6 Carefully Selected Spots to Fully Enjoy the Rich Nature and Charm of Katano

Katano City is located in the northern Kawachi area of Osaka Prefecture and is a town blessed with nature, featuring expansive rural landscapes. With excellent transportation access, it attracts many tourists throughout the year. About half of the city is covered by forests, offering numerous places where visitors can connect with nature. Here are some recommended sightseeing spots in Katano City to help you enjoy its natural beauty to the fullest.

1. "Hoshida Park – Osaka Prefectural Citizens' Forest": A Popular Spot to Enjoy Katano's Nature and Scenic Views

Katano City is home to many nature-based tourist spots, thanks to its abundant natural surroundings. Created in commemoration of Osaka Prefecture’s 100th anniversary, there are nine natural parks where visitors can enjoy the great outdoors.
One of them is Hoshida Park, located in Katano. It’s especially famous for the “Hoshi no Buranko” (Star Swing), a 280-meter-long suspension bridge that stands 50 meters high. With a wooden floor, it’s one of the largest pedestrian suspension bridges in Japan.
The park also features a full-scale climbing wall (used during national athletic meets), where visitors can challenge themselves and get fit. Trial lessons are also available, offering even beginners a thrilling experience.
With well-maintained walking paths, it’s perfect for a scenic nature walk in Katano. You can stroll over the “Forest Railway-style Footbridge” while gazing down at the riverbed, or take in panoramic views stretching all the way to Kyoto from the observation points near the Star Swing bridge—making it a must-visit spot for fully enjoying Katano’s beauty.

2. "Kurondo Park – Osaka Prefectural Citizens' Forest": Nature, Water Lilies, and BBQ Fun

This is one of the nine natural parks established to commemorate Osaka Prefecture’s 100th anniversary, and a popular sightseeing spot in Katano. Its massive area (larger than 20 Tokyo Domes) is home to water lilies that burst into full bloom in red and pink during the season, covering the ponds in vibrant color.
Accessible via Keihan Electric Railway, this is a must-visit destination when sightseeing in Katano. At the center of the Suiren Pond is a quaint floating pavilion where visitors can relax and enjoy the view. Walking along the well-maintained paths, you’ll encounter the “Yatsuhashi” area—a perfect spot to observe wetland plants and enjoy forest bathing before unwinding.
The forested setting surrounded by thick trees also makes it ideal for hiking and picnicking. With over 10 hiking trails, visitors can explore to their heart’s content. The barbecue area, with cooking and tableware rentals available, is open year-round. Dining in nature makes for an especially satisfying experience for visitors to Katano.

3. "Iwatune Shrine": A Hidden Spiritual Spot Linked to the Tenson Kōrin Legend

Sightseeing in Katano isn’t limited to natural beauty—you can also visit sacred and mysterious spiritual spots.
Located quietly along the Amanogawa River Valley, which flows north to south through Katano City in northeastern Osaka, Iwatune Shrine enshrines a massive, uniquely boat-shaped sacred rock called “Ama no Iwafune”, which measures 12 meters in both height and width. According to ancient local legend, this is the rock vessel that the deity Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto (a heavenly descendant) used to descend to Earth.
It is also said that historical figure Kato Kiyomasa attempted to move the rock but gave up due to its enormous weight, making this site historically significant as well. Beneath the rock lies a mysterious cave, which has long served as a place of ascetic training for monks. Although visitors used to crawl between the boulders to experience the cave firsthand, such activities have been restricted due to previous accidents.
Still, just peering into the cave from above or observing the Buddhist carvings—like statues of Dainichi Nyorai and Kannon Bodhisattva—can offer a powerful spiritual experience.

4. "Osaka City University Botanical Garden": Discover a Variety of Forest Types from All Over Japan

The Osaka City University Botanical Garden, quietly gaining popularity among nature lovers, is an easy-to-reach forest park for casual sightseeing in Katano. Situated in the hilly area of the Ikoma Mountain range's northwestern region, it boasts the largest area of any botanical garden in Osaka Prefecture. It was developed for research and educational purposes by Osaka City University.
Unlike commercial botanical gardens with large greenhouses, this garden features natural forest environments reconstructed to represent 11 typical forest types found throughout Japan. The terrain remains untouched, making it a great option for light hiking.
In one location, you can observe plants from various climate zones across Japan. Nature lovers and forest bathing enthusiasts often return each season. Highlights include towering dawn redwood (metasequoia) groves and giant camphor trees—perfect for enjoying negative ions, a sense of vitality, and natural power.
As a university research facility open to the public, it offers a rare opportunity to experience nature up close—making it a great stop on any Katano sightseeing itinerary.

5. Hoshida Myokengu Shrine – Be Healed by the Romantic Legend of Falling Stars and Stunning Views

Katano City is a popular tourist destination known for its rich natural beauty and deep ties to celestial legends. Once a noble hunting ground during the Heian period, it is also considered the birthplace of the Tanabata (Star Festival) legend. As such, Katano is often called the "City of Stars," drawing attention from star-loving visitors.
Komatsu Shrine in Hoshida, Katano—more commonly known as Hoshida Myokengu Shrine—is beloved by many worshippers. According to legend, the monk Kukai once practiced esoteric rituals at this very site, and in response, seven stars fell from the sky and landed in three separate locations. Many place names in Katano, such as "Hoshida" (Star Field), are believed to originate from such myths. Romantic travelers even join star-themed pilgrimage tours here.
To reach the shrine, visitors must climb around 200 stone steps. However, this ascent doubles as a nature walk, offering views of the surrounding scenery. During spring, visitors are especially drawn to the path lined with cherry blossoms—perfect for a peaceful walk and flower viewing. The panoramic view from the top of Mt. Myoken, where the shrine is located, is one of the city's most beautiful sights and a highlight for tourists.

6. Mt. Kōno – Feel the Spirit of Buddhism Amid Spectacular Autumn Leaves

Mt. Kōno in Katano has long been believed to be a sacred mountain inhabited by spiritual presence. It is well-known among hikers and mountaineers, and historically, ascetic monks would climb it in pursuit of enlightenment. At the summit stands Kannon Rock, engraved with Sanskrit characters. The untouched natural landscape is particularly popular in autumn for its brilliant fall foliage.
From JR Tsuda Station, heading toward the entrance of Katano Country Club already offers a view of the vibrant autumn colors. Even at the trailhead, you can enjoy the fiery red leaves surrounding the golf course—making it an ideal destination for autumn leaf viewing.
At the base of the climb is a Sanskrit inscription representing Sanpō Kōjin, a protective deity with a fierce expression who symbolizes the "Three Jewels of Buddhism"—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Widely known as the "Kitchen God," this deity is believed to protect households from fire and bring health and happiness to families. The unique method of worship involves joining hands and calling out “Uuun” while praying. Near the summit, you'll be rewarded with a wide panoramic view of Katano, offering a true sense of freedom and serenity.

◎ Summary

Katano City is full of captivating tourist spots—from untouched natural scenery and breathtaking views to sacred mountains and starfall legends. It’s the perfect place to escape the daily stress and noise of modern life. A visit to Katano will refresh your spirit, reset your mind, and help you regain energy for whatever lies ahead.