Nanoniwa de Night combines classic Japanese summer festivities with a spot of historical education. For three nights this July, visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient Naniwa Palace while enjoying a communal outdoor dance party at this sprawling park in Osaka city centre.
The park sits atop the ruins of the legendary Naniwa Palace, whose long history dates back to the year 650, proving that Osaka was once the capital of Japan. For this summer festival, the site will feature educational posters and displays regaling the palace’s history, while the remains of the Imperial Palace Main Hall along with its reconstructed pillar foundations will be illuminated in LED and candlelight to create an atmospheric setting.
The evening’s highlights include the Nanoniwa Family Disco (5pm–8.30pm), an all-ages dance event where everyone can enjoy moving to classic and nostalgic music, including some traditional Bon Odori song and dance.
As with all summer festivals across Japan, there will be crowd-pleasing street food and refreshments, as well as ever-green festival games (¥500 per play) including target shooting and snack fishing. On Saturday July 25, the festival will even host an hour-long Night Yoga (¥2,000) at 5.30pm. It’s open to both adults and children, and you’ll have to bring your own mat.
Festival admission, including the Nanoniwa Family Disco, is free.