Katsuo-ji Temple Autumn Leaves 2026 Confirmed
勝尾寺の紅葉 — Minoo, Osaka (Kansai)
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- Typical peak
- Nov 10 – Sat, December 5, 2026
- Venue
- Katsuo-ji Temple, Minoo (勝尾寺)
- Illumination
- Yes — nighttime illumination during peak season
- Official site
- katsuo-ji-temple.or.jp
Katsuo-ji sits high in the Minoo mountains north of Osaka, twenty-six hectares of grounds built around a pond and a long stair-lined approach that runs under a tunnel of maples. It is known across Japan as the temple of winning, and thousands of small daruma dolls left by visitors sit on every ledge, wall, railing and tree root — an unmistakable sight against the red leaves. Colour runs from mid-November into early December. Entry is 500 yen for adults and 400 yen for school children.
Background
The temple was founded in 727 and given its present name by Emperor Seiwa in the 9th century, after monks here were credited with prayers that aided his recovery. The characters originally meant to defeat the sovereign, which was thought presumptuous, and were softened to the ones used today. It is the 23rd temple on the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage, a route of thirty-three temples that has been walked since the Heian period.
Getting there
From Senri-Chuo Station on the Kita-Osaka Kyuko line, a Hankyu bus toward Katsuo-ji takes about thirty minutes. By car it is roughly thirty minutes from Shin-Osaka. There is no station within walking distance and the buses are infrequent, so check the return departure before you go up.
Tips
- The evening illumination runs on weekends and holidays through November rather than nightly, with last admission around 20:00.
- A mist effect is released over the pond on illumination evenings — it photographs well and irritates purists in equal measure.
- Buses down the mountain thin out sharply after dark; if you stay for the lighting, know which one you are catching.
- Minoo Park and its waterfall, the other maple destination on this side of the mountains, pair with Katsuo-ji easily by car and awkwardly by bus.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to see Katsuo-ji Temple Autumn Leaves?
- Autumn color at Katsuo-ji Temple Autumn Leaves typically peaks from Nov 10 – Dec 5. Exact timing shifts year to year with the weather, so check a real-time foliage forecast close to your trip.
- Where is Katsuo-ji Temple Autumn Leaves, and how do you get there?
- Katsuo-ji Temple Autumn Leaves is located at Katsuo-ji Temple, Minoo in Minoo, Osaka. From Senri-Chuo Station on the Kita-Osaka Kyuko line, a Hankyu bus toward Katsuo-ji takes about thirty minutes. By car it is roughly thirty minutes from Shin-Osaka. There is no station within walking distance and the buses are infrequent, so check the return departure before you go up.
- Is there a nighttime illumination at Katsuo-ji Temple Autumn Leaves?
- Yes — Katsuo-ji Temple Autumn Leaves holds special evening illumination during peak leaf season. Hours and exact dates change every year, so confirm with the official site before you go.
- Is Katsuo-ji Temple Autumn Leaves free to enter, or do I need tickets?
- Most autumn leaves spots in Japan are free to enter, though some temples and gardens charge a small admission fee — especially during peak-season night illuminations. Check the official site for this location's exact pricing.
Last verified against the official source: Sat, August 22, 2026
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