There's no shortage of festivals to enjoy throughout the year in Japan. Summer is famous for its traditional festivals and fireworks displays, the cooler months are brought to life through colourful illuminations, while excellent art exhibitions take place year-round.
One of the best places to get a taste of all these events is Osaka, where you can enjoy vibrant traditional festivals, incredible light-ups and many other unforgettable experiences. Here are some festivals you shouldn't miss while you're in Osaka this year.
Aizen Festival
When: June 30-July 2, 2025
Where: Aizen-do Shoman-in Temple
The main highlight of Aizen-do Shoman-in’s namesake summer festival occurs on the first day, when eight women dressed in yukata are carried in their respective hoekago (literally means ‘treasure basket’) for a parade along Tanimachisugi street. These women, also known as Aizen Musume, were traditionally geisha back in the Edo period (1603–1867). Today they’re selected by the organisers and occasionally include local celebrities.
Tenjin Festival
When: July 24-25, 2025
Where: Tenmangu Shrine
This traditional festival is one of the biggest in Japan, dating back over 1,000 years. It takes place annually in July over two days, with the main events happening on the second day. The festivities culminate with a vibrant parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) carried by devotees in elaborate costumes. The procession starts at the historical Tenmangu Shrine before arriving at the Okawa River. It then continues on boats accompanied by fireworks over the water.
Kishiwada Danjiri Festival
When: September 13-14 and October 11-12, 2025
Where: around Kishiwada Castle
This awe-inspiring festival is a sight to behold, especially with 34 danjiri (massive wooden floats) parading the streets around the historic Kishiwada Castle, a landmark in the southern part of Osaka prefecture. Each float belongs to a different neighbourhood in the city of Kishiwada, and are crafted in ornate details by the residents themselves. Make sure to arrive early to enjoy traditional Japanese street food like takoyaki, grilled squid, yakisoba and more.
Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
When: October 18 2025
Where: Yodogawa Park
Summer in Japan is synonymous with fireworks festivals, but Osaka’s biggest pyrotechnic display has been moved to October this year to coincide with the finale of the World Expo. The Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is held along the Yodogawa River with a spectacular view of the city skyline in the background. The hour-long festival is split into five sections, each featuring a pair of songs played in sync with the fireworks.
Suminoe Art Beat
When: November 9 2025
Where: Creative Center Osaka
One of Osaka’s premier art events takes place at the Creative Center Osaka art complex in Kitakagaya and is beloved for its 9.5m-tall giant rubber duck by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman. Additionally, there will be a series of exhibitions, pop-up shops and food stalls as well as performances.
Festival of the Lights
When: November 2025-January 2026
For this year-end celebration, Osaka’s most popular landmarks and attractions are lit up in colourful illuminations after dark, especially the Midosuji avenue between Umeda and Namba, which currently holds the Guinness World Record for having the ‘most illuminated trees on a single street’. Also, don’t miss the Osaka City Central Public Hall, which will serve as the backdrop for a spectacular projection mapping display. Festival of the Lights also sees many other locations across Osaka prefecture lighting up for the occasion, including the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park.
This article was originally published on June 26 2023 and updated on June 2 2025.
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