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Diving from the sky into Expo '70 Park's autumn colours (illustrative video)
A 10-second illustrative flight that drops from above the clouds to the Tower of the Sun surrounded by autumn leaves. AI-generated illustrative video; it does not show the actual view (no sound).
Dates when the park is closed to ordinary visitors
When to go: the spot-by-spot calendar
The image at the top of this page is an illustration (AI-generated) and does not show the actual view.
When each spot is at its best
Each cell is early, mid or late month. Source: Expo '70 Commemorative Park official "Autumn leaves spots". Timing shifts with the weather each year.
The park has about 20 kinds of colourful trees. Yellows (plane trees, ginkgo) come first, reds (maples, sweetgum) follow, and the rusty-brown dawn redwoods close the season. In 2025 the park's official autumn leaves report ran from 6 November to 17 December, when it declared the season over.
The park updates its official "autumn leaves" page with photos during the season. It is worth checking before you go.
9 spots for autumn colours
| Spot | Trees | Best time |
|---|---|---|
| Around the Nature Observation Center (moricara) Natural Cultural Gardens | American sweetgum, enkianthus, ginkgo | Mid Oct – late Nov |
| Nishi-oji plane tree avenue Natural Cultural Gardens | Plane trees | Late Oct – mid Nov |
| Zelkova Hill Natural Cultural Gardens | Japanese zelkova | Late Oct – mid Nov |
| Maple Gorge and Maple Falls Natural Cultural Gardens | Maples, American and Formosan sweetgum | Early – late Nov |
| Japanese Garden: around the falls Japanese Garden | Maples | Early – late Nov |
| Japanese Garden: Han-an and Banri-an tea houses Japanese Garden | Maples | Early – late Nov |
| Gourd Pond Natural Cultural Gardens | Yama-momiji maples | Early – late Nov |
| Biotope Pond Natural Cultural Gardens | Bald cypress | Early – late Nov |
| Momi Pond Natural Cultural Gardens | Dawn redwood | Early Nov – early Dec |
The three not to miss
- Nishi-oji plane tree avenue: about 360 m of stone path lined with plane trees. When they turn gold it looks like a European boulevard.
- Maple Gorge and Maple Falls: the best view is from above, on the Solado treetop walkway.
- Japanese Garden falls: red maples framed by a waterfall, like a painting. The Han-an and Banri-an tea houses, normally closed, sometimes open specially during autumn events.
A suggested walking route
- Enter at the Central Gate and visit the Tower of the Sun
- Walk the Nishi-oji plane tree avenue (golden leaves)
- See the red American sweetgums around the Nature Observation Center (moricara)
- Climb onto the Solado walkway to look down on Maple Gorge and Maple Falls
- Enjoy waterside colours at Momi Pond and Gourd Pond
- Finish among the maples around the falls in the Japanese Garden
One ticket covers both the Natural Cultural Gardens and the Japanese Garden. The park is large, so wear comfortable shoes. The Central Gate is about a 5-minute walk from Banpaku-kinen-koen Station on the Osaka Monorail.
Autumn Leaves Festival and guided walks
The park usually holds an Autumn Leaves Festival in the peak season. In 2025 it ran from Saturday 1 to Sunday 30 November, with no evening illumination (according to the Walkerplus listing). In some past years the Japanese Garden was lit up at night and the tea houses opened specially.
We will add the 2026 details once the park announces them. See our Expo '70 Park events calendar for the latest.
Autumn leaves guided walk (2026, sign up on the day)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | 17 Nov (Tue), 23 Nov (Mon, holiday) and 1 Dec (Tue); cancelled in rain |
| Time | From 10:00 (last sign-up 12:00). Groups leave when 10 people gather; about 30 minutes |
| Meeting point | Central Gate, Natural Cultural Gardens |
| Fee | Free (park admission for the Natural Cultural Gardens and Japanese Garden required) |
The guides speak Japanese. Because of hornets, the park asks visitors to avoid black or dark clothes and strongly scented cosmetics, hair products and fabric softener. Groups of 10 or more should contact the park in advance.
Entry fee, opening hours and access
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | ¥450 for high school students and older; free for junior high students and younger (Natural Cultural Gardens and Japanese Garden; from 1 April 2026) |
| Hours | 9:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30) |
| Closed | Wednesdays (may differ on holidays and during special periods) |
| Nearest station | Banpaku-kinen-koen Station, Osaka Monorail: about 5 minutes on foot to the Central Gate |
See tickets and fees and getting there for details.
FAQ
When do the autumn leaves peak at Expo '70 Park?
Usually from early to late November. Early spots start in mid-October and the dawn redwoods at Momi Pond last into early December. In 2025 the best colours were from about 18 November to 3 December.
Where are the best autumn colours in the park?
The most popular of the 9 official spots are the Nishi-oji plane tree avenue, Maple Gorge and Maple Falls seen from the Solado walkway, and the falls in the Japanese Garden.
Does it cost anything to see the leaves?
You need the park entry ticket (¥450 for high school students and older, free for younger children). There is no extra charge for the leaves.
Is there a guided autumn leaves tour?
Yes. In 2026 free guided walks of about 30 minutes start at the Central Gate on 17 November, 23 November and 1 December, from 10:00 (last sign-up 12:00). You still need park admission, and walks are cancelled in rain. The guides speak Japanese.
Is there a night illumination?
There was none in 2025. The 2026 festival programme has not been announced yet, and we will update this page when it is.
Can I visit on a Wednesday?
The park is usually closed on Wednesdays. This can change on holidays and during special periods, so check the official website before you go.
What is the nearest station?
Banpaku-kinen-koen Station on the Osaka Monorail, about 5 minutes on foot to the Central Gate. There is no JR station.