Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka with fireworks
Photo: Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau | Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka
Photo: Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

The best things to do in Osaka in July 2026

Get ready for an exciting summer in Osaka this July with these fantastic events, festivals, art exhibitions and markets

Lim Chee Wah
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We’ve entered the second half of 2026, which means summer has officially started. While the heat and humidity of summer can be punishing, this season is also one of the liveliest times to be in Japan – especially Osaka.

From July onwards, the city comes alive with a host of boisterous summer festivals, street parades and jaw-dropping fireworks lighting up the night sky. If you only do one thing this month, make sure it’s the Tenjin Matsuri. Widely considered one of Japan’s three great festivals, this massive two-day celebration culminates with a spectacular riverside fireworks display on Saturday July 25.

The secret to enjoying – and surviving – summer in Osaka is to hydrate often and stay out of the midday sun. Then, head out in the late afternoon just before the sun sets and partake in the evening celebrations. For the most amazing time in the city, peruse our curated list of the best events, festivals and things to do in Osaka this July, from must-see traditional matsuri to intriguing art exhibitions and lip-smacking food promotions.

Looking to explore Osaka's vibrant food scene? Here are the city's best takoyaki, ramen and spice curry

Food and drink events and promotions

Summers are for grilling up meals around the barbecue and beating the heat with icy cold beers, and the ‘R’ Riverside Grill & Beer Garden at Nakanoshima Park is one of the best spots in Osaka to do just that. Open throughout summer and all the way to December 25, it offers 120-minute seatings that come with an all-you-can-drink deal featuring an extensive line-up of alcohol and soft drinks, plus a choice of three multicourse menus. 

The Casual BBQ Course (¥4,500) highlights wagyu beef, pork chops in a lemon marinade and jerk chicken, while the Standard BBQ Course (¥5,500) gets you all of the above plus an additional plate of Indonesian-style lamb skewers and an assorted seafood platter. For the full monty, choose the Premium Course (¥6,500), which includes everything in the Casual and Standard offerings, an additional platter of Japanese Black wagyu steak, and a cut of tuna cheek.

All three ‘courses’ also include assorted vegetables, shrimp crackers, Javanese chilli fries and spicy fried noodles. Lunchtime deals featuring the Casual BBQ Course are available on weekends and public holidays...

Markets

  • Things to do
  • Markets and fairs

Shitennoji Temple hosts a bi-monthly weekend market on the first Sunday of the month, from 9am to 3pm, rain or shine. Held at the temple’s Nishiju Gate square, the market features vendors selling handmade crafts, secondhand goods, fresh produce and food products like honey from local beekeepers.

Cafés are also often part of the scene, dealing in freshly brewed coffee, beans and a variety of baked goods, while food trucks offer opportunities for a hot picnic meal...

  • Things to do
  • Markets and fairs

Held on the 13th of every month, this local market brings new energy to the peaceful grounds of Kamitsu Shrine, a small but charming sanctuary tucked away at the end of the Juso shopping street. Among the trees and smaller shrines, visitors can browse stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, handmade crafts and antiques, while enjoying the relaxed, community feel that makes this event a local favourite.

The shrine itself is dedicated to deities associated with family well-being, business success and good fortune...

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