Summer in Japan means traditional festivals, yukata (light, casual summer kimono) and street performances. And you can enjoy them all in Osaka’s bustling Umeda district, home to the city’s main transport hub, striking skyscrapers and world-class shopping.
Running throughout the month of July, the annual Umeda Yukata Festival features a vibrant line-up of events and activities held across the area’s key locations, including Grand Front Osaka and Osaka Station City, to name just a few. While the entire month has something to offer, the main highlights take place around Umekita Plaza (the public square at Grand Front Osaka) over the weekend of July 19-20.
Bon Odori dancing and live performances
The festival’s standout event is undoubtedly the Yukata de Bon Odori on July 19-20. Led by the Kita Ward Regional Women’s Association, this joyous celebration invites everyone to come together for some traditional Japanese street dancing.
The event is free and open to all. Just head to the yagura stage at Umekita Plaza between 6pm and 8pm, and follow the dancers as classic Japanese tunes fill the air. If you do only one thing during your time in Japan this summer, make it a Bon Odori festival. It’s the quintessential and most iconic of all Japanese summer celebrations.
Also over the same weekend, join in a traditional water-sprinkling ritual to symbolically cool the streets. Be sure to gather at Umekita Plaza on Saturday July 19 by 4.20pm to take part.
If you're after laid-back summer vibes, catch an evening of live music at Umekita Plaza on Friday July 18 from 5pm to 9pm, featuring buskers and gospel choirs from the Osaka School of Music. Then, over the weekend, Shibashima High School’s Wadaiko Club will pump up the energy further with powerful taiko drumming performances.
Month-long highlights
To fully embrace the spirit of summer, drop by the Marutto Yukata Festival at Umekita Ship Hall, where you can step into a full yukata ensemble, the unofficial uniform of the Japanese summer. Rent a yukata, have it styled professionally – complete with hair and make-up – and enjoy strolling through the area in true seasonal fashion.
Last but not least, for the cutest photo opportunity, don’t miss Ted Hyber, the 3.5-metre-tall green teddy bear installation by French contemporary artist Fabrice Hyber. You’ll find him beside the water feature at Umekita Plaza.
A local icon since 2018, when he was installed to commemorate Grand Front Osaka’s 5th anniversary, Ted is known for dressing up to suit the season. And this summer, he’s donning a colourful yukata just for the occasion.
For event details and the full schedule, check out the Umeda Yukata Festival website.
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