When it comes to wrapping up the year, there’s nothing like celebrating in Osaka!
During the year-end and New Year season in Osaka, the city is filled with events that are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Whether you want to party all night at a theme park countdown or spend a relaxing, sophisticated evening at a hotel, there’s something for everyone.
On New Year’s Day, starting the year with a visit to a shrine for hatsumode is also highly recommended for good luck.
In this article, a FUN! JAPAN editor from Kansai has put together a list of “truly recommended” New Year’s events in Osaka.
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Osaka’s New Year’s Countdown Events: Celebrate at USJ and Popular Hotels
Universal Studios Japan: NO LIMIT! Countdown 2026
At Universal Studios Japan, you can experience the “Countdown Moment,” where around 4,000 spectacular fireworks light up the sky at the stroke of midnight, as well as a one-night-only “Special Stage” featuring the year’s most exciting entertainment from the park.
From New Year’s Eve through the night of New Year’s Day, you can enjoy unlimited access to the park’s most popular rides and shows for up to 26 hours—an event packed with value and the perfect way to wrap up 2025 and welcome 2026.
An admission "Party Pass" is required for entry, so please check the official website for details.
Universal Studios Japan
- Access: Just a short walk from Universal City Station
- Event period: December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) – January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
- Official website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp
Santa Maria Cruise: Santa Maria Countdown Cruise
Welcome the New Year in a special way aboard the sightseeing cruise ship "Santa Maria," which tours the Osaka Bay Area.
The annual Santa Maria Countdown Cruise will be held again this year. Onboard, you can enjoy a variety of events such as live performances and a New Year's grand lottery. Welcoming the New Year at sea, surrounded by the night view, is truly exceptional.
Santa Maria Cruise
- Address (boarding location): 1 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Access: 10-minute walk from Osakako Station
- Event period: December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) – January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
- Official website: https://suijo-bus.osaka/
The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka: Japanese New Year Countdown
A countdown event with a "Japanese" theme held at The Lobby Lounge of The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, one of the city's most iconic hotels.
Toast with carefully selected drinks such as sparkling sake and champagne. Enjoy live performances by Japanese jazz bands and taiko drumming as you welcome the New Year. It's also great that children can participate.
🍴Reserve a restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka (ikyu.com)
The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka
- Address: 2-5-25 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Access: 7-minute walk from Osaka Station, 5-minute walk from Nishi-Umeda Station
- Event period: December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) – January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
- Official website: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ja/hotels/osarz-the-ritz-carlton-osaka/overview/
InterContinental Hotel Osaka: Countdown Party
An elegant countdown party for adults held at Adee Lounge & Bar, overlooking the dazzling Osaka nightscape. Enjoy free-flowing champagne and signature cocktails, along with a buffet-style selection of canapés.
Why not welcome the New Year in a luxurious atmosphere enhanced by live performances?
🍴Reserve a restaurant at InterContinental Hotel Osaka (ikyu.com)
InterContinental Hotel Osaka
- Address: 3-60 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Access: 5-minute walk from Osaka Station and Umeda Station
- Event period: December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) – January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
- Official website: https://wedding.icosaka.com/
New Year Events to Celebrate the Beginning of the Year: Hatsumode and New Year Concerts
露天神社 (Tsuyuten Shrine): Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
Tsuyuten Shrine, known as the stage for the climax of "The Love Suicides at Sonezaki," which also appeared in the film "National Treasure," is affectionately called "Ohatsu Tenjin" by the people of Osaka. It is also famous as a shrine that brings blessings for successful romance and matchmaking.
If you visit as part of a pilgrimage to the locations featured in the work, you may enjoy it even more.
Tsuyuten Shrine (Ohatsu Tenjin)
- Address: 2-5-4 Sonezaki, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Access: 5-minute walk from Higashi-Umeda Station
- Official Website: https://tuyutenjin.com/
Namba Grand Kagetsu: Special New Year Performances
At Namba Grand Kagetsu, a comedy theater known as the "Hall of Laughter," the annual Special Year-End and New Year Performances are held.
With a luxurious lineup including the famous Yoshimoto Shinkigeki, as well as manzai and comedy acts by both veteran and up-and-coming comedians, the stage is filled with laughter.
Why not spend the end of the year and the start of the new one laughing to your heart’s content in Osaka, the home of comedy?
Namba Grand Kagetsu
- Address: 11-6 Namba Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Access: 5-minute walk from Namba Station
- Event Period: Scheduled for December 20, 2025 (Sat) – January 6, 2026 (Tue)
- Official Website: https://ngk.yoshimoto.co.jp/
Hirakata Park: Winter Carnival
The annual "Winter Carnival" is a winter event where you can enjoy playing in the snow and ice skating while still in the city.
The "Snow Area," where you can play in the snow, is one of the largest in Osaka, and not only can you touch and play with snow, but there are also plenty of game corners.
Additionally, the skating rink features a "Baby Rink" exclusively for preschool children, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for both kids and adults.
This is a popular winter event that attracts many visitors from both Japan and abroad.
👉Purchase discounted tickets for Hirakata Park (KKday)
Hirakata Park
- Address: 1-1 Hirakata Koen-cho, Hirakata-shi, Osaka
- Access: 3-minute walk from Hirakata Koen Station
- Event Period: Selected dates from November 1, 2025 (Sat) to April 5, 2026 (Sun)
- Official Website: https://www.hirakatapark.co.jp/
The Symphony Hall: New Year Concert 2026
With pianist Shinya Kiyozuka as a guest, the "New Year Concert 2026" celebrates the start of the New Year with music.
A wide range of famous pieces from jazz to classical will be performed, including one of Kiyozuka’s signature pieces, "Rhapsody in Blue."
Why not feel the start of a new year surrounded by gorgeous music?
The Symphony Hall
- Address: 2-3-3 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Access: 15-minute walk from Osaka Station, 7-minute walk from Fukushima Station
- Official Website: https://www.symphonyhall.jp/
Osaka Castle Park: Osaka Shichifukujin & Tennoji Seven Slopes New Year Walking Tour
The Seven Lucky Gods are deities who have long been worshipped in Japan as gods of fortune, wealth, and happiness.
It is said that visiting shrines and temples dedicated to each of the Seven Lucky Gods at the start of the new year will bring you good fortune.
At this event, you can enjoy a special New Year’s moment as you walk an approximately 12km course starting from Osaka Castle Park, visiting shrines and temples dedicated to the Seven Lucky Gods as well as the Seven Slopes of Tennoji, and receiving good fortune along the way.
Osaka Castle Park
- Address (Reception Location): Morinomiya Station (Exit 3-B, ground level)
- Date and Time: January 12, 2026 (Monday)
- Official Website: https://www.jls-association.com/
Important Points When Attending Year-End and New Year Events: Changes to Public Transportation Schedules and Cold Weather
Osaka is full of fun events during the year-end and New Year period, but at the same time, you need to be mindful of changes to public transportation schedules and potential crowding.
From New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day, some subway and JR lines operate all night, but service intervals may be longer than usual, and the schedule for special trains may be limited. For peace of mind, be sure to check the official website or timetable of the lines you plan to use before heading out.
Also, in December, Osaka’s temperatures can be quite cold, with highs around 10°C and lows between 2–6°C. When enjoying year-end and New Year events, make sure to dress warmly with layers, gloves, hats, and a thick coat to protect yourself from the cold.
[Related Article] Winter Travel in Japan! The Ultimate Clothing Guide
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city and make the most of winter in Osaka safely and comfortably!
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