Rachel Teo

Osaka is a lively city year-round, and it gets even more exciting in the summer when there are festivals abound. Many of our favourite seasonal celebrations are fireworks festivals; when vibrant explosions start lighting up the cloudless skies after sundown and the yukata-wearing crowds turn their heads towards the spectacle, that’s when you can get into a truly magical Japanese summer mood. This year’s celebrations kick off with the Ise Shrine Dedication Fireworks Festival out in Mie on July 19 and include everything from classics (Tenjin Festival Fireworks, Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks) to a beachside favourite (Senshu Dream Fireworks) and a massive happening out in rural Kyoto (Kameoka Hozugawa). So dust off your yukata, arrive early to secure the best viewing spot, and enjoy the colourful fireworks while snacking on some tasty festival grub. RECOMMENDED: 7 reasons to visit Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai at night

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. This exhibition is closed on December 10 as well as from December 30 to January 1.

A quintessential Japanese experience during the cold months, winter illuminations transform public spaces into magical, romantic landscapes. The historic Former Foreign Settlement district of Kobe, where the streets retain their European charm, is beautiful year-round, but especially picturesque during the winter season. Along Akashimachi-suji avenue, near Daimaru Kobe department store, over 100,000 LED lights adorn the trees, creating a sparkling display that continues until February 28 2026. This annual light-up is free to enjoy and stretches across three city blocks towards Kobe’s vibrant port area. It’s a delightful way to explore the heritage district after dark and a perfect spot for capturing photos or simply chasing away the winter blues. The lights stay on until 10pm, making it ideal for a post-dinner stroll.

A proud supporter of local artists and small businesses, Minoh Marche is a monthly artisan market brimming with creativity and charm. The next edition takes place at Kayano Square, just a short stroll from Minoh-Kayano Station, on November 16 from 10am to 4pm. Browse an eclectic selection of handcrafted goods, from unique home décor and jewellery to stylish bags, tableware and even charming accessories for pets. It’s the perfect place to discover something whimsical and special for your home, or as a thoughtful gift. Come meet the makers. And when you need a breather, relax over freshly brewed coffee and tasty treats from the food and drink stalls that add to the market’s lively atmosphere. The market runs rain or shine, and admission is free. Remember to bring cash for purchases – and maybe an umbrella as well, just in case.

If you love chilli, rice and all things spicy, the Sichuan Festival is not to be missed. Taking place for the first time in Osaka at Osaka Food Lab over the weekend of November 22–23, the event promises a piping-hot culinary experience. Over two days, savour dishes prepared by passionate chefs from ten of Osaka’s most celebrated Sichuan restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments. From tongue-tingling mala skewered meats to fiery hotpot, this is an opportunity to explore one of China’s Eight Great Cuisines and its rich, multi-layered flavours. The festival is limited to 4,000 attendees, and admission is staggered by time slots to prevent overcrowding. Tickets cost ¥500 and can be purchased online in advance or on the day. Admission is free for high school students and younger children.

Originating in Germany, Christmas markets are festive end-of-year street fairs showcasing seasonal goods, food and drinks. Osaka’s annual Christmas Market returns this year from November 28 to December 25 at Tenshiba, a spacious lawn in Tennoji Park, and it’s open daily from 11am to 9pm. The market is designed to resemble a charming Christmas village, with food stalls and craft stands housed in quaint wooden huts. Here, you’ll get to savour classic German fare such as warm pretzels, sausages and Christmas stollen (a fruit-studded cake), accompanied by seasonal drinks like glühwein (hot spiced wine) and hot cocoa, both served in an exclusive mug that you can take home as a souvenir. Make sure you allocate plenty of time to explore. Browse charming décor items including wooden German ornaments, snow globes and lanterns, and enjoy the vibrant winter illuminations that come on after sundown. There are live performances, too, adding to the market’s festive atmosphere. Admission is free, though you’ll need cash for food and souvenirs. Note: the market opens at 4pm on its first day, November 28

If you’re a lover of book fairs and markets, head over to Creative Center Osaka on the first long weekend in November, when the Kitakagaya Flea 2025 Autumn & Asia Book Market will be held at the bustling art hub. Hosted by LLC Insects, the Osaka-based publisher known for its eponymous culture mag, the event brings together local and foreign publishers and bookstores from across East and Southeast Asia, giving readers a chance to discover new titles from authors from all over the region. Small lectures and panel discussions by invited speakers will also take place over the three days. Furthermore, you can expect international food stalls and craft beer, stalls selling a variety of handcrafted wares, immersive workshops, and a wide variety of live music performances. Tickets can be purchased at the door for ¥1,500 and admission is free for high school students and younger.

Few foods unite the world like noodles, and you sure can expect a cosmopolitan bunch of offerings at the Noodles Revolution Festival, set to take place in Osaka’s Ogimachi Park from October 31 to November 3. This festival rounds up a bunch of extremely popular ramen and other noodle restaurants from across Kansai. Try out decadent tonkotsu ramen, spicy pork and garlic ramen, or even ramen served without broth. Exclusive event-only bowls from the participating eateries will be available too, including a special ‘morning ramen’ for those who prefer something hearty before beginning their day. As for the other delicious noodle dishes that will be present, you’ll get to choose from hiyashimen, soba, yakisoba, pasta, Vietnamese pho and various rice vermicelli dishes. The slurping bash takes place rain or shine, but might be cancelled in the case of inclement weather. Admission is free, and we recommend bringing some cash just in case.

Kita-Nagaya in quaint Nakatsu is a little miracle: traditional Japanese wooden houses in small, narrow alleys, refurbished and preserved, and now filled with independent shops, offices and even a cute little inn for vacation lodging. There’s no better time to explore the area than the first long weekend in November, when Kita-Nagaya hosts its Autumn Garden Market from 11am to 4pm daily. Held twice a year in spring and autumn, the seasonal bazaar showcases the works and wares of some 60 chefs and bakers, sommeliers, artisans, writers and artists. In addition to stalls selling handcrafted wares and bustling food and drink dealers, there will be booths for therapeutic massages, haircuts, fortune telling and even kintsugi workshops. Completely free to enter, the market will be held rain or shine, but may be cancelled in case of inclement weather. Don’t forget to bring some cash and an umbrella with you, just in case.

There’s something magical about fireworks: the bright, beautiful colours that light up the night sky are a mesmerising sight to behold any time of year.  While most fireworks in Japan take place in summer, the Osaka Art Fireworks Festival happens in early autumn instead, on November 1. What makes this show so special is that the fireworks are launched over Osaka Bay at Rinku Park and synchronised to rousing music for that extra dramatic effect. For this one-off spectacle, Marble Beach will be transformed into a (paid) seating area for the public to enjoy the fireworks comfortably. With clear, unobstructed views over the water, this sandy shore is the best vantage point to enjoy the pre-show sunset as well as the pyrotechnics. While the hour-long fireworks show will only begin at 6pm, the venue will open its doors at 3pm. There will be food and drink stalls on site to add to the overall festivities. The show will proceed even in the rain and will only be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Sanrio’s Hello Kitty, an iconic character beloved by millions around the world. To commemorate the significant milestone, this anniversary exhibition has landed at the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art, where it will be on show until December 7. The travelling exhibition was previously held in Tokyo, Fukuoka and Okinawa, and features the largest number of Hello Kitty merchandise ever exhibited. The exhibition also showcases collaborative works with well-known artists and designers, and exclusive animated videos of the character. You can also expect plenty of fun and cute photo opportunities throughout. We strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance online, as tickets at the door are subject to availability and long waiting times.

KidZania is a family-friendly indoor theme park where children can role-play over 100 real-world occupations in a child-sized city. Through the activities, kids can learn about society and how to manage in-park money, all while gaining confidence as they learn new skills. KidZania Koshien adds some seasonal colour to the educational play by holding a Halloween event throughout the month of October, with two sessions a day from 9am to 3pm and 4pm to 9pm. During this period, the occupations that children can participate in will run exclusive Halloween-themed activities. From spooky flower arrangements at the florist to making themed desserts at the dairy company, kids will have their hands full – and they can also take part in a Halloween parade every session. Tickets can be purchased and advance reservations made online. Prices for the first session range from ¥4,800 to ¥5,300, while the second session will set you back from ¥3,500 to ¥4,300. Fees are higher on weekends and public holidays.

Craft brews in the great outdoors – what better way to spend a beautiful November weekend? The free-to-enter Sakamori Festival is returning for its third year on November 1 and 2, when Hoshi no Sato in the city of Katano will play host to 13 craft beer breweries and local sake-makers. And to go with all that booze, you’ll also find delicious food courtesy of six local restaurants at this lush campground near Iwafune Shrine. Food and drinks at the festival can only be purchased with special tickets, which are available in sets of 15. A set costs ¥2,800 when purchased in advance online, while the price at the event is ¥3,000. Additional tickets can also be purchased on-site for ¥200 each. Taking public transportation is highly recommended, as parking will not be available at the venue.

Street art can breathe new life into public spaces, transforming blank walls into vibrant canvases. But it’s more than just decoration. When created with intention, it can reflect a community’s cultural values and identity, and help strengthen the connection between people and place. While murals remain relatively uncommon in Japan, interest is growing – especially in Osaka’s Konohana ward, where a new street art festival is making its debut this month. Photo: Jun Chihara The Enoen Festival will take over Konohana’s Shikanjima Sumiyoshi Shrine on Saturday, September 27, for a day of art, live music, street food and wholesome family fun. Alongside celebrating the town’s 25 existing murals – created by local and international artists from more than 20 countries over the past two years – the festival will also unveil five new murals painted during an artist residency running from September 21–28 in Konohana’s Baika district.  Photo: Wall Share At the heart of Konohana’s emerging street art scene is Wall Share, an organisation established in 2020 with a mission to transform Osaka’s urban landscape with bold, colourful murals. Since launching the Mural Town Konohana initiative in September 2023, Wall Share has invited local and international street artists to participate in an art residency programme, where they create captivating murals across the Yodogawa and Konohana wards during their stay in Japan. Photo: Wall Share In the week leading up to the Enoen Festival, five new

Summertime is festival time in Osaka. Kicking off the celebratory season is Tanabata, a traditional Japanese festival with origins in Chinese folklore. According to legend, deity couple Orihime and Hikoboshi are separated by the Milky Way, and they are only able to meet once a year: on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Tanabata, or the Star Festival, celebrates the day of their reunion. As Japan has largely dropped the lunar dating system in favour of the Gregorian calendar, Tanabata is commonly celebrated on July 7, which falls on a Monday this year. The Star Festival is associated with grand, colourful streamers decorating streets, shopping malls and temples. Another popular custom is to write your wishes on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo trees. Tanabata is one of the most joyous and colourful traditional celebrations in Osaka – and it offers great photo opportunities. So if you’re in the city between July 5 and 7, put any of these three Star Festival events on your to-do list.   Photo via Hirakata ParkTanabata Lantern Festival at Hirakata Park Tanabata Lantern Festival at Hirakata Park July 5–6 Hirakata Park’s Tanabata festival features a special indoor lantern area, where lanterns filled with wishes are launched. Summer festival stalls offer carnival games like superball scooping, yo-yo fishing and shooting. There are also workshops that allow you to paint masks and make flower crowns or have your face painted. Consider picking up a ¥200 fortune-telli