Things to do
The majestic, century-old Nara Prison to reopen as a museum in April
The historic Meiji-era landmark will become the Nara Prison Museum and Japan’s first luxury prison hotel under Hoshinoya
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Travel
Osaka trains on New Year’s Eve 2025–2026: JR West confirms extended service
Getting home after New Year’s Eve countdown? Osaka Loop Line and Yumesaki Line will continue running after midnight
Travel
7-Eleven now offers luggage storage in Osaka and across Japan
You can now store luggage 24/7 at over 370 7-Eleven convenience stores via Ecbo Cloak's English website and app
Things to do
Japan cherry blossom forecast 2026: Osaka and Kyoto bloom dates
Plan your spring trip with the official 2026 sakura forecast, as Kansai is expected to see early flowering and full bloom
Travel
Osaka Metro will not run all-night trains on 2025-2026 New Year’s Eve
If you plan to party past midnight on New Year’s Day, make sure to arrange alternative transport
Restaurants
The world’s second-ever Gucci bar is now open in Osaka
Enjoy Japanese-Italian cocktails, a 30-year-old vintage sake and a negroni trolley at the new Gucci Giardino in Umeda
Things to do
Take a futuristic bath in a ‘human washing machine’ at this Osaka hotel
Dotonbori Crystal Hotel III is currently the only place in Japan to enjoy a spa-like bath in an automated bathing pod
Things to do
Watch the first sunrise of 2026 from the rooftop of Umeda Sky Building
The New Year’s Day sunrise event at Kuchu Teien Observatory is limited to 250 people – tickets go on sale December 12
Things to do
Catch the auspicious first sunrise of 2026 at Osaka’s highest observation deck
Usher in 2026 with the first sunrise of the New Year at Harukas 300 and enjoy traditional New Year dishes and activities
Travel
You can now ride the One Piece Shinkansen between Osaka and Hakata
Three trains with unique designs inspired by the adventures of Luffy and friends now run on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line
Discover Time Out original video