A Glowing Bridge Above Osaka’s Forest
High above the forest in Katano, Hoshi no Buranko becomes a bridge of light after sunset. Discover illuminated mountain scenery, nighttime views and one of Osaka’s most unusual outdoor experiences.
Suspended 50 meters above a wooded valley in Katano, one of Osaka’s most remarkable bridges becomes a ribbon of light after sunset. The 280-meter Hoshi no Buranko suspension bridge, surrounded by mountains that turn red and gold in autumn, offers visitors an unusual opportunity to experience Osaka’s forest landscape after dark.
The Hoshida Park Illumination, known in Japanese as Hikari no Kakehashi (Bridge of Light), runs from October 18, 2026, through January 11, 2027, on weekends and national holidays. From sunset until 21:00, visitors can follow illuminated mountain trails toward the bridge and enjoy nighttime scenery rarely accessible during the park’s regular opening hours.
However, visitors planning to attend the 2026–27 illumination should be aware of important access restrictions following storm damage to the park’s hiking trails. The usual route from Keihan Kisaichi Station remains closed, and alternative approaches require additional planning, particularly for those relying on public transportation after dark. (See the ACCESS section below for current routes and important travel information.)
The adventure begins at Piton no Koya, the park’s visitor center, where participants check in and receive a complimentary glowing bracelet. From there, the route passes an illuminated climbing wall and sections of woodland accented with decorative lighting. The mountain path gradually climbs toward Hoshi no Buranko, its illuminated structure appearing above the trees.
Crossing the bridge is the highlight. Stretching across a deep valley, its wooden walkway offers a striking perspective on the darkened forest below. On the far side, a glowing heart-shaped installation provides a popular photography spot.
For 2026, the experience extends to the park’s observation deck. Visitors can follow a specially illuminated path to a viewpoint overlooking the suspension bridge, with the distant lights of the Osaka Plain creating a dramatic backdrop.
The bridge’s unusual name means Star Swing, a reference to Katano’s long association with the Tanabata star festival and local legends about the night sky. Built in 1997, Hoshi no Buranko has become one of Osaka’s best-known destinations for autumn foliage, when the surrounding mountains glow with seasonal color.
Visitors can experience the forest in daylight before returning for the illumination, although the nighttime program requires a separate admission fee. The combination of mountain hiking, illuminated scenery and sweeping nighttime views makes Hoshida Park an especially memorable excursion beyond Osaka’s urban center.
A Bridge Above the Forest – Cross the illuminated 280-meter suspension bridge, 50 meters above the valley.
Nighttime Panorama – See the glowing bridge and city lights from the observation deck.
A Glowing Forest Adventure – Follow mountain trails past illuminated woodland and a towering climbing wall.
Stars, Lanterns & Lights – Receive a glowing bracelet and discover star-shaped lanterns for purchase.
Autumn Colors & Photography – Enjoy autumn foliage by day and illuminated scenery after sunset.
Image Credits: Japan Scenes
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Opening Hours
THE SCENE: FAQ’s
⚠️ ACCESS
VENUE: Hoshida Park (ほしだ園地), Hoshi no Buranko Suspension Bridge
ADDRESS: 5019-1 Hoshida, Katano, Osaka 576-0011, Japan
⚠️ 2026–27 ACCESS ADVISORY
Storm damage has closed the usual riverside hiking route from Keihan Kisaichi Station. Katano City warns visitors not to walk along National Route 168 as an alternative because the road has heavy traffic and very limited pedestrian space.
Visitors using public transportation should travel via JR Hoshida Station and the Orihime Bus. However, the remaining approach involves approximately 40 minutes of mountain walking. Visitors attending the nighttime illumination must confirm their return transportation before setting out.
TRAINS
Take the JR Gakkentoshi Line to Hoshida Station (星田駅).
From Hoshida Station, board the Orihime Bus (おりひめバス) on the Minamihoshidai Circular Route (南星台循環ルート) toward Hoshida Enchiguchi (星田園地口).
From the bus stop, follow the designated hiking route toward Hoshi no Buranko.
SUBWAYS
Take the Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line to Kyobashi Station.
Transfer to the JR Gakkentoshi Line and continue to Hoshida Station.
Follow the bus and hiking directions above.
WALKING
From Hoshida Enchiguchi Bus Stop: Approximately 40 minutes to Hoshi no Buranko.
From Hoshida Park Parking Lot: Approximately 50 minutes to the suspension bridge.
The route includes steep gradients, stairs and unpaved mountain paths. Wear sturdy walking shoes and carry a flashlight for the return journey after dark.
BY CAR
Use National Route 168 and follow signs to Hoshida Park Parking Lot (ほしだ園地駐車場).
The parking lot operates 24 hours and accommodates 88 passenger vehicles.
Parking: ¥200 per hour.
The organizer recommends arriving by car for the 2026–27 nighttime illumination. Parking can be extremely busy during autumn weekends, and roadside parking or waiting along Route 168 is prohibited.
◷ FROM CENTRAL OSAKA
From Osaka-Umeda: Approximately 45–55 minutes to JR Hoshida Station, via JR Osaka Station and Kyobashi. Continue by Orihime Bus and approximately 40 minutes of mountain walking.
From Namba: Approximately 55–65 minutes to JR Hoshida Station, via Osaka Metro and the JR Gakkentoshi Line. Continue by Orihime Bus and approximately 40 minutes of mountain walking.
Total journey: Allow approximately 1½–2 hours or more each way, depending on bus connections and walking conditions. Confirm return transportation before attending the nighttime illumination.
Official Park Access: https://o-wonderforest.com/hoshida/access.html
Orihime Bus Routes & Timetables: https://www.city.katano.osaka.jp/docs/2026051500038/
SCHEDULE
EVENT DATES
October 18, 2026–January 11, 2027
Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays only.
ILLUMINATION HOURS
Sunset–21:00
Opening time varies with sunset. The illuminated suspension bridge and nighttime observation deck are part of the experience.
LAST ADMISSION
20:15 at Piton no Koya (visitor center).
AUTUMN FOLIAGE SEASON
Typically mid-November–early December. Visit during daylight to enjoy the autumn colors before the evening illumination.
SEASONAL PHOTO FEATURES
October–January. Special Instagram Story frames are available through QR codes at the event, with monthly designs and seasonal Halloween and Christmas versions.
WEATHER CANCELLATIONS
Canceled in rain. Check the official park announcements before traveling.
YEAR-END CLOSURE
December 29, 2026–January 3, 2027. The suspension bridge and parking facilities are closed during this period.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
Operating dates and hours are subject to change.
Official Event Schedule: https://o-wonderforest.com/hoshida/news/entry-3638.html
ADMISSION
Admission: Adults (junior high school age and older) ¥1,500; elementary school students ¥800; preschool children free.
What’s Included: Admission to the nighttime illumination, access to Hoshi no Buranko suspension bridge and the observation deck. Every registered participant receives a complimentary glowing bracelet.
Additional Purchases: Star-shaped lanterns are available for ¥1,200 at Piton no Koya, the park’s visitor center.
Reservations: No advance reservation requirement is specified in the official announcement. Visitors should check for updates before attending.
Weather Cancellations: The illumination is canceled in rain. Check the organizer’s announcements before traveling.
Official Event Information: https://o-wonderforest.com/hoshida/news/entry-3638.html
THE EXPERIENCE
The journey to Hoshi no Buranko is part of the adventure, with illuminated mountain trails leading to a suspension bridge high above the forest.
- Cross the Star Swing: Walk across the illuminated 280-meter suspension bridge, suspended 50 meters above the forest floor.
- See the Bridge from Above: Visit the observation deck for panoramic views of the glowing bridge and distant city lights.
- Follow the Forest Trail: Walk through illuminated woodland, passing the park’s towering 16.5-meter climbing wall.
- Carry a Little Starlight: Receive a complimentary glowing bracelet or purchase a star-shaped lantern for ¥1,200.
- Capture the Night: Photograph the illuminated scenery and discover special Instagram Story frames available through event QR codes.
- Enjoy Autumn Before Sunset: Arrive early during foliage season to see the surrounding mountains dressed in red, orange and gold.
The experience involves substantial mountain walking, so wear sturdy shoes, bring a flashlight, and allow time to enjoy the illuminated bridge and observation deck before closing at 21:00.
INFO & TIPS
⚠️ 2026–27 ACCESS ALERT: Storm damage has closed the usual hiking route from Keihan Kisaichi Station. Katano City warns against walking along National Route 168 because of dangerous traffic conditions. Visitors without a car can use the Orihime Bus from JR Hoshida Station, followed by approximately 40 minutes of mountain walking. Confirm return transportation before attending the nighttime illumination. See ACCESS for full directions.
Walking & Footwear: Allow approximately 50 minutes to reach the suspension bridge from the parking lot. The route includes steep slopes, stairs and unpaved mountain paths. Wear sturdy walking shoes and carry a flashlight for the return journey.
Food & Drinks: There is no restaurant or café listed inside Hoshida Park. Drink and ice cream vending machines are available at Piton no Koya, but evening availability is unconfirmed. Eat before arriving or bring food and water, particularly if planning to stay until closing.
Autumn Foliage: The surrounding mountains typically reach their best autumn colors from mid-November through early December. Arrive during daylight to enjoy the foliage before the nighttime illumination begins.
Weather & Cancellations: The illumination is canceled in rain. Check official announcements before traveling, especially when rain is forecast.
Parking: The park has 88 parking spaces, available 24 hours a day at ¥200 per hour. Autumn weekends can be extremely busy. Check the park’s live parking camera before departing. Waiting or parking along National Route 168 is prohibited.
Accessibility: The mountain trails include steep gradients and uneven surfaces. The nighttime route may be unsuitable for visitors with limited mobility. Contact the park before visiting to discuss accessibility requirements.
Facilities: Restrooms are available at Piton no Koya and Yamabiko Plaza. An accessible restroom is located at Piton no Koya. Take your rubbish home; the park prohibits smoking and open fires.
Contact Information: Hoshida Park Information Office (ほしだの森案内所), 072-891-0110 (9:00–17:00). Official website: https://o-wonderforest.com/hoshida/
