[2025 Update] 8 Places to Enjoy Autumn Leaves with Your Dog in Kansai
When you think of autumn, you think of the autumn leaves! Enjoying the vibrantly colored scenery with your beloved dog is a wonderful experience for pet owners.
Kansai is home to many famous autumn foliage spots that are easy to visit with your pet.
This time, we’ll introduce some carefully selected spots where you can enjoy autumn leaves with your dog.
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Osaka Prefecture
Minoh Park
Citation source https://www.mino-park.jp/koyo/
Minoh Park is a park rich in nature, famous for its waterfalls and autumn foliage, and is easily accessible from Hankyu Minoh Station.
The promenade runs along the river and is wide. You can take a leisurely stroll with your dog while passing through a tunnel of autumn leaves.
The red and yellow trees are beautiful, and dogs can enjoy crunching through the fallen leaves. In autumn, the waterfall is illuminated, attracting many visitors.
| Facility Name | Minoh Park |
| Address | Minoh Park, Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture |
| Best Time to Visit | Mid-November to Early December |
| Price | Free |
| Dog Information | Leash Required |
| None | |
| Pet Taxi Fee from Senri Chuo | ¥3,890 |
Katsuoji Temple
Katsuo-ji Temple, known as a temple of good fortune in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture, boasts beautiful natural scenery within its grounds. In autumn, the entire area is bathed in red and yellow, making it one of the most popular spots in the Kansai region for viewing autumn leaves.
The grounds are very spacious, with many photogenic spots, including ponds, bridges, and cobblestone paths. Taking a photo of your dog with the autumn leaves in the background is a truly memorable autumn experience.
There are many stairs within the grounds, so small dogs can rest comfortably in a baby carrier or sling, while larger dogs can stroll around the grounds on a leash.
| Facility Name | Katsuoji Temple |
| Address | Katsuoji Temple, Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture |
| Best Time to Visit | Early to Late November | Admission Fee | Adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students 300 yen, preschoolers 100 yen | Dog Information | Leash required (long leashes not allowed) | https://www.instagram.com/katsuoji.temple/ |
| Pet hire fee from Senri Chuo | 4,480 yen |
Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park is located in the heart of Osaka.
In autumn, the vast park is vibrantly colored with ginkgo and maple trees.
The contrast between the castle’s white walls and the red and yellow autumn leaves makes for a stunning photo. Around the park, there are also cafes and restaurants with terrace seating where you can bring your dog.
After a walk, take a break with your dog and enjoy a hot drink to warm up your chilled body.
| Facility Name | Osaka Castle Park |
| Address | Osaka Castle, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture |
| Best Time to Visit | Early November to Early December | Admission | Free | Notes for Dogs | Entry to the Castle Tower is Prohibited |
| https://www.instagram.com/osaka_castle_park/ | |
| Pet hire fee from Senri Chuo | 6,270 yen |
Kyoto Prefecture
Nanzenji Temple
Nanzenji Temple is famous for its magnificent Sanmon Gate and Suirokaku Suirokaku (a brick arch over the Lake Biwa Canal).
During this season, when the autumn leaves are at their peak, the entire temple grounds are bathed in red and yellow, creating a truly stunning contrast between the historic buildings and the autumn leaves.
Fallen leaves fluttering down the cobblestone path leading to the temple’s approach create a picturesque scene. Walking with your dog makes an ordinary autumn foliage walk even more special.
| Facility Name | Nanzenji Temple |
| Address | Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Best Time to Visit | Mid-November to Early December | Price | Free | Dog Information | Dogs (small and large) | No | Pet Taxi from Senri Chuo | ¥12,600 |
Sagano trolley train
The Sagano Trolley is a sightseeing train that runs from Saga Station to Kameoka Station, passing through the scenic Arashiyama area.
In autumn, the approximately 1,000 maples and mountain maples planted along the 7.3 km one-way railway turn colorful, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular autumn foliage from the train window.
After arriving at Kameoka Trolley Station, take a short walk nearby.
Walking with your dog along the autumn foliage-covered path is a relaxing experience.
On the way back, you can take the trolley along the same route, or return to Arashiyama and continue sightseeing.
| Facility Name | Sagano Romantic Train |
| Address | Torocco Saga Station, Sagatenryuji-shado-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City |
| Best Time to Visit | Mid-November to Early December |
| Price | ¥880 for Adults, ¥440 for Children |
| Notes for Dogs | Only small dogs are allowed on the train in a cage or bag. | https://www.instagram.com/saganoromantictrain_1114/ |
| Pet hire fare from Senri Chuo | ¥10,820 |
Arashiyama Park
Arashiyama Park is an urban park consisting of three areas (Rinsenji Temple, Nakanoshima, and Kameyama) separated by Togetsukyo Bridge.
The Kameyama area is a hilly area southeast of Ogurayama, and is home to an observation deck, plaza, and bamboo forest path, making it a great place to walk your dog. The combination of Togetsukyo Bridge and the autumn leaves creates a stunning view that captivates everyone.
Arashiyama Park allows you to stroll with your dog as long as it’s on a leash. There are also lawn areas and promenades, making it the perfect place to enjoy the autumn leaves while taking a leisurely stroll.
| Facility Name | Arashiyama Park |
| Address | Saga Nakanoshima-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Best Time to Visit | Mid-November to Early December |
| Admission | Free | Dog Information | Leash Required | None | Pet Taxi from Senri Chuo | 10,820 yen |
Shiga Prefecture
Mt. Hiei Enryakuji Temple
Mount Hiei is also known as a famous spot for viewing autumn foliage. A maple festival is held in the Yokokawa area, where the foliage is particularly beautiful.
Autumn arrives relatively early on Mount Hiei, with the best viewing times being from late October to mid-November.
There is an observation deck at the summit of Mount Hiei, offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa, Kyoto’s cityscape, and the beautiful autumn foliage of Mount Hiei. Enryaku-ji Temple boasts extensive grounds, but dogs are allowed on leashes on the outer approach and walking paths within the temple grounds.
| Facility Name | Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei |
| Address | 4220 Sakamotohonmachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture |
| Best Time to Visit | Early to Mid-November | Price | Adults: ¥1,000, Junior and Senior High School Students: ¥600, Elementary School Students: ¥300 | Dog Information | Leash required, dogs not allowed inside the temple grounds | https://www.instagram.com/enryakuji/ |
| Pet hire fee from Senri Chuo | ¥13,990 |
Metasequoia Avenue
Metasequoia Namiki is a 2.4km-long avenue lined with metasequoia trees in Makino Town, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture.
Approximately 500 metasequoia trees line both sides of the straight road.
The best time to see the autumn leaves is from late November to early December, but even at their peak, the metasequoia trees do not turn red like maples, but are described as a brick red.
Sipping a hot cup of coffee while admiring the autumn leaves on a terrace at a cafe near the avenue is truly blissful.
Some terrace seats allow dogs, so you can rest assured.
| Facility Name | Metasequoia Avenue |
| Address | Makino-cho Sawa, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture |
| Best Time to Visit | Late November to Early December | Price | Free | Dog Information | None | None | Pet Taxi Fee from Senri Chuo | ¥23,290 |
Things to keep in mind when leaf-peeping with your dog
- Always use a leash (a shorter leash is recommended than a retractable leash).
- Use a carrier or stroller in crowded tourist areas.
- Be careful, as there may be insects or food hidden in fallen leaves.
- The temperature difference between day and night is large, so be sure to dress warmly.
Summary
Going out with your dog is an irreplaceable experience. You’ll want to share beautiful scenery and special experiences together.
Pet Hire Service Comasuke can arrange a private hire car trip, sightseeing, and pet-friendly hotel stays with advance notice.