5 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Toyono Town, Osaka – A Town Preserving the Scenic Beauty of Rice Terraces and Satoyama

When you think of Osaka, you might imagine a bustling metropolis second only to Tokyo. Yet, hidden within Osaka Prefecture is Toyono Town—a place where the original rural landscapes of terraced fields and satoyama (village forests) still thrive. Located in the northern part of Osaka Prefecture within the Kita-satsu mountain range, Toyono Town is about a 50‐minute train ride from Hankyu Umeda Station. Here, far removed from the city’s clamor, nature awaits. In summer, it’s sometimes called “Osaka’s Karuizawa,” while in winter, it even earns the nickname “Osaka’s Siberia.”

Toyono Town is home to not only breathtaking scenery but also a wealth of wildlife. You might spot rare insects such as the giant stag beetle and the ancient dragonfly “Mukashitonbo,” as well as vibrantly colored wild birds. Although the town doesn’t boast the well-known attractions typical of big cities, it offers unique experiences for visitors seeking cool summer retreats, blooming cherry blossoms and wildflowers in spring, and fiery autumn foliage. Below, we introduce 5 recommended tourist spots in Toyono Town for your visit.

1. Toyono Town Local History Museum

If you’re visiting a new town, it’s a great idea to learn about its history, culture, and local life. Toyono Town Local History Museum serves this purpose perfectly. Open on Saturdays and Sundays (and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on weekdays) with free admission (information as of January 2017), the museum displays agricultural tools, kitchenware, and panel photographs of the stone statues scattered throughout the town that tell the story of local life.

One particularly fun feature is the “Toyono Doctor” corner, where various facts about Toyono Town are presented in a quiz format. It’s designed so that even small children can get to know the town. Before setting out to explore, stop by the museum to prepare yourself for a uniquely enjoyable tour of Toyono Town.

2. Sakuradani Light Railway

Toyono Town offers a delightfully niche transportation experience: the Sakuradani Light Railway. This is not only for kids but also enjoyable for adults. The railway is a hobby project of a private owner and runs on what is known as “light railway” tracks—narrow-gauge tracks less than 1067mm wide, built inexpensively and maintained at low cost.

In fact, the Sakuradani Light Railway is a garden railway, running on a private estate with a track gauge of just 381mm. Adults can board and ride this charming train, and on the first Sunday of every month, a special operating event is held where, upon passing a test, you might even get the chance to drive it. Today, many railway enthusiasts visit Toyono Town primarily to experience this unique attraction.

3. Toyono Cosmos no Sato

For flower lovers visiting Toyono Town, Toyono Cosmos no Sato is an ideal spot for seasonal viewing. As the name implies, this attraction features an expansive cosmos (Japanese: akizakura or cosmos flowers) field where millions of cosmos bloom in autumn—a truly breathtaking sight. Walking along the pathways meandering through the towering cosmos—some as tall as an adult—you can even experience a fun maze-like adventure. The Cosmos no Sato is generally open from early September until late October, with peak bloom around late September (though exact dates vary with the weather).

Although it feels like a handmade, local flower field rather than a commercial tourist spot, this adds to its charm—offering intimate interactions with local residents and a warm community spirit. Local vendors sell vegetables, fruits, and even cosmos cut flowers, making perfect souvenirs.

4. Yoshikawa Hachiman Shrine and Myoken Mountain Hiking Course

Take advantage of Toyono Town’s natural beauty by exploring its numerous hiking trails. Along the roadside, you’ll find stone statues dating back to the late Muromachi period, as well as several temples and shrines. Highlights include Ume Souin, notable for its Yamabana-style gate, and Hosei-ji, which preserves a stone bath from the Kamakura period.

Among the hiking options, the Myoken Mountain Hiking Course is a recommended choice. This trail passes by one of the town’s must-see spots—the Yoshikawa Hachiman Shrine. The shrine’s main deity is Emperor Ojin (Ojin Tenno), and it is considered a local power spot. For those who prefer an easier ascent to the mountain summit, an alternative route is available via Kurokawa Station (located in Kawanishi, Hyogo Prefecture), where you can take the Myoken no Mori Cable to the mountaintop station and transfer to the Myoken no Mori Lift.

5. Sakai Agricultural Tourism Farm

When it comes to enjoying seasonal blooms in Toyono Town, Sakai Agricultural Tourism Farm is a must-visit. While Toyono Cosmos no Sato is renowned for its cosmos, Sakai Farm offers a delightful display of weeping cherry blossoms. The peak season typically runs from mid-April to early May, though weather conditions might cause slight variations. The weeping cherry blossoms here possess a beauty distinct from the standard Somei-Yoshino, offering a unique experience.

In the expansive grounds of the farm, you can spread out a picnic and enjoy a leisurely meal. In addition to weeping cherry blossoms, the farm features displays of azaleas and asebi flowers. For those who prefer edible experiences, the farm also offers activities such as bracken hunting in the spring and chestnut picking in the fall—just be sure to bring gloves if you plan on gathering chestnuts!

◎Summary

Toyono Town is a hidden gem where numerous hiking trails wind through landscapes adorned with vibrant wildflowers welcoming you along the roadside. As you explore, the cheerful calls of diverse bird species and the fluttering of butterflies hopping from one bloom to another will captivate your senses. In the evenings, you might even lose yourself beneath a sky full of stars and the gentle glow of fireflies, forgetting everyday worries for a while. Be sure to also explore the stone statues dotting the pathways—another unique attraction. And when it comes to souvenirs, local specialties like Takayama burdock, yacon, and the “Kaachan Series” pickles made by local farming women are sure to delight. Enjoy the tranquil and rustic charm of Toyono Town, where nature and tradition blend seamlessly into a delightful retreat from urban life!