Lim Chee Wah

We know Christmas and winter illuminations might be taking up most of your attention right now. However, don’t forget that just one week after December 25 comes another one of the year’s biggest celebrations. So, have you thought about how you’re going to welcome the 2026 New Year in Osaka? Whether you’re planning to party at one of the city’s top New Year’s Eve countdown events or prefer to see out 2025 with your favourite characters such as Snoopy and Hello Kitty, we’ve got you covered. So gather your crew, book your tickets, and get ready for a spectacular New Year’s celebration as you say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026. RECOMMENDED: Watch the first sunrise of the New Year from Harukas 300 or the rooftop of Umeda Sky Building

As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, Osaka transforms into a glowing wonderland. Streets, parks and iconic landmarks sparkle with colourful lights after sundown, creating breathtaking scenes to usher in the year-end and Christmas celebrations. From the glittering installations at Osaka Castle to the dazzling displays along Midosuji, the city’s winter illuminations and Christmas light-ups are a sight to behold. Here we’ve rounded up the top spots to experience these magical light displays. So layer up and step out for a joyful evening stroll. Osaka truly comes alive after dark during this festive season. RECOMMENDED: Discover more illuminations and season light-ups in Kyoto and Kobe

Looking for the best things to do in Osaka this weekend? Even as autumn gradually yields to winter, it remains a wonderful time to explore Osaka and rediscover its many charms, especially the seasonal and Christmas illuminations that light up the city. Whether you’re planning ahead or searching for fun things to do in Osaka today, we’ve rounded up the most exciting events, festivals, illuminations and activities happening across the city this week. From art exhibitions to lively festivals and free cultural experiences, Osaka is always buzzing with energy. Scroll down to explore our curated list of the best things to do in Osaka and start planning your perfect weekend now. RECOMMENDED: Making a trip to Kyoto? Be sure to check out these stunning temple and garden illuminations.

タイムアウト大阪 > レストラン＆カフェ > 大阪、ベストカクテルバー4選 大阪のバーシーンは多彩で、気分やシーンに合わせて選べる場所が揃っている。さっぱりしたレモンサワーとお好み焼きを楽しめる居酒屋は友人とのにぎやかな夜にぴったり。一方、クラフトビールバーは、休日の午後のひと休みに立ち寄るのにちょうどいい。　 ただ、本格的なカクテルやスピリッツ、リキュール、ミキサー、ビターズを精密さと創造性で絶妙に組み合わせた一杯を求めるときは、迷わずカクテルに特化したバーへ向かいたい。 本記事では、実際に足繁く通うお気に入りの店や、友人にも自信を持って薦められる場所を紹介する。小さな隠れ家バーから洗練されたラウンジまで、独創的なカクテルを味わえる店で夜の新しい楽しみ方が見つかるはずだ。

Osaka is famous for its food, but its cultural scene is just as vibrant. As the heart of the Kansai region, the city is packed with museums and galleries presenting a diverse array of exhibitions year-round – from contemporary installations and immersive digital art to thought-provoking commentary and timeless traditional works. With so much to explore, we’re here to help you focus on the most exciting and worthwhile shows. Browse our curated list below and get ready to be inspired by Osaka’s dynamic art world. RECOMMENDED: 12 best things to do in Nakanoshima, Osaka's museum island

Kobe may be synonymous with beef, but this bustling city is first and foremost the capital of Hyogo prefecture, bordering Osaka to the east. In the 19th century, Kobe’s port was among the first in Japan to open to foreign trade, alongside Yokohama and Nagasaki. This history helps explain the city’s vibrant and eclectic international character, which is reflected in everything from its architecture to its everyday way of life. Kobe’s port district is one of the city’s liveliest areas, particularly around Meriken Park, with its striking waterfront architecture, and Harborland, home to sprawling shopping and entertainment complexes. In winter, this scenic seaside neighbourhood comes alive with dazzling illuminations and seasonal celebrations. Best of all, it’s less than an hour from central Osaka, making Kobe an easy and convenient escape for a festive evening by the sea. RECOMMENDED: 10 best winter illuminations and Christmas light-ups in Osaka

Kyoto is one of Japan’s top autumn destinations, renowned for its abundance of vibrant autumn foliage in atmospheric temples. Many of these are Unesco World Heritage Sites, thus making the scenery truly special. The experience becomes even more magical at night, when temple grounds and autumn leaves are illuminated in brilliant colours. To ensure you don’t miss this limited-time spectacle, here are some of the top temples and gardens in Kyoto that open at night for special illumination events, including Byodoin, Kiyomizu-dera, Toji and more. RECOMMENDED: 9 amazing places to see autumn leaves in Osaka

This list is old. Here are the best things to do in the world in 2026.  2025 is set to be a momentous year when it comes to travel. Citywide celebrations and milestone anniversaries will be taking place in Amsterdam and Rome, sparkling new cultural centres are flinging open their doors in Rotterdam, New York and Abu Dhabi, and there are fresh chances to see some wonderful wildlife in Australia, Singapore and Greenland – but that’s just the beginning. Read on for our roundup of the 25 coolest, weirdest and most adventurous new things to do across the world in 2025, no matter your whereabouts or budget. RECOMMENDED:🇬🇧 The best things to do in the UK in 2025🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2025🌃 The best cities in the world right now  

Osaka has a thriving bar scene, with something to suit every mood and occasion. An izakaya serving refreshing lemon sours and hearty okonomiyaki is perfect for a lively night out with friends. A craft beer bar, meanwhile, makes for a great late-afternoon pit stop. But when we’re seeking well-made cocktails – the kind that balance precision and creativity in mixing spirits, liqueurs, mixers and bitters – we make a beeline for the city’s dedicated cocktail dens. In our guide to the best cocktail bars in Osaka, you’ll find places we genuinely enjoy drinking in and return to often, as well as spots we’d confidently recommend to our friends. Explore this list of petite hideaways, underground speakeasies and sleek lounges for nights when you’re craving spirited concoctions that push flavour in delectable new directions. RECOMMENDED: 100 must-go restaurants in Osaka

Ramen may be the world’s most famous Japanese noodle, and udon has long been synonymous with Osaka, but soba has always flown under the radar. Yet true connoisseurs know that soba is an art. Buckwheat naturally contains no gluten, making it notoriously tricky to work with: it is brittle and lacks elasticity. That’s why many restaurants add wheat flour when making their soba noodles. The masters, however, stick to 100 percent buckwheat, resulting in a firmer, nuttier bite with a subtly toasty flavour. In Osaka, this craft is well represented, with some restaurants even serving two types of soba: one made from polished buckwheat, and the other from whole buckwheat with husks included, creating a more complex, textured flavour. To get you initiated into the world of juwari, or 100 percent pure buckwheat soba, here are three restaurants where you can experience this exceptional Japanese noodle. We recommend ordering the noodles plain, with just dipping sauce, to fully appreciate their delicate flavour and unique texture. Of course, you can always add a side of tempura to make it a full meal, or enjoy your soba in a hot duck broth, which is another popular way to savour it. RECOMMENDED: 100 must-go restaurants in Osaka

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. Ticking off the main tourist attractions on a city break is all well and good, but it’s only when you veer off down a side street or stumble across a leafy avenue that you really get a glimpse of a city’s true character. Streets are the heart of local life; they’re where communities come together, where new local businesses become go-to staples and where urbanites go out, hang out and have fun.  So what are the world’s coolest streets worth a stroll right now? To find the answer, we reached out to our global team of local expert editors and contributors, who each made a case for the coolest street in their city. We then narrowed down the selection to create a definitive ranking of the best avenues, thoroughfares, backstreets and boulevards on the planet. And so you have it: the coolest streets in the world’s best cities. Over the last few years, street life has gone through something of an evolution. Outdoor drinking and dining, at one point a temporary measure, has become a staple on many of the streets on our hotlist; only bolstered by green initiatives like pedestrianisation and low-traffic avenues. In other words, these streets have become much more walkable and pleasant places to spend our time. On every street on this list, there are bold, creative new ventures in food, drink, nightlife and culture: from listening bars to repurposed heritage buildings, these streets are where you’ll find a city’s most ex

タイムアウト大阪 > Things to Do > 大阪、この冬行きたいイルミネーション＆ライトアップイベント 夜が長くなり、空気が澄みわたる季節。大阪の街は光り輝く幻想的な世界へと姿を変える。通りや公園、そして名所が夜になるとカラフルな光に包まれ、年末の街を華やかに彩る。 大阪城の壮大なライトアップから御堂筋のきらめくイルミネーションまで、冬の光景は街の至る所で壮観だ。本記事では見逃せないスポットを紹介。暖かくして、光あふれる夜の散歩に出かけよう。大阪は、この季節に一層輝きを増す。 関連記事『大阪、11月から12月に行くべきアート展』

Don’t want to commit to a New Year’s Eve plan just yet? No problem. Viva Countdown Carnival 2025–2026 at the Lively Osaka Honmachi lets you just rock up and join the fun, with free entry and no reservation required. For this Latin-themed New Year’s celebration, the hotel’s first-floor lounge will be transformed into a Brazilian carnival-inspired space. Three DJs will be on the decks all night, spinning high-octane baile funk and hip-swaying samba to keep the party going. There will also be dance shows by three performers including Erica, who regularly takes part in Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival. Her team, the Copacabana Samba Team, even won the Rio Carnival in 2025. To match the theme, the bar will serve special Latin-inspired drinks for the evening, including, of course, Brazil’s signature caipirinha.

One of Osaka’s newest luxury hotels, Waldorf Astoria is bringing the glamour of the 1920s jazz age to its New Year’s Eve countdown party. The sumptuous 29th-floor bar and lounge, Peacock Alley, will be decked out in style befitting the Great Gatsby theme, complete with gold decorations, a champagne tower and Art Deco splendour. You can enjoy an open bar with free-flow drinks, including Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV from the world’s oldest champagne house, alongside a decadent selection of sweet and savoury treats. Highlights include lobster roll with walnut and raisins, Osetra caviar with Calpis butter financier, as well as black truffle and foie gras risotto. The evening’s entertainment features internationally acclaimed, Kyoto-born jazz singer-songwriter Emi Meyer, winner of the 2007 Seattle-Kobe Jazz Vocalist Competition. She will be joined by renowned Japanese DJ and music producer Jessy, who will keep the party going through the countdown and into 2026. Tickets are priced at ¥65,000 per person, with an early-bird rate of ¥58,000 available online until 15 December.

For a no-holds-barred New Year’s celebration that goes far beyond the customary midnight countdown, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka has you covered. USJ’s annual New Year’s Eve extravaganza returns this year as No Limit! Countdown 2026, running an endurance-testing 26 hours from 7pm on December 31 to 9pm on January 1. Last year’s edition proved so popular that tickets were completely sold out. So how do you spend 26 hours at a New Year’s party in USJ? For starters, you’ll have unlimited access to rides and attractions across the entire park. That includes Super Nintendo World – home to favourites like Donkey Kong’s Crazy Trolley and Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge – as well as the 360-degree flying coaster The Flying Dinosaur in the Jurassic Park area, and the newly opened Minion Mayhem Mission: Path to Super Villainy. Meanwhile, the Countdown Special Stage at Gramercy Park will host non-stop entertainment leading up to midnight. The programme reads like a greatest hits showcase of 2025, featuring the year’s most beloved performances. Highlights include the One Piece Premier Show 2025, as well as skits, dances and sketches by Sesame Street characters, Snoopy and friends, Hello Kitty and the Minions. Then, at the stroke of midnight, the park will ring in 2026 with a dazzling display of 4,000 fireworks, lighting up the night sky in a riot of colours. Afterwards, USJ characters will appear in traditional kimono-style outfits to greet and wish everyone a Happy New Year. Entry requ

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Moxy Osaka Umeda’s signature Salsa Party, led by professional dancers Lenny and Mio of Kansai-based Vida Latina Dance Co. Not familiar with salsa? No problem. The party is designed for everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned salsa fans. Drinks on the night include colourful, fruity punch, as well as beer, highballs and sparkling wine. Tickets cost ¥4,500 per person (¥3,500 for hotel guests) and include two welcome drinks plus a snack cup of Moxy’s signature finger food. There’s also a lucky draw with ten prizes including a hotel stay.

On the cultural island of Nakanoshima, the Osaka Hikari-Renaissance ('hikari' meaning 'light') has transformed the area into a wintertime 'light museum'. From Osaka City Hall to Nakanoshima Park, several landmarks are illuminated with detailed light shows, offering visitors a series of displays to explore. The Osaka Central Public Hall Projection Mapping (December 14–25, 5pm–9pm) turns the historic neo-Renaissance building into a night festival space, featuring vibrant stained-glass colours and shimmering effects. The Osaka City Hall facade, on the other hand, becomes a canvas for 3D LED mapping (until December 31, 5pm–1am), with additional video projections running closer to Christmas (December 14–25). While you're there, you can also pose for a photo with a reclining Myaku-Myaku, the celebrity of the now-concluded Osaka Expo. The 150 m-long riverside path connecting Osaka City Hall and Osaka Central Public Hall, which is flanked by tall zelkova trees, is transformed into a tunnel of light leading you to the event’s various sites. Meanwhile, around Naniwabashi Station, the Hikari Marche (December 14–25, 4pm–10pm), or Light Market, combines street food with up-close projection mapping. It’s an ideal spot to indulge in seasonal flavours while experiencing Osaka nights at their brightest. From here, you then slowly stroll over to Nakanoshima Park and enjoy more light installations along the way.

Osaka’s main and most famous thoroughfare, the tree-lined Midosuji stretches from Umeda to Namba. The 4km-long Light Path comes aglow from 5pm until 1am, with the illuminations continuing until December 31.  The entire stretch is divided into seven coloured zones, each highlighting a different aspect of the city. Notably, the Minami area has unveiled a new colour for the first time in five years. At one end of Midosuji, the lights at Umeda Ventilation Tower feature a shifting gradient effect, while eight buildings along the avenue are also illuminated to create an immersive streetscape after dark.

If you’re looking to usher in 2026 in style, W Osaka makes a compelling choice. This chic, design-driven hotel has hosted some of the city’s hottest soirees, and its 2025 New Year’s Eve countdown party looks set to follow suit, promising a cool, high-energy celebration to round off the year. Taking over the second-floor banquet hall, the soirée will feature thrilling performance by TRAinnovation, whose genre-bending sound fuses traditional Japanese instruments – shamisen, taiko, shakuhachi, shinobue and the like – with pulsing electronic beats, all accompanied by expressive modern dance. Joining them on stage, with all hands on deck, is the hotel’s music and entertainment director, Yuuki Yoshiyama, a bona fide DJ who has spun for massive crowds at major festivals including Tomorrowland and EDC. Moreover, the hotel promises another headline act, which will be announced soon.  Prices start at ¥20,000 per person for standing admission, with Premium and Premium Plus seating set at ¥30,000 and ¥40,000 respectively. A VIP table for six will set you back ¥300,000, while a VVIP table for ten costs an eye-watering ¥500,000. All packages come with free-flow drinks: champagne, beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks. The higher-priced packages naturally come with more perks, such as caviar blinis, sushi and more. After the countdown, guests can kick-start the New Year on an auspicious note by enjoying celebratory sake and freshly pounded mochi, while being serenaded by live koto performan

For six magical days leading up to Christmas, Meriken Park in Kobe’s port district transforms into a winter wonderland brimming with festive cheer. The park is illuminated in dazzling blue and white lights to reflect its seaside setting, with nearby landmarks – Kobe Port Tower, Kobe Maritime Museum and Be Kobe Monument – joining in the light-up, too. But Kobe Meriken Christmas (also stylised as 'Kobe Meriken Xmas') is more than just a light display. Twice daily at  6pm and 8pm, 500 drones take to the night sky to weave an enchanting winter tale set to music. Keep your eyes peeled, as Santa makes a special appearance in the story. At other times, go explore the Food & Market Zone, where 20 food trucks offer a variety of local street food and winter warmers, including Kobe wine and sake. You can take your treats over to the 7-metre-tall sparkling Christmas tree for a picnic, as it’s surrounded by glowing stools and tables. Adding to the festive spirit are street performances and live music popping up in every corner of the park. So there’s not just entertainment on stage, but also in front of the Christmas tree and across the lawn, ensuring that the festivities are well spread out and reaches everyone.

Scenic waterfront shopping centre Kobe Harborland Umie is hosting a Christmas market by the sea. Modelled after the authentic festive winter fairs in Germany, Umie’s take on this Christmas tradition features around 40 stalls, offering a plethora of Christmas goods and gifts as well as seasonal food and drinks including hot wine and sausages.  Umie Christmas Market takes place at Takahama Wharf, in front of the shopping centre, over three weekends leading up to Christmas: December 5–7, December 12–14 and, of course, December 18–25.

Aside from being part of the sprawling Champagne Gold Illumination – where some 480,000 LEDs bathe the entire Umekita area in a warm, luminous glow – Grand Green Osaka is rolling out its own celebrations for the year-end season.  The festivities centre around Umekita Park, where light, sound, fragrance and hands-on experiences come together to create an urban holiday wonderland. Grand Green Osaka’s dining outlets have even set up food trucks to surround the park, adding even more joy to the festive atmosphere. The star attraction here is the Dome, a giant transparent half-sphere measuring six metres tall and 11 metres wide. Inside, you can escape the winter chill with mulled wine and hot chocolate, unwind with board games and books, and take part in workshops to make Christmas ornaments, room diffusers and more. Nearby, the reflecting pool hosts the Kagaribi, a bonfire-inspired installation that lights up at dusk. Its flame-like illumination ripples across the water, and with the accompanying sound effects of crackling fire, this mesmerising sight is sure to help warm the senses. Over at the Pop-Up, an event space with weekly changing activities, Umekita Onsen Ren Wellbeing Park (the massive wellness centre located in the adjacent Grand Green Osaka South Building) has set up a limited-time footbath infused with the soothing aroma of yuzu. It’s another cosy spot to relax and warm up within Umekita Park. The programme at the Pop-Up changes weekly. The footbath runs until Saturd

As part of the area-wide Champagne Gold Illumination in Umekita event, Grand Front Osaka is hosting a one-off Grand Santa Parade to spread festive cheer across this bustling city-centre district. Participation is free, but places are limited to 500 Santas, and online registration closes on December 15. All participants will be provided with a Santa outfit, and you'll be guided on a festive stroll through the Umekita district, which is currently undergoing major redevelopment. Along the way, you’ll take part in light clean-up activities and hand out small gifts to passersby. All materials are provided and you even get to keep the Santa costume. The parade runs from 4pm–5pm on Tuesday December 23, with registration opening at 3pm.

Held at one of Osaka’s newest arts spaces, VS in Grand Green Osaka, Nippachi Festival brings together music and moving image to create an immersive audiovisual experience. The event makes full use of VS’s soaring 15-metre-high interior, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, as well as its state-of-the-art acoustics engineered by Hiroyasu Sato, a successor to Ryuichi Sakamoto’s sonic vision. The daytime programme kicks off at 11am with talk sessions and workshops, giving attendees the chance to engage directly with the artists and explore their music, art and creative processes.  Performances begin at 4pm, with audiovisual and improvisational live acts that merge sound, visuals and physical expressions. The evening continues with a roster of DJs to showcase the venue’s ultra-high-definition sound system. The festival features an impressive line-up of artists active in Japan and abroad, including Daito Manabe (known for collaborations with Ryuichi Sakamoto and Björk), Berlin-based guitarist and soundtrack composer Takeshi Nishimoto, and tap dancer Saro, who has performed at major festivals such as Fuji Rock. Behind the decks are drum and bass specialist Aya, rising Tokyo artist comm, and Mixmag’s 2024 Producer of the Year, Fetus, among other acclaimed DJs and VJs. One distinctive feature of the Nippachi Festival is that attendees get to support their favourite artists directly by giving them Cheer Tickets, which will be fully converted into financial support for the artist

Long before New Year’s Eve countdown parties became the norm, Japan celebrated a quieter, more auspicious tradition: hatsuhinode, the ritual of watching the first sunrise of the New Year. In Osaka, you can partake in this cherished custom on January 1 at some of the city’s sky-high observation decks, especially Harukas 300 and Kuchu Teien Observatory. Photo: Kuchu Teien ObservatoryKuchu Teien Observatory at Umeda Sky Building Topping the iconic Umeda Sky Building, Kuchu Teien Observatory is bringing back its exclusive New Year’s Day sunrise event on Thursday January 1. This early-morning session runs from 6am to 8am, allowing visitors to catch the sun rising for the first time in 2026 over the distant Ikoma mountain range. You can choose to witness this auspicious sight from the open-air rooftop 173 metres above ground or, more comfortably, from the indoor viewing area on the 40th floor. Photo: Kuchu Teien Observatory For this special event, attendance is capped at 250 people. Tickets are priced at ¥6,000 and will be sold online only, on a first-come, first-served basis starting Friday December 12 at 12noon JST. If you’re hoping to welcome 2026 from one of Osaka’s best vantage points, be sure to set a reminder, as these tickets are sure to sell out fast. Photo: Kuchu Teien Observatory Your experience will include more than just the sunrise view. As the city slowly awakens to a new year, you’ll already be up and about, enjoying otoso (traditional New Year’s Day sake) fro

The now-concluded Osaka Expo was a showcase for some of the world’s most advanced – and also admittedly experimental – technology aimed at better living. One exhibit that caused quite a stir was a futuristic, automated bathing pod created by Osaka-based company Science. Photo: Science Co., Ltd.'Future Human Washing Machine' on display at the Osaka Expo Called the ‘Mirai Ningen Sentakki’, or ‘Future Human Washing Machine’, this pod is the ultimate convenience – or, if we’re being honest, the ultimate lazy person’s dream. You simply recline inside and let it do everything for you. It treats you to a pampering bubble cleanse, followed by a warm-water mist, and finishes with a rhythmic wave bath that sends a gentle water flow over your whole body. All the while, you’re surrounded by soothing visuals and music. Actually, the experience sounds indulgent, almost spa-like. You get cleaned without any effort and come out feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. If you missed your chance to try this at the Osaka Expo – it was a lottery-only experience, after all – you can now do so at Dotonbori Crystal Hotel III in Namba. And right now, it’s the only place in Japan where you can experience it. The 'human washing machine' is set up in a private spa room at the hotel, but you don’t need to be an overnight guest to enjoy it. Anyone can reserve the room for 90 minutes at ¥18,000, and it can accommodate up to four people. Think of it as a fun spa outing with friends or family. Each ‘human washi

Japan’s New Year traditions are truly special. On New Year’s Eve, locals visit shrines and temples to cleanse away the past year’s misfortunes while praying for health, happiness and success in the year ahead. Then, just before dawn on New Year’s Day, many rise early to witness the first sunrise of the year. If you want to partake in this auspicious tradition on Thursday, January 1, 2026, one of the best spots to watch the New Year's first sunrise is Harukas 300, the highest observation deck atop Osaka’s tallest skyscraper, Abeno Harukas. However, as this is a once-a-year experience, tickets must be booked in advance. Be warned, they sell out quickly. Photo: Harukas 300 Standard Plans With the Standard Plans, you can view the sunrise from the 59th floor (indoor), 60th floor (outdoor) or the helipad. Prices range from ¥6,000 to ¥8,500 per person, depending on the location. After the sunrise, enjoy a warm bowl of ozoni (traditional New Year’s soup with mochi) at the Sky Garden on the 58th floor. Photo: Harukas 300Osechi, traditional Japanese New Year dishes Kotatsu Enjoyment Plans For a more indulgent experience, the Kotatsu Enjoyment Plan offers a cosy and unique way to welcome the New Year. You begin with warm drinks at a special lounge on the 58th floor before proceeding to the helipad or the 60th floor to catch the sunrise. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy special New Year osechi dishes while tucked into a warm kotatsu at the 58th-floor Sky Garden. For those unfamiliar, a kotat

Let’s start with the not-so-good news: the beloved Hello Kitty Shinkansen, which runs along the Sanyo Shinkansen line between Shin-Osaka and Hakata Stations in Fukuoka, will be retired in spring 2026. The good news? Character-themed bullet trains aren’t going anywhere. JR West has recently launched the One Piece Shinkansen along the same Sanyo Shinkansen Line, bringing the world of Monkey D. Luffy to life along this popular route in western Japan. Inspired by the Grand Line, a legendary ocean route in the One Piece world, the Sanyo Shinkansen has been reimagined as the Grand Rail, taking passengers on a journey reminiscent of the Straw Hat Crew’s epic adventures. Even better, there are three unique train designs, each featuring exclusive exterior and interior art drawn from One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda’s original world. These illustrations are all new, specially commissioned for this collaboration. For a fully immersive experience, the One Piece Shinkansen even plays ‘We Are!’, the first opening theme song from the One Piece anime, as the onboard arrival and departure chime. At selected stations, you’ll also hear Luffy and Chopper delivering the onboard announcements. Photo: Moko/PixtaThe Setouchi Blue One Piece Shinkansen The first train, Setouchi Blue, is a striking aquamarine design inspired by the sea of the Setouchi region, which the Sanyo Shinkansen passes through between Shin-Osaka and Hakata Stations. Along the route, it stops at some of Japan’s most popular desti

One of Kyoto’s most popular temples, Heian Shrine was established in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto’s founding as the capital of Japan. At that time, Kyoto was known as Heian, which is where the shrine got its name. This December, as part of its 130th anniversary celebration, the historical shrine is hosting a special light festival after dark. One unique feature of Heian Shrine is its sprawling grounds, home to beautiful landscape gardens and a series of elegant buildings modelled after the former Imperial Palace from the Heian period, albeit on a smaller scale. For this special night opening, you can explore these heritage buildings and traditional gardens in a whole new light, as NAKED, one of Japan’s leading digital art experts, transforms them with mesmerising light art and illuminations. Photo: NAKED, IncOtenmon Gate NAKED Yorumairi: 130th Anniversary of Heian Shrine runs for roughly a month from December 19 to January 18, with a short break over the New Year holidays (December 31 to January 5). During this period, the shrine, which normally closes around sunset, will open from 5.30pm to 9.30pm for special nighttime visits celebrating this milestone. Photo: NAKED, IncThe Daigokuden Hall at Heian Shrine The shrine’s iconic Otenmon Gate and the striking red Daigokuden Hall – both designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan – will be illuminated in vibrant colours. This event also marks the reopening of Daigokuden (from Tuesday December 23),

Time flies, and somehow we’ve reached the end of 2025 in the blink of an eye. As we prepare to wrap up the year, it’s time to start planning our 2026 New Year’s Eve celebrations. If you’re looking for an outdoor soirée with all the bells and whistles, check out the Countdown Festival 2025–2026 at Kobe Illuminage, located less than 90 minutes away from central Osaka. Photo: Kobe Illuminage For the uninitiated, Kobe Illuminage is one of Japan’s largest annual light festivals, running this year from October 24 to February 1. To mark its 15th anniversary, the illumination’s 'Garden Dream' theme has transformed the sprawling venue into a sparkling wonderland featuring a luxury cruise ship, a heart-shaped love tunnel, an ice palace and more, all sculpted entirely from lights. Photo: Kobe Illuminage For one night only on Wednesday December 31, Kobe Illuminage will host a massive countdown party across its vast illuminated grounds. Surrounded by brilliant displays in every direction, it’s a fantastical way to ring in the New Year. The evening’s programme includes food trucks, live concerts, stage performances and a magical bubble show. As midnight approaches, DJs will be all hands on deck, spinning a rousing mix of EDM, hip-hop, disco, K-pop, J-pop and more. The music will be synchronised with lighting effects to create a fully immersive atmosphere that builds the excitement as the night progresses. Photo: Kobe Illuminage Just before the clock strikes twelve, you’ll be treated

The year-end holiday season is one of the best times to be in Osaka. As the city launches into full festive mode, dazzling illuminations light up streets and parks, transforming Osaka into a mesmerising winter wonderland. And if you’re looking to immerse yourself further in the holiday spirit, the annual Christmas Market at Tenshiba offers an enticing array of German comfort foods and seasonal ornaments. As one of Osaka’s top theme parks, Universal Studios Japan is also joining in the celebrations with a host of festive activities. From November 19 to January 4, the park’s Universal Christmas Joy event features a seasonal programme packed with heartwarming performances, festive food and drinks, and sparkling light displays. The park’s beloved characters are also dressing up in their Christmas best, and there are plenty of ways for you to join in the fun. Here’s what to expect at Universal Studios Japan this Christmas season. Photo: Universal Studios Japan Universal Christmas Food Festival This year marks the first-ever Universal Christmas Food Festival, where you’ll find Christmassy menus throughout the park. From warming winter snacks to character treats themed on Snoopy, Hello Kitty and Sesame Street, there’s plenty to enjoy. You can grab a quick bite from the food carts as you stroll through the New York Area, or take a seat for a more relaxed meal at one of the park’s restaurants such as Studio Stars or Parkside Grill. Photo: Universal Studios Japan Light Up the Night

Overtourism has become a major concern in Kyoto, a city renowned for its historical and cultural treasures. In recent years, local councils and city authorities have implemented various measures to manage crowding and address disruptive tourist behaviours. Signs were installed in Gion to prevent visitors from trespassing on private roads and properties. More recently, Kyoto introduced a new circular sightseeing bus route within the city centre and announced a significant increase in accommodation tax, which is set to rise by up to 900 percent in March next year. Just this week, the municipal government was forced to take drastic action in the iconic Arashiyama bamboo forest. In response to persistent vandalism, authorities have decided to cut down parts of the beloved bamboo grove. According to the Mainichi, approximately 20 bamboo plants along a 30-metre stretch of the natural attraction were felled in an attempt to widen the space and prevent people from reaching the plants to carve graffiti on them. Sadly, some of the bamboo plants that were removed had already sustained severe damage from graffiti. A recent official survey revealed that as many as 350 bamboo plants in this popular and historically significant site may have been defaced. The damage not only marred the beauty of the bamboo grove but also posed a serious health threat to the revered plants. More alarmingly, additional cuts may be carried out to protect the site. Local authorities are currently reviewing the

Kyoto is at its most captivating in autumn, when the temple gardens burst into vibrant colours. As evening falls, the illuminated momiji maple trees take on an ethereal red glow. And when set against the timeless silhouette of the heritage temple buildings, the autumn leaves illuminations make for an unforgettable scene. Among all the temples in Kyoto, one stands out for its distinctive autumn view. The lacquered table in its second-floor room is polished so immaculately that it mirrors the brilliant foliage outside the windows. So perfectly, in fact, that this reflection has become a signature image of Kyoto in autumn. This is Ruriko-in Temple, and here’s how you can see this iconic sight for yourself. About Ruriko-in Ruriko-in wasn’t always a temple. Located at the base of Mt Hiei in the mountainous Yase area of Kyoto, it was originally the villa of a prominent noble back in the Meiji period (1868–1912). The property is an exemplary piece of residential architecture from the time, and its famous garden was a later addition during the 1930s by a renowned landscape designer.  With its remote location and limited opening – Ruriko-in only welcomes visitors for brief periods in spring and autumn – the temple has become a coveted Kyoto gem, particularly at this time of year. Photo: Seaonweb/DreamstimeRuriko-in's Zen garden in autumn When is Ruriko-in open for autumn? For autumn 2025, Ruriko-in is open from October 1 to December 14, between 10am and 5pm, with the last entry at 4

Every autumn, social media lights up with videos of a train gliding through a glowing tunnel of fiery red momiji (Japanese maple) trees. The lights inside the carriages are dimmed, making the illuminated foliage outside look even more magical. This enchanting journey takes place on the Eizan Railway in Kyoto, and here’s how you can experience it for yourself. Photo: Eizan Railway Where and what is the Momiji Tunnel The Maple Tunnel (or Momiji Tunnel) is a 250-metre stretch between Ichihara and Ninose stations on the railway’s Kurama Line. Hundreds of momiji trees flank the tracks, creating a vibrant red corridor come autumn. It’s easily one of Kyoto’s most breathtaking sights around this time of year. During the annual illumination period, the trees light up nightly from sunset until 9pm. Additionally, Ninose and Kibuneguchi stations along the route will also feature their own illuminations. Photo: Eizan RailwayThe Momoji Tunnel as of November 13 2025 When to go From November 7 until December 12, Eizan Railway’s special autumn timetable kicks in with additional services to accommodate the busy autumn leaves season. However, only the trains running between November 7 and November 30 will slow down as they pass through the Momiji Tunnel, allowing you to linger and take in the glowing scenery a little longer. The interior lights are also dimmed during this part of the journey, making the illuminated foliage appear even more striking. From December 1 onwards, there will still

With trees turning vibrant shades of yellow, red and orange, autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit Japan. Each year around this time, the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) releases its highly anticipated autumn leaves forecast to help us plan our seasonal sightseeing. Following Japan’s hottest summer on record, forecasters are predicting an unusually short autumn, followed by a sudden plunge into winter temperatures. As a result of these climate shifts, JMC expects the autumn foliage to arrive later than usual. So when can you expect to see the gorgeous red momiji and golden ginkgo leaves in Osaka, Kyoto and other destinations across the Kansai region? JMC’s latest official forecast, published on November 4, is the final autumn foliage update of 2025 — and here’s what it reveals. Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation Yellow ginkgo leaves In the Kansai region, Kobe is expected to see yellow ginkgo leaves first, around November 16, three days later than usual. In Osaka, the ginkgo trees are forecast to turn yellow around November 26, while in Kyoto, colour is expected around November 30 – that’s four and six days later than average, respectively. Nara’s golden hues are forecast to arrive seven days late on November 25. Meanwhile, Wakayama is set to see yellow ginkgo leaves about six days behind the norm, around November 29. Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation Red momiji leaves The Japanese maple, or momiji, is expected to experience a bigger delay, w

Shinkansen is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to travel across Japan – and it’s even more memorable when you catch one of its special themed trains. Among the most popular is the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, which runs along the Sanyo Shinkansen line connecting Shin-Osaka and Hakata in Fukuoka, Kyushu. The route serves western Japan’s major destinations including Shin-Kobe, Himeji, Okayama and Hiroshima. Launched in June 2018, this charming bullet train is beloved for its cute design bursting with colours, motifs and characters inspired by the global Japanese icon. Its eye-catching pink exterior features Hello Kitty’s signature bow and ribbon, and the interior is even more adorable. Photo: ©1976, 2020 Sanrio, Co. Ltd, Approval No. L613133Car 1 of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen Car 1, known as ‘Hello! Plaza’, serves as a display area and gift shop offering exclusive Hello Kitty merchandise. Car 2, the ‘Kawaii! Room’, is fully decked out in Hello Kitty designs, from the walls and ceiling to the seats. There’s even a dedicated photo spot where you can take pictures with a one-of-a-kind Hello Kitty train conductor. Photo: ©1976, 2020 Sanrio, Co. Ltd, Approval No. L613133Car 2 of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen Sadly, after eight years of service, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen will cease operations in spring next year. To celebrate its farewell, train operator JR West will be hosting a series of campaigns leading up to its final run. You can expect special events inside Car 1 f