Things to do
Osaka is getting three fireworks festivals this autumn and tickets are out now
Pick from Osaka’s top November fireworks: a beachside event, a Bruno Mars–themed show and another featuring drones
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Things to do
Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai is hosting daily fireworks shows until the closing day
The Expo Thanks Fireworks Display will light up the evening sky until October 13
Things to do
Kyoto to increase hotel tax by up to 900 percent, making it Japan’s highest
To tackle overtourism, Japan’s ancient city will impose an accommodation tax of up to ¥10,000 starting March 2026
Things to do
Kyoto's lesser-known giant lantern float parade returns this month
The long-lost Awata Dai-Toro floats have been revived and are now a highlight of the annual Awata Festival in October
Things to do
Autumn leaves expected to arrive late in Osaka and Kyoto this year
According to the official 2025 forecast, autumn colours in the Kansai region will only begin to show in late November
Art
Your first look at teamLab’s stunning new Kyoto museum, its largest in Japan
The new teamLab Biovortex Kyoto features over 50 immersive digital art installations in the collective’s biggest space yet
Things to do
This psychedelic train restaurant in Kyoto offers immersive art and kawaii dining
Future Train transforms a disused carriage and abandoned railway track into an imaginative multi-sensory experience
Things to do
Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is lighting up with lanterns this October
The Arashiyama Bamboo Path night illumination is a community-driven tourism event that gives back to local residents
Things to do
Osaka’s Nakatsu is one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods right now
Time Out’s annual ranking has this retro creatives’ hangout just a stone’s throw from Umeda at No. 8 in the world
Shopping
Osaka Expo is releasing a super limited Labubu Myaku-Myaku in October
So exclusive, it’s available only at one store at Osaka Expo – and only through a lottery system
Discover Time Out original video