In Osaka, famous events and traditional festivals are held throughout the year. In spring you can enjoy cherry blossoms and wisteria viewing, in summer there are fireworks festivals and Osaka’s three major festivals, in autumn you can see colorful autumn leaves and artistic fireworks, and in winter the city is lit up with illuminations and filled with New Year’s events. Knowing what’s happening each season will definitely help with your travel plans! This article introduces the representative events you can experience in Osaka during spring, summer, autumn, and winter!
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Spring (March, April, May) Events in Osaka
Osaka’s spring begins with the Hinamatsuri in March, followed by cherry and wisteria blossoms in April, and in May you can enjoy Golden Week and rose festivals. Both locals and visitors look forward to these seasonal traditions, making spring in Osaka full of must-see events. Here we’ll cover the representative spring events in detail.
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Cherry Blossom Viewing Events and Festivals
When it comes to spring in Osaka, cherry blossoms are the highlight. At one of the city’s most famous spots, "Osaka Castle Park," the "Osaka Castle Spring Festival" takes place where you can enjoy the stunning combination of the castle and cherry blossoms. During the day, the contrast between the blue sky and the blossoms is breathtaking, while at night you can admire the magical atmosphere of illuminated cherry trees, enchanting all who visit.
Another nationally famous event is the "Osaka Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Passage." This tradition has continued since the Meiji era, where about 340 cherry trees of 141 varieties are open to the public for one week only. With not only Somei Yoshino but also double-flowered and rare varieties in bloom, this is a must for cherry blossom lovers. Each year, many visitors come to enjoy this event, which has become a true
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Golden Week Festivals
In May, during Golden Week, Osaka becomes even livelier. One of the most representative events is the "Nakanoshima Festival." This community-driven event features live music, theater, food stalls, and flea markets, creating a lively atmosphere that both children and adults can enjoy. Its welcoming and friendly vibe makes it easy for tourists to join in as well.
At "Expo ’70 Commemorative Park" in Suita City, you’ll find a variety of events held in nature. The large open lawns and the symbolic Tower of the Sun create an impressive setting unique to Osaka. From gourmet food festivals to music events, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone who wants to enjoy large-scale entertainment.
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Hinamatsuri Events
In Japan, the "Hinamatsuri" festival is held around March 3 every year to pray for the healthy growth of girls. In Osaka, this tradition is also cherished, with one of the most famous celebrations being the "Semba Ohina Matsuri."
In Osaka’s Semba district, hina dolls are displayed in traditional townhouses and merchant homes, allowing visitors to feel the arrival of spring alongside the merchant culture that has continued since the Edo period. Sometimes the interiors of historical buildings, usually closed to the public, are opened, giving you the chance to enjoy both a stroll through the town and a cultural experience at the same time. While it’s deeply rooted in the local community, this event is also very popular with visitors, offering a valuable opportunity to experience Osaka’s history and lifestyle.
▶ Related article: Why isn’t Hinamatsuri a public holiday in Japan? Explaining the origins, doll displays, food, and ways to enjoy the festival
Spring Flower Events: Roses and Wisteria Trellises
After the cherry blossoms fade, spring in Osaka bursts into life with even more colorful flowers. At the "Nakanoshima Rose Garden," about 4,000 rose bushes bloom along the riverside, making it a perfect spot to enjoy natural beauty right in the heart of the city. In May, the "Utsubo Park Rose Festival" is also held, attracting many locals and gaining popularity as a community-based event.
Another must-see is "Katsuo-ji Temple (Fujiidera)" in Osaka Prefecture’s Fujiidera City, which is known as one of the best wisteria spots in Kansai. The temple grounds are filled with trellises of wisteria, their sweet fragrance drifting through the air while clusters of purple flowers sway in the wind, creating a truly magical sight. This stunning view is also known for being incredibly photogenic, making it a great choice for a short spring trip.
▶ Related article: List of events held in Osaka in March, April, and May. Cherry blossom and plum blossom viewing, etc.
Summer (June, July, August) Events in Osaka
Summer in Osaka is filled with fireworks festivals, Tanabata celebrations, Bon Odori dances, and the city’s three major summer festivals, all brimming with tradition and energy. These vibrant festivals and fireworks brighten up Osaka’s hot and humid summer, giving you a chance to experience the region’s history and culture firsthand. For travelers, they also create unforgettable summer memories.
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Summer Fireworks Festivals
When it comes to summer in Osaka, fireworks lighting up the night sky are a must-see. The "Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival" is one of the most famous, drawing more than 600,000 spectators each year and ranking as one of Kansai’s biggest events. The fireworks launched from the Yodogawa riverbank are spectacular, with highlights such as synchronized music displays and a barrage of giant fireworks. Against the backdrop of Osaka’s skyscrapers, the fireworks create a uniquely urban beauty.
The fireworks marking the finale of the "Tenjin Festival" are also not to be missed. As part of the rituals of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, about 5,000 fireworks light up the sky, combining with the boat procession (Funatogyo) to create the grand climax of the festival.
▶ Related article: Summary of summer festivals, fireworks, and traditional events in Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo from June to August
Tanabata Events
In Japan, Tanabata festivals are held around July 7, inspired by the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi. In central Osaka, the "Reiwa OSAKA Legend of the Milky Way" has become a summer tradition. Countless LED lights flow across the river’s surface, glowing like the Milky Way in a magical display that lets you experience the romance of Tanabata right in the middle of the city.
Hirakata City in Osaka Prefecture is also known as a place connected to the Tanabata legend, where the "Hirakata Tanabata Festival" is held every year. With illuminations lighting up the night sky and live music stages, the event offers an enchanting atmosphere you’re sure to enjoy.
Bon Odori
When it comes to Japanese summer festivals, "Bon Odori" dances are a must. Held as part of the Obon tradition to welcome ancestors, these dances bring communities together, and joining the circle of dancers lets you feel the strong sense of unity. In Osaka, Bon Odori takes place in many different spots, with people of all ages dancing to the beat of traditional taiko drums, creating a scene that perfectly captures summer.
One of the largest is the "Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Summer Festival," where Bon Odori is held on a grand scale across the vast grounds. Tourists can also join in easily, and dancing in a yukata is the perfect way to fully enjoy summer in Osaka.
▶ Related article: What is Obon? Explanation of the period, Bon holidays, and differences in Tokyo’s Obon
Osaka’s Three Major Summer Festivals (Aizen Festival, Tenjin Festival, Sumiyoshi Festival)
The "Three Major Summer Festivals of Osaka" refer to the "Aizen Festival," "Tenjin Festival," and "Sumiyoshi Festival." All are long-standing traditional events that are deeply rooted in the lives of the locals, while also being famous nationwide. Each has different timings and features, together coloring the summer season of Osaka.
Held from late June to early July, the "Aizen Festival" is considered Japan’s oldest summer festival. Also called the "Yukata Festival," it is customary for locals to wear their first yukata of the year here, so you’ll see many people dressed in colorful yukata.
The "Tenjin Festival," taking place in late July, is centered around Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, featuring a spectacular procession on land, a boat procession on the river, and a fireworks display to close the celebrations.
From late July to early August, the "Sumiyoshi Festival" is held, beginning with the Nagoshi no Harae purification ritual at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. It includes mikoshi (portable shrine) processions and traditional parades through the streets. This magnificent festival marks the finale of Osaka’s summer and is a very special event for the local community.
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Autumn (September, October, November) Events in Osaka
Autumn in Osaka comes with pleasant weather and seasonal events like artistic fireworks and autumn foliage viewing. As the summer heat eases, it becomes the perfect season to take in the scenery and culture at a slower pace. Especially fireworks and autumn leaves, two major highlights of the season, are beloved by both locals and visitors.
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Autumn Fireworks Festivals
Although fireworks are usually associated with summer, Osaka also hosts fireworks festivals in autumn. The "Suitokurawanka Fireworks Festival," held in September mainly in Hirakata City, Takatsuki City, and Katano City in northern Osaka, is a seasonal tradition that livens up the entire area. Fireworks launched into the night sky from the riverbank reflect on the water, creating a magical atmosphere that attracts families and couples.
In addition, the "Osaka Artistry Fireworks," usually held in November, brings together top-class pyrotechnicians from across Japan. They present a show in perfect sync with music, standing apart from traditional fireworks festivals as a highly acclaimed "art fireworks." It has become a major autumn event worthy of the season of the arts.
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Autumn Foliage Events
Another joy of autumn in Osaka is the colorful foliage. "Osaka Castle Park" is known as a prime spot for autumn leaves despite being located in the city center. The contrast between the castle tower and the red and yellow leaves is stunning, offering a scenic backdrop perfect for strolling or photography.
In Sakai City, the "Daisen Japanese Garden" holds a special nighttime opening each year called the "Autumn Leaves Festival." The illuminated leaves reflected in the pond create a completely different atmosphere from daytime.
Another must-see is "Katsuo-ji Temple" in Minoh City, famous as one of the top autumn foliage spots in Kansai. The brilliant colors covering the temple grounds, combined with countless daruma dolls lined up across the area, create a powerful and unique autumn landscape.
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Winter (December, January, February) Events in Osaka
Winter in Osaka is full of festive highlights, from illuminations and Christmas markets to New Year’s traditions. For visitors, it’s a season where they can truly experience the charm of Osaka in winter. From dazzling light displays along Midosuji and Nakanoshima to countdown celebrations and traditional Ebisu-ko festivals, there’s a wide variety of events to enjoy.
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Illuminations
When it comes to winter in Osaka, illuminations are a must. "Osaka Festival of Lights," held mainly in the Midosuji and Nakanoshima areas, transforms the city with a spectacular glow. The sight of the business district lit up with brilliant illuminations is popular with tourists and perfect for evening strolls in winter.
Another highlight is the "Kaiyukan Illumination." The exterior walls and plaza of the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world, are lit up with dazzling light displays, creating a romantic atmosphere. Visiting both the illuminated exterior and the aquarium’s exhibits makes for a full and memorable day.
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New Year’s Eve Countdown
When it comes to winter highlights, nothing beats ringing in the New Year. In Osaka, "Universal Studios Japan (USJ)" hosts a large-scale countdown event every year, where visitors can welcome the New Year with attractions and live performances. The festive atmosphere unique to a theme park makes it especially popular with families and couples.
Another traditional way to celebrate the New Year in Japan is "Joya no Kane" (New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing). In Osaka, you can actually take part in ringing the bells at temples such as Shitenno-ji, Kitamido, Taiyu-ji, and Dainenbutsu-ji. Many people visit to prepare for the year ahead, and the sound of the bells creates a serene and spiritual moment to welcome the New Year.
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Christmas Markets
Starting in December, Christmas markets pop up throughout Osaka. Among them, the Christmas Market at "Tennoji Park" is one of the largest and is famous for recreating an authentic German-style atmosphere. Stalls selling hot wine, sausages, and Christmas goods line the area, blending perfectly with the festive illuminations.
The "Umeda Sky Building" also hosts a Christmas Market, offering a more refined setting where visitors can enjoy shopping and gourmet treats.
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Ebisu-ko Festival
Held in early January, "Ebisu-ko" (Toka Ebisu) is one of Osaka’s symbolic winter traditions. Dedicated to Ebisu, the god of prosperity in business, the festival takes place at shrines across the city, including the famous Imamiya Ebisu Shrine.
The "Toka Ebisu" festival at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine draws over a million visitors each year, filling the shrine grounds with energy and excitement. As a lively and dynamic event reflecting Osaka’s merchant spirit, it’s a winter festival that also appeals to tourists.
▶ Related article: What is Ebisu-ko? Origins, how to enjoy it, and related events explained
Enjoy Osaka’s Festivals and Events Throughout the Year!
Cherry blossoms in spring, fireworks and festivals in summer, autumn foliage, and illuminations in winter—Osaka is full of exciting events all year round. When planning your trip or outing, make sure to include seasonal events to experience Osaka to the fullest.
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