Daisen Park Japanese Garden is a masterpiece of landscape gardening located in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.
Known as a famous spot for autumn leaves, did you know that this garden shows a completely different face depending on exactly when you visit?
In this article, based on my actual visits in the autumn of 2025, I will share a thorough comparison report between “November 14 (Early Color)” and “November 29 (Peak Foliage)”!
I have also compiled detailed information on crowd conditions, recommended photo spots, and Japanese tea service to help you plan your trip.
- What is Daisen Park Japanese Garden? A Hidden Gem in Osaka
- [Part 1] Early Autumn Report (November 14, 2025)
- [Part 2] Peak Foliage Report (November 29, 2025)
- How about the crowds?
- Must-See for Photographers! Recommended Spots & Route
- Summary of Best Viewing Times
- Matcha & Souvenirs
- Access & Basic Information
- Admission Fees & Hours
- Summary: Autumn is the Best Time for Daisen Park!
What is Daisen Park Japanese Garden? A Hidden Gem in Osaka
This article introduces the charms of the Japanese garden located within Daisen Park, right next to the World Heritage site, the Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun (Ancient Tomb).
The vast grounds, covering 26,000 square meters, feature a traditional “tsukiyama-rinsen-kaiyu” style garden (a promenade garden with hills and ponds). In autumn, the maples and ginkgo trees turn beautiful shades of red and yellow.
The Atmospheric Entrance
Here is the entrance.
Even before passing through the gate, you can feel the traditional Japanese architectural beauty, building anticipation. It is truly an urban oasis where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a quiet moment.
[Part 1] Early Autumn Report (November 14, 2025)
First, let’s look at the situation in mid-November as autumn began to deepen.
I visited thinking, “Is it still too early?”, but I found a unique beauty specific to this time of year, where you can enjoy a gradation of green and red.
View in front of Eiha Bridge & Ingetsu Bridge
This is the area around “Eiha Bridge” and “Ingetsu Bridge,” which are highlights of the garden.
Perhaps because this area gets good sunlight, the coloring was closer to its peak compared to other locations. The bright red maple leaves look stunning against the blue sky.
On the other hand, the trees between the bridges are still predominantly green.
However, enjoying this “gradation from green to red” is the real pleasure of visiting in mid-November.
Atmosphere of the Entire Garden
Looking over the entire garden, the contrast between the manicured green pines and the trees beginning to turn color is exquisite.
The surface of the pond is calm, so we can expect some beautiful reflections.
Around Seitaitei (Rest Area)
This is near the rest area called “Seitaitei.”
The trees in the background are still fresh and green, so it looked like it would take a little more time to reach peak color.
View from Kasatei (Observation Deck)
“Kasatei” is located at the highest point in the garden. This serves as a mini observation deck where you can overlook the entire landscape.
When looking down from above, you can clearly see the progress of the autumn colors.
The scenery woven by the green in the foreground and the red in the background is like art that exists only at this time of year.
View from the Rest House Corridor
The large building near the entrance is the Rest House.
There is a corridor around the building where you can view the garden as if it were framed.
The reflection of the autumn leaves on the water surface is faint but very atmospheric.
Since there is a roof, this is a highly recommended spot where you can view the garden slowly even on days with strong sunlight or light rain.
[Part 2] Peak Foliage Report (November 29, 2025)
About two weeks later, on November 29, I visited Daisen Park Japanese Garden again.
See the dramatic “before and after” of how the trees, which were “still coming along” last time, have transformed!
Burning Red! In front of Eiha Bridge & Ingetsu Bridge
This spot was already red on the 14th, but instead of falling, the colors had deepened even further!
Shining in the sunlight, it was breathtakingly beautiful.
The area between the bridges has also turned a vivid red, as you can see.
To see the scenery change this much in just two weeks makes you feel the power of nature.
Garden Overview & Water Reflection
We were blessed with good weather, and the reflection of the autumn leaves on the pond was clearly visible.
Some trees had started to shed their leaves, but that added a sense of late-autumn melancholy, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
Changes around Seitaitei
I was surprised by the area around Seitaitei. The tree on the left, which was just starting to turn color on the 14th, had already lost its leaves. Conversely, the tree on the right, which was green before, had turned a magnificent deep crimson.
Since the peak timing shifts depending on the location, a charm of this garden is that you can enjoy the autumn leaves for a long period.
Superb View from Kasatei & A Balloon
Back to Kasatei (Observation Deck).
The sea of autumn leaves spreading out below is simply a masterpiece. Furthermore, a hot air balloon happened to be floating in the sky, allowing me to capture a photogenic moment.
Painting-like Scenery from the Corridor
This spot offers the most beautiful contrast between the dimness of the corridor and the vivid red of the garden.
The reflection in the pond was clearer than on the 14th, and I lost track of time gazing at it.
How about the crowds?
When it comes to famous autumn foliage spots, crowds are always a concern. Here is my impression from actually visiting:
- Weekdays: Relatively empty. You can take photos without worrying about people getting in the frame.
- Weekends & Holidays: The peak congestion is around 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
- Recommended Time: Right after opening (from 9:00 AM) is the best target.
I visited around 1:00 PM on a Saturday, but it wasn’t so crowded that I couldn’t walk. It was moderately lively, and I was able to enjoy the view without stress.
Must-See for Photographers! Recommended Spots & Route
📸 Unmissable Photo Spots
- Around Eiha Bridge & Ingetsu Bridge: Highest density of autumn leaves; great for impactful photos.
- Distant view left of the bridges: Shooting from a distance creates a balanced composition of the bridges, leaves, and pond.
- Kasatei (Observation Deck): If you want a panorama of the entire garden, this is the place.
- Rest House Corridor: Use the building pillars to create a “frame composition.”
🚶 Recommended Walking Route
Basically, walking counter-clockwise is recommended.
After enjoying the close-up leaves near the pond and bridges, climb up to Kasatei at the end to overlook the whole view. This flow deepens the emotional impact.
Total time is about 1 hour at a slow pace.
Summary of Best Viewing Times
Combining typical trends with this visit, the autumn foliage schedule for Daisen Park Japanese Garden is as follows:
・Start of coloring: Mid-November
・Peak viewing: Late November
・Falling leaves: Early December
Matcha & Souvenirs
Enjoying “Matcha” while Viewing the Garden
There is a tea seating area (cafe space) inside the Rest House.
Having tea on a bench covered with a red carpet while looking at the garden is exceptional.
Tea Menu
Drinks: ¥550 each
(Matcha, Matcha Au Lait, Roasted Green Tea Au Lait, etc.)
Japanese Sweets Set: ¥850
Includes a drink and Sakai’s famous “Rikyu Mochi” (Matcha flavor), etc.
*Order by purchasing a ticket at the vending machine next to the entrance.
Souvenir Corner
There is also a souvenir corner next to the ticket machine.
Japanese sweets and tea lattes are sold for under ¥1,000, making them perfect for small gifts.
Access & Basic Information
[Access]
Get off at JR Hanwa Line “Mozu Station”. It is about a 4-minute walk to the Daisen Park entrance, and another 10-minute walk through the park to the Japanese Garden.
Paid parking is available inside Daisen Park (127 spaces).
Admission Fees & Hours
Purchase admission tickets at the vending machine at the entrance. Cashless payments are accepted, which is very convenient.
| Category | Fee (Tax Included) |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥200 |
| Elementary/Junior High Students | ¥100 |
| Preschool Children (with guardian) | Free |
| Seniors (65+ Sakai residents, etc.) | Free |
*Fees may differ during light-up events.
Summary: Autumn is the Best Time for Daisen Park!
That concludes the 2025 autumn foliage report for Daisen Park Japanese Garden.
- Mid-November: For those who enjoy color gradations.
- Late November: The best season to enjoy overwhelming reds.
- Avoid Crowds: Weekdays or first thing in the morning are recommended.
It is easily accessible from Osaka City, and there are few spots where you can enjoy such superb views for an admission fee of only ¥200.
Please visit Daisen Park Japanese Garden in Sakai City this autumn! 🍁
Check out the article on the magical night illumination event here 👇
