Kema Sakuranomiya Park is one of Osaka’s most famous cherry blossom spots.
Along the Okawa River, about 4,800 cherry trees, mainly Somei Yoshino, are planted.
Although Kema Sakuranomiya Park is strongly associated with spring cherry blossoms, it also offers a lesser-known side where you can enjoy beautiful autumn cherry foliage.
This time, I took a stroll through Kema Sakuranomiya Park in autumn and enjoyed the autumn colors of the cherry trees along the Okawa River, so I’d like to share my experience!
Visit date: Sunday, November 23, around 2:30 PM
Walking Route
Along the Okawa River, there are several parks including Sakuranomiya Park, Minami Tenma Park, Kema Park, and Buson Park. Together, these parks are collectively called Kema Sakuranomiya Park.
This time, I will stroll clockwise around the area marked with the red circle on the map, which represents Sakuranomiya Park.
The walking route goes down the stairs on the south side of Genpachi Bridge and heads west along the Okawa River.
From there, it goes under the elevated Sakuranomiya Bridge → crosses Kawasaki Bridge → crosses Genpachi Bridge to return to the starting point.
Route to the riverside
You can go down the stairs on the south side of Genpachi Bridge to reach the Okawa riverside.
This bridge is along the path to the riverside, and the cherry trees on both sides are incredibly beautiful!
Enchanting Autumn Cherry Foliage by the Water
Cherry foliage along the Sakuranomiya Park walking path
There is a walking path along the Okawa River, with vibrant autumn colors of cherry trees on both sides.
On the right side, you can see some leaves have fallen, but on the left side, the leaves remain beautifully, dyed a deep crimson!
Cherry foliage and Sakuranomiya Bridge
Through the gaps between the cherry trees, you can catch a glimpse of Sakuranomiya Bridge. The sunlight streaming through sparkled like jewels, creating a fantastical photo!
Backlighting is usually a challenge for photography, but in this case, it worked perfectly.
Mint Bureau and cherry foliage
Looking across the Okawa River, the cherry trees in front of the Mint Bureau were also beautifully colored.
The combination of the Mint Bureau’s unique architecture and the autumn cherry foliage makes for a picturesque scene!
Curved row of cherry trees at the river bend
Here’s the view at the point where the river bends👇
As you can see, the row of cherry trees curves beautifully. This is definitely a photogenic spot!
View from Kawasaki Bridge
We’ve reached the turnaround point at Kawasaki Bridge.
Here’s the view of the Okawa River from the bridge👇
The cherry trees along the river are stunningly beautiful.
The combination of water and autumn foliage is truly unbeatable!
Cherry foliage, zelkova trees, and skyscrapers
Looking at the opposite riverside from the north side of Kawasaki Bridge, you can see this breathtaking view.
Above the cherry trees are tall zelkova trees dyed in orange, and above them rise the skyscrapers… absolutely picturesque!
It’s also charming that the view differs depending on whether you’re on the north or south side of the Okawa River.
Osaka Castle visible through the autumn foliage! A scenic photo spot
There is a spot in Kema Sakuranomiya Park where Osaka Castle can be seen beautifully.
It’s just after crossing Kawasaki Bridge.
From this spot, you can see Osaka Castle clearly.
Below the castle, the autumn foliage is densely packed.
Here’s a zoomed-in vertical shot👇
Since there are hardly any gaps between the trees, it looks as if Osaka Castle is towering above a hill of autumn foliage.
This is a view of Osaka Castle unique to Kema Sakuranomiya Park, so it was very satisfying to see!
If you want to photograph Osaka Castle clearly, the afternoon is better, as the morning sun may cause backlighting.
Rest benches and toilet information
Benches along the river
There are multiple benches along the Okawa River as shown.
I also noticed other places to sit, so you can relax while enjoying the river and autumn cherry foliage!
Multiple public toilets
This is an enlarged view of the map from the beginning, showing multiple toilets.
There seem to be more toilets on the south side.
Knowing the locations of public toilets in advance can help you stay calm in case of emergency.
Access to Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Address: Tenma 1-chome, Kita Ward – Nakano 1-chome, Miyakojima Ward, Osaka City
Access:
– About a 3-minute walk from JR Osaka Loop Line “Sakuranomiya Station”
– About a 15-minute walk from JR Tozai Line “Osaka Tenmangu Station” or Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line/Sakaisuji Line “Minami-Morimachi Station”
– About a 10-minute walk from Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line “Osaka Business Park Station”
Parking:
There is no dedicated parking lot. If you visit by car, use nearby coin-operated parking lots.
Google Map:
Summary
Kema Sakuranomiya Park, famous for its cherry blossoms, was also spectacular in autumn with the colorful cherry foliage!
Perhaps because people strongly associate the park with spring, there were surprisingly few visitors on a Sunday.
Therefore, it’s a hidden gem where you can leisurely enjoy the autumn colors!
The bustling cherry tree rows of spring transform into a quiet autumn foliage spot — experience the changing seasons at Kema Sakuranomiya Park.
For an article about strolling through Osaka Castle Park with autumn foliage, check it out here👇
