14 best things to do in Osaka this weekend: February 27–March 1

Osaka Castle Park may be best known for its cherry blossoms, but this historical landmark is also home to a diverse array of plum trees that bloom in winter, just before the sakura season begins. Unlike the park's Nishinomaru Garden, where cherry blossom viewing requires an entry fee, the plum groves are open to the public for free.

The park boasts a total of 1,245 ume (plum) trees across 105 varieties. As they range from early to late bloomers, there’s always something flowering from January through mid-March. 

As of February 24, 102 of the 105 plum varieties have reached full bloom – so now's the perfect time to visit.

Kansai-based artist community Instabu is made up of creatives and technologists specialising in digital media and interactive art. Their recurring group exhibition Homeworks has been running since 2016, consistently showcasing a wide range of artistic expressions and genres from video and sound to immersive installations.

For its 10th anniversary, Homeworks is presenting its largest show to date, featuring more than 50 works by over 40 artists who have either won awards or exhibited both locally and abroad. A common theme in the curation is interactivity, as many of the exhibits are designed to be experienced in person, with extra elements and dimensions that go beyond the screen.

The exhibition will also include sponsored installations, live performances and hands-on workshops, alongside food and drink vendors such as BAK Craft Brewery and its selection of local beers.

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. In addition, the market often has storytelling events and a toy corner to amuse the little ones, as well as the occasional yoga session – all of which are free to enjoy. If you’re looking to shop though, don’t forget to bring cash.

After captivating visitors in Tokyo, Nagoya, Taipei and Milan, the popular Ukiyo-e Immersive Art Exhibition is finally coming to Osaka. This digital art experience projects iconic Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints into physical spaces, allowing you to quite literally walk into the worlds depicted in the art.

Expect to see over 300 works by Japan’s most celebrated ukiyo-e artists including Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Kitagawa Utamaro, Toshusai Sharaku and, of course, Katsushika Hokusai, creator of the iconic ‘Great Wave off Kanagawa’, which recently fetched a record-breaking USD2.8 million at a Hong Kong auction. These masterpieces will be brought to life through 3D animation and large-scale projection mapping across multiple walk-in spaces.

The exhibition will also showcase original Edo-period (1603–1868) prints and high-quality reproductions. Additionally, exclusive to this Osaka run, you’ll get to examine up close ukiyo-e connected to the city itself. Together, these displays offer a rich insight into the art form’s history as well as the culture and daily life of Edo-period Japan.

The first sign of spring in Osaka is the arrival of plum blossoms, and for Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Suita, this is cause for celebration. From February 7 to March 8, the park is hosting a month-long festival to accompany the blooms. The park is home to several plum groves, which showcase around 150 varieties and more than 600 trees in total, so there will be no shortage of the fragrant white, pink and red blossoms that make this time of year so picturesque.

You can expect similar abundance when it comes to plum-themed festivities. Running every weekend and public holiday, the tea ceremonies at the Japanese Garden’s Senrian teahouse will pair matcha with seasonal wagashi, perfect for enjoying while overlooking the plum-framed garden. Discounted tickets combining this experience with park admission are available at entrance gates on tea ceremony days.

The plum product festivities then begin mid-month with the plum-wine brand Choya’s takeover. From February 28 to March 1, they’re set up at the Natural Culture Park Waterwheel Chaya serving tasting sets of five premium plum wines as well as selling their dangerously delicious drinks... 

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is home to two of Osaka’s most popular and best-attended flea markets, one in its Festival Square and one in its East Square. The Expo Garage Sale is noted for the wide range of goods its vendors sell. Expect handmade items, accessories, antiques, bric-a-brac, and plenty of second-hand and vintage clothes. 

Most importantly, expect bargains. The organisers pride themselves on the market being a true-to-its-name ‘out of the garage’ sale. That means you’ll need to bring cash, and that bargaining – albeit politely – is encouraged. If you prioritise low prices over being particular about the products, know that in the afternoon, the crowding calms down and many of the amateur vendors lower their prices. 

The market also attracts food trucks, and the park has several cafés and restaurants so there are plenty of options for a picnic in the park. The Expo Garage Sale takes place up to three times a month but on irregular dates and is subject to weather conditions, so make sure to check the website for an up-to-date schedule.

Step into the world of Gustav Klimt, the celebrated Austrian symbolist painter and a key figure in both the Vienna Secession and the Art Nouveau movements. The ‘Klimt Alive’ exhibition offers a breathtaking and immersive journey through Klimt’s iconic masterpieces, where projection mapping and classical music bring his vibrant works to life.

Experience the stunning beauty of The Kiss, one of the art world’s most renowned paintings, as it’s projected onto the walls and floor to create a 360-degree multisensory environment. At this cutting-edge exhibition, you’ll be literally stepping inside his art. Additionally, the exhibition also features captivating photo spots and exclusive merchandise.

Hirakata Park’s Winter Carnival transforms this theme park in northern Osaka into a winter wonderland. The carnival’s main highlight is the spacious, 1,200sqm ice-skating rink, which offers excellent views of the park’s many rides and attractions. It includes a baby rink, which offers low handrails so that parents can support their little ones if they require any assistance. The handrails are also a comfortable height for kids to hang onto.

Beyond skating, you can build snowmen at the Snow Park, or try your hand at snowball target practice in the game area. Spectacular winter illuminations with themed zones, music and light shows bring the venue to life after dark (5pm-8pm), so taking a night ride might be the best way to enjoy the seasonal winter magic.

Tickets include admission to the rest of the park and cost ¥2,700 for adults, while children aged 2 to 12 get in for ¥1,900. Skates and snow equipment can be rented on site. Paid rest areas with lounge chairs and heaters can be reserved in advance on the park’s website, with prices starting at ¥3,000.

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy seafood, especially oysters, when they are at their plumpest and most flavoursome. And you can do just that at the Sennan Oyster Festival, held on weekends and public holidays at Umi no Marche, the seaside seafood market at Sennan Long Park.

Festival highlights include the ever-popular Sennan Special Oyster Set Meal, oysters steamed in traditional cans, and the oyster tasting set, which allows you to sample different local and domestic varieties. Other seasonal seafood dishes, such as tempura, udon and rice bowls made with fresh local catches, are also available. Early visitors may even enjoy free oyster soup, served from 11am on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

On selected Sundays (January 25, February 22 and March 22), the festival even features stage shows with taiko drummers and street performers, local sake tasting, and oyster shell craft workshops. There’s also a food rally and lucky draw, with exciting prizes up for grabs.

Note: the event may be canceled in the event of severe weather. For the latest updates, check Sennan City’s Instagram.

Beach outings may be a summertime activity in Japan, but Sennan Long Park is proving that this coastal stretch across the water from the Kansai International Airport has plenty of appeal in winter, too. Come sundown, a total of 75,000 lights will illuminate the park, transforming the shoreline into a magical winter nightscape. 

Now in its sixth year, the Sennan Park Light-up features glowing corridors and sculptural light installations shaped like hearts, snowflakes and more, turning this entire waterfront into one giant photo spot.