Hoshi no Buranko is a pedestrian suspension bridge located in Hoshida Park, one of the Osaka Prefectural Forest parks in Katano, Osaka. The bridge is approximately 280 meters long and reaches a maximum height of about 50 meters above the ground. With its wooden deck and impressive scale, it is one of the largest pedestrian suspension bridges in Japan.
The bridge was created around the same time that facilities were developed in Hoshida Park for the climbing competition venue of the 1997 Namihaya National Sports Festival. A climbing wall was constructed for the mountain-climbing event, and Hoshi no Buranko was established as part of the park’s facilities.
Katano is closely associated with legends and traditions involving stars. These include the Tanabata legend, the Hatcho Sanjo area associated with a legend that Kobo Daishi received a falling star, and Hoshida Myoken-gu Shrine.
Because Katano is also known as the “Town of Stars”, the suspension bridge was given the affectionate name “Hoshi no Buranko,” meaning “Swing of the Stars.”
Crossing the bridge offers a thrilling experience of walking high above the forest while enjoying panoramic views of the beautiful satoyama landscape, the traditional Japanese countryside where forests, farmland, and settlements exist together.
The surrounding scenery changes with the seasons, making the bridge an attractive destination throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy seasonal trees, flowers, and other natural sights while taking a walk through the park.
Access to Hoshi no Buranko is available via walking trails from Piton’s Hut and Yamabiko Plaza. The journey itself is part of the experience, taking visitors through the forest and along hiking trails.
From Kisaichi Station on the Keihan Katano Line, hikers can follow the Ikoma Traverse or Riverside Trail for approximately 40 minutes on foot to Piton’s Hut. From there, the Adventure Trail, which includes steep stairs, takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the vicinity of Hoshi no Buranko, followed by another approximately 5 minutes along a gentler management road.
Hoshi no Buranko is also well known as a destination for viewing autumn foliage. From around late November to early December, the surrounding forest is transformed by colorful autumn leaves, attracting many visitors.
Hoshi no Buranko is one of Katano’s signature nature attractions. The combination of a spectacular suspension bridge, forest scenery, hiking trails, and seasonal plants makes it an ideal place to experience the natural beauty of the Osaka area.
For travelers who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities, a visit to Hoshi no Buranko provides both the excitement of a high suspension bridge and the opportunity to explore the forests and seasonal landscapes of Katano.
9:30-16:30
Year-end and New Year holidays 12/29～1/4
Free admission
Get off at Shikoichi Station on the Katano Line of the Keihan Railway.
Take the hiking course (Ikoma Traverse, Kawazoi no Michi) to Piton’s Hut, about a 40-minute walk.
From Piton’s hut, take Boken-no-michi (steep stairway) to Hoshi no Sanko (star swing), about 20 minutes. After that, it is another 5 minutes on a gentle managed path.