Golden Kyoto and Osaka in Autumn! Top 5 Ginkgo tree-lined Spots and Recommended Gourmet Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-Date: Jul 2, 2026

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Golden Kyoto and Osaka in Autumn! Top 5 Ginkgo tree-lined Spots and Recommended Gourmet

When you think of autumn in the Kansai region, the famous autumn leaves come to mind, but the vividly colored ginkgo tree-lined streets are not to be missed either. This time, five indispensable ginkgo spots in Osaka and Kyoto have been carefully selected. Along with information on delicious local cuisine, a wonderful golden walking route will be introduced.

1. Osaka Castle Park

Golden Kyoto and Osaka in Autumn! Top 5 Ginkgo-lined Spots and Recommended Gourmet

Osaka is represented by this vast oasis. The main attraction is the collaboration between the historic castle tower and the shining golden ginkgo trees. Visitors can enjoy the towering tree, approximately 300 years old, in front of the castle tower, and a magnificent row of trees stretching about one kilometer on the east side of the park. The best viewing period is usually from mid-November to early December. Access is easy from JR Osaka Loop Line's Osakajokoen Station, just a short walk away. Although there is no lighting up of the ginkgo trees themselves, the Osaka Castle Illuminage, a paid event featuring light art, is held in the Nishinomaru Garden every year from November during the evening.

Recommended Restaurants Nearby | Unagidokoro Umami

Recommended Restaurants Nearby | Unagi Restaurant Bimi

Head to Kansai Drenched in Golden Hues! Top 5 Ginkgo-lined Spots for Autumn and Recommended Gourmet

After exploring Osaka Castle, why not indulge in authentic Kansai-style eel? The restaurant offers delightful dishes such as "Unadon", which allows you to enjoy deliciously grilled eel casually, and "Temari Sushi", which is round and charming in appearance. It is a popular restaurant with a menu that is a feast for the eyes. Relax in a calm Japanese setting and luxuriously soothe your tired body.

Unagidokoro Umami

Open: [Monday - Friday] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm), [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 11:00 am - 8:30 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Morinomiya Station on the Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line and the Chuo Line / 3-minute walk from Morinomiya Station on the JR Line
Address: 1-16-20, Morinomiyachuo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

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2. Midosuji Boulevard

This is a sophisticated scene that adorns the main street of Osaka. Stretching approximately 4 kilometers from Umeda to Namba, about 900 splendid rows of trees simultaneously turn a golden color. The best viewing period is usually from late November to early December. Access is immediately on foot from various exits of the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Hommachi Station. From November each year, you can also enjoy a large-scale night illumination, where the entire street along with urban buildings shines brightly.

Recommended Restaurants in the Area | Teppanyaki MYDO

After enjoying the beautiful tree-lined Midosuji Blvd., this is the perfect teppanyaki restaurant located inside a luxury hotel. Guests can indulge in luxurious dishes such as "Canadian Lobster Okonomiyaki with gold leaf" and "Dorayaki pancake with truffle cream" that add a special touch to any occasion. Please enjoy a special dinner in a sophisticated space designed for adults.

Teppanyaki MYDO

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 17,000 JPY / [Lunch] 7,000 JPY
Access: Take Exit 3 of Shinsaibashi Station and go straight for 5 minutes on Midosuji Street towards Honmachi. There is an entrance on the 1st floor of W Osaka.
Address: 4-1-3, Minamisenba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

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3. Higashi Honganji Temple

Located near Kyoto Station, this prestigious temple stands as a prime example of historical grandeur. The main attraction is the golden collaboration created by the majestic ginkgo tree in front of the Founder's Hall Gate (Mikagedo Gate) and other historic buildings and large trees. The best time to visit is usually from mid-November to late November. Access is about a 7-minute walk north from the Central Exit of JR Kyoto Station along Karasuma Street. Although there is no nighttime illumination within the temple grounds, a special autumn nighttime viewing is held annually from around mid-November, from 17:30 to 21:30, in the garden of a separate residence located very close to the temple.

Recommended Restaurants Nearby | Yakiniku/Maki-ryori Karasuma Rock

Recommended Restaurants Nearby | Yakiniku & Wood-Fired Cuisine Karasuma Rock

Head to Kansai, Bathed in Golden Hues! Top 5 Ginkgo-lined Spots for Autumn and Recommended Gourmet

This cozy meat specialty restaurant is conveniently located for a visit after praying at Higashi Honganji Temple. Guests can enjoy dishes such as the "Assortment of 3 types of Kuroge Wagyu Kiwami steak" and the "Kuroge Wagyu Kiwami Yakiniku Platter" which includes sukiyaki-style sirloin shabu-shabu. The combination with local chicken is also popular. The high-quality meat offers a distinctive flavor that satisfies both the stomach and the heart.

Yakiniku/Maki-ryori Karasuma Rock

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) *If you require gluten-free options, please let us know when you arrive.
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Exit 5 of Gojo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway. 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of JR Kyoto Station. Facing Karasuma-dori Street.
Address: 191, Kitamachi, Rokujo-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

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4. Nijo-jo Castle

This is a historic castle registered as a World Heritage site. The most spectacular sight is the beautiful large ginkgo trees located near the Higashi-Otemon Gate inside the castle, in the Ninomaru Garden, and around the Seiryu-en Garden. The collaboration between historical buildings and the giant trees turning golden is a breathtaking beauty. The best time to visit is usually from mid-November to early December. Access is easy, just a short walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line. Every year from late October to early December, a luxurious nighttime illumination event is held from 6 PM to around 9 PM. Visitors can enjoy the vividly illuminated trees and projection mapping.

Recommended Restaurants in the Area | BONSAI1877

After immersing yourself in the history of Nijo-jo Castle, spend a delightful time in a traditional building constructed in 1877. The restaurant is popular for its Pizza made with abundant fresh ingredients from Kyoto, and the seasonal "fresh fish dishes". Enjoy a graceful dining experience in the serene interior that reflects the beauty of Japanese tradition.

BONSAI1877

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O.10:00) / Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 6,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,800 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 4-1 of Karasuma Station on Kyoto Muncipal Subway Karasuma Line
Address: 71, Shinmei-cho, Shinmachi-dori Oike-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

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5. Kyoto Gyoen National Park

Located in the heart of a former capital of Japan, this expansive park is beautifully maintained. Within the park, magnificent ginkgo trees can be found in various locations, such as south of the Kenreimon Gate and around the site of the Ichijo Family residence. The main attractions are the golden carpet of fallen leaves that covers the ground and the majestic appearance of the large trees. The best time to visit is usually from mid-November to early December. Access is about a 5-minute walk from either Marutamachi Station or Imadegawa Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line. Since there is no nighttime illumination, visiting during the bright daylight hours is recommended. Please enjoy the beautiful golden scenery bathed in sunlight.

Recommended Restaurants in the Area | Restaurant Shin

Head to Kansai Painted in Golden Hues! Top 5 Ginkgo-lined Spots for Autumn and Recommended Gourmet

After a leisurely stroll through Kyoto Imperial Palace, why not enjoy a luxurious French meal made with an abundance of freshly picked Kyoto vegetables? The restaurant prides itself on its "Deluxe Lunch Course" which can be enjoyed with chopsticks. This exquisite dish, where Japanese and Western elements beautifully merge, will further enhance your autumn journey.

Restaurant Shin

Open: [Tuesday - Sunday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) *Lunch reservations are accepted by phone call only. / Dinner 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 8-minute walk from Jingu-marutamachi Station. Cross the Kamo River, head west, and turn left onto Teramachi Street. The restaurant will be on your right side.
Address: 667-1, Kueninmae-cho, Takeyamachi-sagaru, Teramachi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Osaka and Kyoto are home to many historic castles and temples, beautifully complemented by famous ginkgo spots. The vivid golden hues during the day are stunning, and the urban illuminations and nighttime light-ups add a romantic touch, making them highly recommended. Enjoy the sophisticated, carefully curated gourmet experiences at nearby restaurants, and make the most of your wonderful autumn trip to Kyoto and Osaka.

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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