Edward Hewes

On February 22, over 34,000 runners will flood the streets of Osaka for the city’s 14th annual marathon. And this isn’t your typical leisurely city race: the 2026 Osaka Marathon serves as a Marathon Grand Championship Series event and doubles as selection trials for both the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Whether you’re planning to cheer on a friend or family member going for yet another personal best or just want to soak up the atmosphere, you’ll be able to do just that while watching world-class athletes compete for championship berths and a chance to represent Japan at the Olympics.  Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of race day. Where to watch it and when Photo: Ymgerman/Dreamstime The marathon starts with the first and fastest runners setting out at 9.15am between the Osaka Prefectural Government Building and the west side of Osaka Castle Park. Runners have seven hours to complete the course, with the race officially ending at 4.15pm, just over on the east side of the park.  Looking to cheer someone on? The atmosphere will no doubt be electric at the start, what with all those 34,000 runners gathered in one place – but it’ll also be the race’s most crowded point. Runners tend to start off compact before thinning out as the course goes on, so consider catching them along the Okawa River just after the start before heading to Nakanoshima, where the race returns around the 6km mark. This is also where the concurrent,

Osaka borders four other prefectures. To the north, there’s picture-perfect Kyoto; to the east, the peaceful, popular and spiritual Nara; to the south, there’s the rugged coastline of Wakayama; and to the west sits Hyogo with its mountainous hinterlands. When it comes to hiking, this means the treks in and around Osaka prefecture offer a little bit of everything.  Whether you're looking for challenging mountain climbs with epic city views and onsen waiting at the end for a hot soak, a peaceful riverside walk with a splash of swimming, or just a quick spot of forest bathing on the edge of the city – these five hikes are proof you don't need to venture too far from the city for a good old romp amid lush nature. RECOMMENDED: Prefer to enjoy greenery within the city instead? Here are the best rooftop gardens in Osaka

If you're looking to experience a major concert in Osaka this year, you're in luck. Japan's second city is making some serious noise in 2026, with shows lined up across the city's premier venues – from the massive 55,000-capacity Kyocera Dome to city-centre concert halls like Osaka-jo Hall and Grand Cube Osaka, plus intimate spots like Umeda Club Quattro, Zepp Namba and Gorilla Hall.  Almost every month there will be shows from some of the biggest names in pop, rock, K-pop, indie and electronic, with more announcements still to come. For now, here are the biggest concerts to look forward to in Osaka in 2026. RECOMMENDED: 7 best art and cultural events to look forward to in Kyoto in 2026

Osaka’s markets are as varied and vibrant as the city itself. From its temple courtyards and leafy shrines to its park promenades, the city hosts regular flea markets and antique and vintage clothes fairs throughout the year. Some unfold every Sunday for a slow, easy day of perusing; others appear monthly for treasure hunters who prefer quiet prospecting; yet others are festival-style events that come complete with music. Whether you’re chasing rare collectables, classy antiques, one-of-a-kind outfits or just a bargain, Osaka’s markets guarantee good finds and a good day out. Plus, almost all the markets we’ve put together boast a wide array of stalls offering seriously tempting food and drink, so even if you don’t find the niche memorabilia or eccentric ensemble you were hunting for, you’ll at least leave well fed. RECOMMENDED: The 15 best museums in Osaka

If you really want to experience local life at its most authentic when exploring a new city, the best thing you can do is take to the streets. And no, not that one major thoroughfare with the samey high street megastores and generic coffee shops. We’re talking about the neighbourhood backstreets and lively avenues that locals love; the places packed with independent shops and creative people, where a brand-new hi-fi listening bar will share the space with an old-school grocer or a centuries-old pub.  This year, to create our annual ranking of the world’s coolest streets, we asked our global network of local editors and experts to nominate the street that epitomises the very best of their city. Time Out’s global travel team then narrowed down the list and ranked each street against criteria including food, drink, culture, fun and community spirit.  From Saturday samba sessions in Rio de Janeiro to a shapeshifting shopping street in Osaka, every avenue, alleyway and side street on this year’s ranking is unique to its hometown. Walking their length is like taking a stroll through the city in miniature, getting a taste of what makes life there brilliant – from food and culture to shopping and nightlife.  Did your favourite street make the list? Read on to find out. RECOMMENDED: 🏘️ The world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2025🌆 The world’s best cities in 2025 Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for the latest travel news and the best stuff happening a

Autumn in Japan is breathtaking. Successive waves of different trees trading their summer greens for shades of crimson and gold create a month-long spectacle that leaves the countryside and cities awash in some of the world’s most striking autumn colours. In Kansai, Kyoto often takes the spotlight as the top autumn destination, but Osaka also boasts its own fantastic ways to enjoy the season. From illuminated boulevards and urban parks that provide a stunning contrast to the city’s concrete jungle, to nearby mountains, rivers and waterfalls offering quick escapes into quieter landscapes, Osaka features a range of vibrant and unique autumn experiences. Moreover, after a record-breaking hot summer in Japan this year, the autumn colours are expected to be especially brilliant, as the prolonged sun exposure has enhanced the pigments in the leaves. So, if you find yourself in Osaka during November or December, rest assured – each of the following attractions offers the awe-inspiring splendour of Japan’s dazzling autumn foliage. BEFORE YOU GO: Check out the latest official forecast on the best times to see autumn colours in Osaka and Kyoto

As one of Japan’s largest cities, Osaka is naturally home to a host of sky-piercing towers. While the views from these skyscrapers may not be as instantly recognisable as Tokyo's cityscape, the sights of Osaka Bay, Osaka Castle and the surrounding mountain ranges are no less captivating. Crucially, many of these buildings don’t just offer stunning views; they also hide relaxing rooftop gardens, lush with greenery and open to the public for free. So the next time you're looking to escape the crowds, don't duck into a café – look up. RECOMMENDED: Looking for more places to relax? Here are nine of the best beaches in and near Osaka

Osaka may not be renowned for its beaches, but there are plenty close enough for a quick summer escape to enjoy the balmy sea breeze. Both the northern and southern shores of Osaka Bay are well served by trains from the city’s main stations – even the Pacific Coast is reachable within a morning. Whether you’re after clear waters, surfing, sauna, water sports, barbecue, fresh seafood or scenic coastal views, the following beaches are all accessible from Osaka by train or bus, most within an hour or two. RECOMMENDED: 8 reasons why Osaka is so hot right now (and we don't mean the weather)

In Osaka, spring doesn’t just mean the arrival of the cherry blossoms – it also heralds the thunderous return of what’s always one of the city’s most anticipated sporting spectacles. The March Grand Sumo Tournament brings 15 days of high-stakes wrestling to Edion Arena Osaka, where Japan’s top-ranked athletes compete for the Emperor’s Cup.  As the second tournament of the year, the showdowns in Osaka are known for setting the tone for the rest of the season, with early-year performances often dictating which wrestlers will dominate the bouts, and headlines, in the year ahead. Running between March 8 and 22, the tournament has a flexible structure that lets you dip in and out as you please. Its tickets are for all day, so you can catch everything from the morning bouts to the main event matches featuring top-division wrestlers from around 2pm. One re-entry is also allowed until 5pm – perfect for grabbing lunch in nearby Namba between bouts. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned follower: sumo is one of those rare sports where the sheer spectacle can carry you through even if you don’t know all the rules. That said, if you want to brush up beforehand, Netflix’s Sanctuary offers an excellent crash course in the sport’s traditions and drama, and there’s still time to binge it before the tournament begins.  Tickets go on sale February 7 at 10am, and with demand consistently outstripping supply, you’ll want to set a reminder.  Seating options range from traditional masu-seki box sea

Over the last weekend of January, Namba Square is hosting a showcase of Osaka’s finest independent makers with the Osaka Unique Things Expo. The event will bring together craft producers and small manufacturers from across the prefecture for a two-day event that aims to highlight the creativity of local small and medium-sized businesses. To start with, there’ll be Osaka-made craft beer, artisanal sweets and speciality gourmet foods. Beyond the edibles, you'll find miscellaneous goods and handcrafted products – the kind of distinctive items you won't stumble across on an average trip down Osaka’s shopping streets or polished malls. There will also be hands-on workshops offering a chance to experience traditional craftsmanship first hand, while the wide-ranging stalls will let you browse and buy directly from the makers themselves. All in all, it’s a rare opportunity to discover the best of Osaka’s thriving independent scene all in one place. Entry is free, and with the venue being right by Namba Station, the market is perfectly positioned for a quick browse before or after a day trip – or as a destination in and of itself for anyone curious about what the city’s creative community has to offer.

Among Osaka’s vintage and flea markets, Lohas Park stands out as a family-friendly option with an eco-friendly boost. The market will first be returning to Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park this year for its 6th and 7th editions in January and March, turning the historic Expo ’90 grounds into a charming open-air marketplace. Browse furniture, handmade accessories and antique treasures alongside eco-friendly food products from local producers. Food trucks add to the gourmet offerings, while a dedicated kids’ area is on hand to keep younger visitors entertained. There will also be workshops and live performances to round out the experience. The fashionable atmosphere draws families from across Osaka and it’s a great day out for anyone interested in sustainable living, vintage finds, or simply enjoying a weekend market in one of Osaka’s greenest spaces. Can’t make the first weekend? The 7th edition follows in March, giving you two chances to experience this popular event. Plus, both weekends will proceed rain or shine.

Known as the ‘fire festival with no escape’, this 1,300-year-old tradition at Joko Enmanji Temple to the north of Osaka city is a dramatic purification ritual to welcome the year ahead. The festival’s nickname comes from the temple’s narrow precincts, which are hemmed in by city buildings. Once the sacred bonfire is lit, thick white smoke engulfs the grounds and there’s nowhere to run. But that’s exactly the point: being covered in the smoke is said to bring good luck and health while warding off evil spirits. Rituals like this are held at temples across Japan, but it’s only at Joko Enmanji that you get to experience it so closely. The grounds of the temple are small, so the viewing is intimate – and not only does the fire bring good fortune, it also goes a long way to warming everyone up on what is usually a cold February morning. The main event begins at 11.40am with the Saito Daigoma ceremony, during which priests ignite an enormous sacred fire fuelled by goma sticks inscribed with visitors’ wishes. The fire burns away misfortunes as smoke turns the surrounding area white and completely engulfs the closest participants and visitors. Before this highlight, the festivities kick off at 10.45am with a series of rituals centred around clearing away the bad and attracting the good. There’s bean-throwing, lantern lighting and a ceremony in the main hall in which sutras are placed on worshippers’ heads to remove impurities accumulated over the past year. If you drew an unlucky omi

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 and there’s often a fortune-telling stall, making it an ideal spot to reflect and set intentions before exploring the market.

Every Sunday, the central boulevard of Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park hosts Seseragi Marche, a relaxed, family-friendly market surrounded by the greenery of one of Osaka’s most beloved urban parks. From 9am to 4pm, visitors can browse a rotating line-up of local vendors offering everything from fresh seasonal produce and handmade crafts to hot meals and sweet treats from colourful food trucks. The stalls change weekly, so there’s always something new to discover. But expect to find anything from fragrant karaage, tacos and even pizza alongside crêpes and baked goods. When the weather is good, the atmosphere feels more like a picnic than a market: visitors spread out under the trees, dogs roaming along the paths, and live music or local community events often add to the charm. The market is the perfect complement to an easy Sunday in nature without leaving the city.

Hidden among the high-rises of Umeda, Tsuyutenjin Shrine – affectionately known as Ohatsu Tenjin – hosts one of Osaka’s most charming flea markets on the first and third Friday of every month. The market is modest in size, but its convenient location makes it a must-visit for treasure hunters looking for something a bit more down-to-earth compared to the commercial bustle of central Osaka. On any given week there can be between 10 to 20 vendors set up beneath the shrine’s stone lanterns, offering a mix of antiques, pottery, retro and Showa-era goods. The atmosphere is quietly magical. The 1,300-year-old shrine, dedicated to the deities of love and good fortune, is best known for the tragic tale of Ohatsu and Tokubei – Japan’s own Romeo and Juliet. Today, couples visit to hang heart-shaped ema (wish plaques) and pray for lasting love before browsing the market’s retro curiosities.

Boiler Room is back. After a two-year hiatus, for one night only, on October 26, Osaka will see the return of the world’s most viral DJ sets. As ever with Boiler Room, the full details are being kept under wraps. What we do know is that the event will be held outside in Osaka’s artsiest neighbourhood, Kitakagaya, and if it’s anything like the last edition – which saw DJ Ryota and FullHouse go viral for their sets – it will not be an evening dance music lovers should miss. Tickets are now on sale on a first come first serve basis, so grab them while you can.

This autumn, Osaka’s Ohtsuki Noh Theatre will be illuminated by the soft, golden glow of Candlelight Concerts: The World of Joe Hisaishi, a series of Studio Ghibli–themed performances presented by Fever. A leading figure in contemporary and film music, Joe Hisaishi is globally celebrated for his long-standing collaboration with Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki, composing the unforgettable scores that shaped films such as Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro and Howl’s Moving Castle. Audiences can expect timeless pieces from all three of those films and many more, brought to life by some of Japan’s finest string quartets, including Chamber Music Atelier Kobe and Quartet Acanthus.  The Ohtsuki Noh Theatre is the ideal setting for Hisaishi’s emotive compositions; when surrounded by candlelight its raised stage appears to float and its elegant wooden pagoda draws audiences into an intimate, dreamlike space. So, as the nights draw in, cosy up and immerse yourself in the nostalgic melodies of some of Ghibli’s best soundtracks while the gentle glow of candlelight transports you to the heart of the films’ enchanting worlds. The series is running until early December and prices and times vary depending on the date, so make sure to check the event website for full details.

Every year on October 22, the otherwise small and peaceful onsen town of Kurama, nestled on the outskirts of Kyoto, is engulfed in one of the region’s most extraordinary festivals. Held to commemorate the relocation of Yuki Shrine from Kyoto to Kurama over a thousand years ago, the spirited Kurama Fire Festival attracts thousands to witness its fiery display of cultural heritage and community spirit. From dusk to midnight, the narrow streets of Kurama come alive with a series of blazing processions. Bonfires are lit across the town, and hundreds of taimatsu (torches) in various sizes – ranging from handheld to 4-metres-long versions weighing more than 80kg – are paraded through the streets, culminating in a spectacular gathering at the gates of Yuki Shrine.  Here, the torch procession gives way to a more traditional matsuri, but still infused with a fiery dose of machismo that defines the festival. In a powerful display of strength, local men carry down two mikoshi (portable shrines) from the mountain and parade them around the village before the event draws to a close. The festival feels like something out of a bygone era, and it’s easy to get swept up in the fervour of the night. While that’s very much part of the experience, be sure to take care as you make your way to, through and from the festivities. The streets are narrow and crowded, and with open flames all around, it pays to be cautious. It’s also worth keeping in mind that while the festival is hugely popular, Kura

Munich’s legendary Oktoberfest comes to Osaka this autumn with the return of Tenshiba Oktoberfest. Just like its Bavarian namesake, for 24 days, a small slice of Tennoji Park becomes a free-to-enter beer garden with covered seating and a rain-or-shine schedule. There will be more than 60 varieties of German beer on tap, from crisp pilsners and pale ales to rich wheat beers and seasonal specials, and even a beer brewed especially for Japan: Alcobräu’s Weissbier Krone. To match the beer, the gaudy get-together lays on some of the most indulgent food there is, from genuine German pub grub like bratwursts and currywursts to the not-so-Bavarian Hiroshima oysters, steak, spareribs, mussels, pizza and platters of prosciutto and salami. Each Saturday, Sunday and public holiday, the festival atmosphere gets amplified by four performances from the lively Maria & Alpenbuam, a German-style band led by the aptly named ‘Queen of Beer Halls’.

In Japan, the autumn equinox is a culturally significant event that traditionally marks the end of the harvest season and is accompanied by observances across the country. For those in Osaka, one of the most magical of these seasonal celebrations can be found at Hozanji, a majestic mountaintop temple located halfway between the city and Nara and only 40 minutes from Umeda. Every year, as dusk falls on the equinoctial night, more than 1,000 paper lanterns lining the long stone staircase to the temple are set alight, along with more than 10,000 candles dotting the temple’s precincts. The effect is as stunning as it is moving; the lanterns, adorned with poems, prayers, and pictures drawn by kindergartners and local artists, cast a fantastical, guiding glow through the neighbourhood and up the mountain. The staircase has around 300 steps, so the walk is not for the faint-hearted – but emerging from the crowds into a temple festooned with candles flickering off the surrounding statues, pavilions and forest is well worth it. The community really comes together for this event, and whether you choose to walk from Ikoma Station or take the cable car, you’ll find no shortage of shops, cafés and restaurants spilling out onto the street, selling food and drink or playing music. This also means you can take from the evening what you need from it. On the initial walk up, the atmosphere is uplifting and lively, while the further you go, the more serene and contemplative it becomes. Whicheve

Osaka didn’t earn its reputation as the ‘kitchen of Japan’ by accident. But let’s be honest – with countless restaurants, local specialities and hidden gems, deciding where to eat in the city can feel overwhelming. Enter the Osaka Foodies Marathon, a new stamp rally-style event that turns the entire prefecture into a curated culinary playground. Despite the name, you won’t need running shoes – just three hours of your time. The Marathon is made up of more than fifty different food and cultural experiences across the prefecture and divided into eight slots throughout the day, so you can choose whichever best suits your schedule. The rally aims to prove that sometimes the best way to experience a city is by eating your way through it, and if there ever was a city up to that challenge, it would be Osaka. Some of the experiences showcase the city’s culinary classics, while others take you further to discover lesser-known corners of the prefecture’s rich culinary scene. Want to explore a port town at dawn, when the seafood is at its absolute freshest and the marble-stone beach glows with sunrise? Sorted. Fancy ending an all-nighter in Dotonbori with a traditional Japanese breakfast after strolling the usually packed Midosuji in blissful emptiness? There’s a card for that. Prefer hitting up a café in nature-rich Nose, or snagging exquisite ohagi (sweet rice cakes) in Toyonaka before a walk through Osaka’s largest park? The Marathon has you covered. Osaka Foodies Marathon You also

オランダ黄金時代を代表する画家、ヨハネス・フェルメール（Johannes Vermeer、1632〜1675年）の代表作『真珠の耳飾りの少女』が、2026年8月21日（金）～9月27日（日）での期間限定で、「大阪中之島美術館」に展示されることが決定した。しかも、日本での公開は大阪のみで、一生に一度かもしれない貴重なチャンスだ。 17世紀に描かれたこの名作が、所蔵先であるオランダ・ハーグの「マウリッツハイス美術館」を離れて日本で公開されるのは史上2回目で、実に14年ぶり。前回日本で公開されたのは、2012年に「東京都美術館」のリニューアルオープンを記念して開催された展覧会で、その際は約120万人もの来場者を記録した。通常、マウリッツハイス美術館が本作を貸し出すことはほとんどなく、今回の大阪展は極めて異例だ。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima大阪中之島美術館 タイミングもまた絶妙だった。マウリッツハイス美術館が改修工事のため一時閉館することとなり、世界中の美術館による激しい誘致競争の中から、大阪が本作を迎える栄誉を勝ち取ることに成功。さらに同館の館長であるマルティーヌ・ゴッセリンク（Martine Gosselink）は、この繊細な作品が海外に貸し出されるのは「これが最後になるかもしれない」とも語っている。 フェルメールが生涯に残した作品は約30点のみ。そのいずれもが、静寂な室内風景や風景画を精緻に描いた名作だ。代表作には『真珠の耳飾りの少女』のほか、『牛乳を注ぐ女』や『デルフト眺望』がある。 チケット情報を含む詳細は、2月下旬に発表予定。過去のフェルメール展はいずれも開幕前に完売していることから、事前予約は必須となりそうだ。 日本にいながら世界屈指の名画を鑑賞できる本展覧会。公式ウェブサイトでの続報を心待ちにしたい。

In what might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Johannes Vermeer’s iconic Girl with a Pearl Earring will be exhibited at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art from August 21 to September 27. Even better: it’s coming to Osaka and nowhere else. This is only the second time the 17th-century masterpiece, one of the most recognisable artworks in history, has left its home at the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague for Japan, and the first in 14 years.  When it last appeared in the country – in Tokyo in 2012, for the grand reopening of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum – it drew a staggering 1.2 million visitors. As a rule, the Mauritshuis doesn’t loan out the painting, making this Osaka exhibition all the more exceptional. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaNakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka The timing is fortuitous: the Dutch museum is closing for renovation work, and among fierce competition from institutions worldwide, Osaka secured the privilege of hosting the painting. Mauritshuis director Martine Gosselink has even suggested this ‘may be the last time’ the fragile work travels. Vermeer (1632–1675) was a master of the Dutch Golden Age who completed only around 30 paintings in his lifetime, each a meticulous depiction of a tranquil domestic scene or a landscape. Besides Girl with a Pearl Earring, he’s known for works like The Milkmaid and View of Delft. Full details – including ticketing information – will be announced at the end of February. Given that previous Vermeer exhibitions have consistently

The curtain may have closed on the Osaka Expo, but Yumeshima Island’s transformation is just getting started. A release of new architectural documents has revealed the ambitious scale of the plans for the artificial island as part of MGM Osaka – Japan’s first casino resort. Scheduled to open in 2030, the ¥1.27 trillion ($8.5 billion) development is a full-scale bet on transforming the reputation Yumeshima gained from its short-lived pavilions into a permanent international destination for poker tables. And the house, in this case, is thinking long-term. The recently published plans reveal that the centrepiece of the MGM will be a 27-storey, 126-metre tower, arced like the Bellagio in Las Vegas and housing two hotels with around 1,840 rooms, as well as a casino and a theatre. MGM Osaka IR Beyond the main tower, major sections include a massive facility for international conferences and exhibitions. Theatres, restaurants, retail venues and facilities for traditional Japanese arts, crafts, food and cultural activities are also slated to accompany the bigger buildings. Although the development will almost completely transform Yumeshima, not everything from the Expo will disappear. A 200-metre section of the iconic 2-kilometre wooden Grand Ring is being permanently preserved as part of a future municipal memorial park on the site's northeastern side. MGM Osaka IR Key for Osaka is how this development doesn’t exist in isolation. Universal Studios Japan sits just across the wate

Travelling between Tokyo and Osaka is about to get a bit more exclusive. Starting October 1 this year, JR Central is introducing fully private compartments on Tokaido Shinkansen trains between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. This will be the first time in over two decades that bullet train passengers will be able to book a room to themselves on Japan’s busiest route, marking a return to the comforts and conveniences previously offered across the world-renowned train line. In the past, the Tokaido Shinkansen included dining cars, cafeterias and drink carts, and up until 2003, private compartments were a feature of the now-retired double-decker bullet trains. Under the new set-up, each train will initially include two compartments: one for two people and one for a solo traveller. These will be phased in gradually as existing trains are refurbished. Photo via JR Central Equipped with lockable doors, dedicated wi-fi, reclining seats with leg rests and adjustable lighting and air conditioning, the booths have been designed mainly with business travellers in mind. For Osaka residents and visitors, however, the compartments won’t just be a more comfortable option for frequent business trips to and from Tokyo – they’re also the makings of a quieter journey for anyone travelling between Japan’s biggest cities. Whether you need to take a private call or show up for an important work meeting at 285 km/h, have lost your headphones and desperately want to watch a movie in peace, or simply want

From leafy avenues like Midosuji to numerous bustling arcades and countless tiny alleys you practically have to squeeze through, Osaka has an abundance of vibey streets where locals go out, hang out and have fun. But what’s the one street in the city worth a stroll right now? One answer comes courtesy of Time Out’s annual World’s Coolest Streets list – a definitive ranking of the best avenues, thoroughfares, backstreets and boulevards on the planet – whose 2025 edition just dropped. The list is chosen with the help of our global network of experts and contributors, who each made a case for their city’s most happening street. And in Osaka’s case, that’s Orange Street just off the buzz of Shinsaibashi, which surged to second place in the worldwide ranking. Orange Street (aka Tachibana-dori) was originally an antiques hub but spent the 2010s as a destination for international hype culture with global streetwear brands setting up shop. In 2025, it has come full circle – reclaimed by Japanese labels and with vintage furniture and clothes shops still a big part of the mix, walking its length feels like flipping through different chapters of Osaka’s history. You’ll pass old shops converted into boutiques like Noah, retro kissaten like Oh! Oui Oui where you can choose from Hermes or Gucci mugs, Osakan street food at Tarvo Takoyaki, and forward-looking brands beside carefully curated vintage.  When hunger strikes, hit up Bo-no Bakery for bagel doughnuts made in small batches throughou

大阪が「天下の台所」と呼ばれるようになったのは偶然ではない。しかし正直なところ、数え切れないほどのレストラン、郷土料理、隠れた名店があるこの街で、どこで食事をするか決めるのは難問だろう。そこで登場したのが「OSAKA FOODIES MARATHON」だ。大阪府全体を厳選されたグルメの遊び場に変える、新しいスタンプラリー形式のイベントである。 名前に「マラソン」と入っているが実際に走るわけではないので、ランニングシューズは不要。必要なのはたった3時間だけだ。同イベントは大阪府内にある50以上の食と文化体験で構成されている。一日を3時間ずつ、8つの時間帯に分けられたカード（物理的なもの、またはLINE経由のデジタル版）が用意されており、自分のスケジュールに最も合った時間帯を選んで店を「はしご」するという趣旨である。 このラリーを体験すれば、「大阪の街を体験する最良の方法の一つは食べ歩くこと」だということが分かるだろう。大阪の定番グルメから、市外のまだあまり知られていない隠れた名店まで、さまざまな食体験を楽しんでほしい。 夜明けの港町を探索し、新鮮な海産物を食べ、大理石のような砂浜が朝日に輝く時間を過ごしたい。オールナイトイベントの後、いつもは人でごった返す御堂筋を静けさの中で散策してから、道頓堀で伝統的な朝食で締めくくりたい。そんな希望をかなえられるカードもある。自然豊かな能勢のカフェに立ち寄ったり、豊中で絶品のおはぎをゲットしてから、大阪最大の公園を散策したりといったカードも用意されている。 また参加すれば、報酬ももらえる。カードを選び、時間帯内に指定された3つのスポットを訪れ、各場所で二次元コードをスキャンすると、その体験を「クリア」でき、報酬を受け取る権利が得られる。各レストランや観光スポット間の距離も測定されているため、体験をこなしていくうちフルマラソンの距離に向かって進んでいくのだ。 十分な距離をクリアすれば「タイムアウトマーケット大阪」で使えるクーポンが入手できる。まず4つの異なる体験を完了すると、無料ドリンクがもらえる。8つクリアすると5,000円のクーポンが当たるチャンスがあり、42kmの距離を達成すると1万円のクーポンの抽選にトライできる。 実施期間は2026年1月12日（月・祝）まで。LINEまたは市内各所でカードを受け取ることで参加可能だ。食事代は自己負担だが、それ以外のラリー参加は完全無料だ。詳細とカードの登録は、イベントの公式ウェブサイトで確認してほしい。 関連記事 『大阪で行くべきレストラン100』 『大阪・中津が「世界で最もクールな街 2025」ランキングで8位に』 『中津でしかできない7のこと』 『西九条でしかできない8のこと』

Japan’s craft beer scene is evolving faster than ever. New breweries, brewpubs, taprooms and festivals are popping up across the country, pouring inventive beers blending international styles with Japanese sensibilities. What’s emerging is not just a trend, but a maturing culture – one that’s confident, collaborative, and unmistakably Japanese. Drinkers are discovering Belgian wits laced with yuzu and sansho, sakura-infused gose (sour beer) and even shiitake porters; brewpubs and taprooms are flourishing; seasonal ingredients are giving beers a distinctly local flavour; and traditional Japanese brewing techniques are being reimagined with new intentions. To hear how the scene is evolving, we caught up with some of the country’s most exciting breweries, as well as those who were pouring beers at this year’s biggest festivals, from Fuji Rock to Shimokita Craft Beer Fest, to hear why right now is such an exciting time to be a craft beer lover in Japan. Staying in season TDM 1874 Brewery. Photo: Masatsugu Soga If craft beer has a heartbeat in Japan, it’s seasonal. The appeal of limited editions – driven by wintery, springtime, summery and autumnal novelty, not to mention social media – keeps drinkers curious and breweries constantly innovating. ‘Beer geeks are constantly seeking new stimuli,’ says Kyoto Brewing Company’s (KBC) sales manager Haruka Tsubakino. KBC runs a popular ‘Whimsical Series’ composed of four IPAs designed to reflect the mood of each season: a classic Americ

Not to be outdone by Tokyo securing three spots in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, Osaka is also raising the bar. Two of the city’s most distinctive drinking dens have earned places in this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars extended list, cementing Osaka’s growing reputation as one of Japan’s most exciting drinking destinations. Photo: Time Out OsakaBar Nayuta A new entry this year at No. 100, Bar Nayuta in Amemura invites guests to tumble down the rabbit hole – literally. An Alice in Wonderland–sized door hidden near an obscure symbol opposite Triangle Park leads to equally whimsical cocktail creations. These imaginative drinks may not make you larger or smaller, but they will certainly alter your perception of what a cocktail can be. With no menu, the bartenders here craft bespoke drinks tailored to each guest’s preferences using a vast collection of house-made infusions, bitters and liqueurs. Photo: CraftroomCraftroom Meanwhile, at No. 58, Craftroom continues to impress in its sophomore year on the list. Tucked away on a subterranean level under Umeda’s Osaka Ekimae Daiichi Building, this intimate bar seats just six guests at the counter, offering a front-row view of bartender Ryu Fujii’s mastery of cocktail craftsmanship. Formerly of Bar K, another of Osaka’s celebrated cocktail bars, Fujii’s seasonal menu balances precision and playfulness, while a jazz soundtrack makes an intimate atmosphere of the minimalist space.  For the full list, visit the Asia’s 50 Best Bars web