Birdwatching in Osaka
Osaka is a vibrant Japanese city known for its lively atmosphere and delicious street food. It offers a fascinating blend of modern and traditional, with bustling districts like Dotonbori and serene historical sites like Osaka Castle. If you jump on a train, you’ll quickly find a place to birdwatch.
Osaka Castle Park
About: Osaka Castle is an iconic landmark towering over the city. It is surrounded by a park filled with birdlife. The different groves and forested areas are home to a variety of songbirds, while the surrounding moats and ponds attract ducks and the occasional heron. You might see the Brown-eared Bulbul, Warbling White-eye, Japanese Tit, Tufted Duck and the occasional bird of prey. Highly recommend the ‘Forest of Memorial Trees’ early in the morning (see ‘Location’ below).
Location: maps.app.goo.gl/YPkUtFr1LpP1BphF6
eBird list: ebird.org/hotspot/L1123077
Cafe: R Baker Osaka-jo (in the heart of the park) - maps.app.goo.gl/8XDCLz3HfitGjpWK7
Osaka Nanko Bird Sanctuary
About: The Osaka Nanko Bird Sanctuary is a tidal flat that provides a habitat for migratory birds. This unique sanctuary hosts a remarkable variety of bird species, including shorebirds, waterfowl and bushland birds in the surrounding forested area. An enclosed observation tower allows visitors to safely observe the birds without disturbing them, and includes seating and signed information (use Google Translate to read the list of what people have seen). The Sanctuary often hosts birdwatching events and educational programs. Highly recommend a visit, especially during the warmer months.
Location: maps.app.goo.gl/3S9b34YQf13MvroB7
eBird list: ebird.org/hotspot/L1122065
Cafe: The Sun of the Cafe Nanko Store - maps.app.goo.gl/S7JU8AjF2sArjH2x6
Minoo National Park
About: Just 40 minutes by train from downtown Umeda is Minoo Park. A paved path slowly weaves its way along the meandering Minoo River and through a stunning forest up to Minoo Waterfall. The walk will take you about 1-1.5 hours each way if you’re birdwatching because there is much to see - colorful warblers flitting through the foliage, cooing of doves echoing through the trees, and the occasional Pygmy Woodpecker tapping on a tree trunk. All this, combined with the park's peaceful atmosphere and abundance of greenery, makes it a wonderful escape from the busy-ness of the city. There are cafes near Minoo station and food outlets are also next to the Waterfall.
Location: maps.app.goo.gl/YdwYaFMFPMJUom2s8
eBird list: ebird.org/hotspot/L4938756
Cafe: Cafe de Crie Minoh Store - maps.app.goo.gl/C3eefB8JX8zDVzedA
Other recommendations
You might also like to birdwatch at Kishiwada-Kumeda Pond, Toyonaka-Hattori Greenbelt Park and Osaka-Tsurumi Greenspace Park.