Things to do
The hydrangeas on Mt Ikoma are now in full bloom – here’s the best way to see them
Weekend plans, sorted: one of Osaka’s most picturesque flower-viewing spots has reached peak hydrangea
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Restaurants
Time Out Market Osaka is adding 4 new kitchens this June
Classic takoyaki, exclusive monthly specials, Thai street eats and Korean comfort food, all coming soon to the city’s hottest food and cultural market
Art
This beloved Expo 2025 mural has found a new home on Osaka’s biggest art trail
Rescued by crowdfunding, the striking artwork by Bakibaki is now part of the Yodokabe street art gallery
Things to do
See four Kyoto temples with moss gardens for ¥1,500 with this summer deal
The Kyoto Moss Tour Passport offers entry into any four of six remarkable temples including Gioji, Jojakkoji and Tofukuji
Things to do
20,000 illuminated sunflowers will bloom at Osaka’s Nagai Botanical Garden this August
The ethereal sunflower field is teamLab’s latest addition to one of the city’s grandest green spaces
Restaurants
Osaka named one of the world’s best cities for food in 2026
The Kansai city ranks among Time Out's greatest cities for eating right now, thanks to a new wave of innovative chefs
Sport and fitness
Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Osaka
Get ready for a sleepless month of football – these Osaka bars, pubs and cinemas are showing the matches
Things to do
Japan opens world’s first centre to combat marine plastic pollution
Learn about the global eco-crisis at the new World Ocean Plastic Planning Center in Saga prefecture – entry is free
Things to do
Japan opens a new, free Pokémon hot spring footbath in Wakura Onsen
Relax with Pikachu, Gyarados, Psyduck and friends at this Noto Peninsula attraction – and you can visit from Osaka
Things to do
Paid seats for the 2026 Kyoto Gion Festival processions are now on sale
Enjoy Kyoto's iconic summer float parades in comfort: seats from ¥6,000, with upper tiers offering English live commentary
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