida Park. The park does have a parking lot (200 yen per hour), but it fills up really fast during koyo season, so I strongly recommend to come here by train.

Kawazoi no Michi Trail along Amanogawa River will lead you to the park. Ama no Gawa, literally means “Milky Way”. Actually, Katano City claims to be the origin of the Tanabata legend and there are many Tanabata-related places throughout the city.

There are no convenience stores near the park or even near Kisaichi station. Be sure to stock up on drinks and snacks before you come!

Once you see the rock wall, Hoshi no Buranko is just a short hike away. There are several paths you can take to get to the bridge; some paths are step stairs and some of them are long but not steep. Whatever you choose, it should take only 20 minutes or so to get to the bridge.

Hoshi no Buranko

The bridge is 280m long and 50m high!

Go a little bit further and you can go to the observation deck. From the observation deck, you can not only take a picture of beautiful koyo but you will also get to see an amazing panoramic view of Kyoto and Osaka.

Need More?

If you feel like going on an even bigger adventure (or just have a lot of energy) Hoshida Park connects to other prefecture parks such as Kurondo Park and Muroike Park. A 40km trail connects these parks, which subsequently leads to the Ikoma Juusou Hodo, Diamond Trail, and then the Kinki Shizen Hodo Trail. These trails total 300km in length, going as far as Horigo Park in the Sennan City, which is near the southeasternmost point of Osaka Prefecture.