{"id":21776,"date":"2025-04-24T16:19:02","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T07:19:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/?p=21776"},"modified":"2025-05-30T17:39:15","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T08:39:15","slug":"osaka-matsuri-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/2025\/04\/24\/osaka-matsuri-event\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer, Spring, Winter, or Fall\u2014Plan Your Trip to Osaka Kansai with Seasonal Events in Mind"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Maido! Natiyda here!<br \/>\nDid you know Osaka has tons of seasonal events and festivals? The city has a reputation for great comedy and amazing food, but there are also lots of other reasons to visit Osaka like the scenic beauty including seasonal variations and events that you won\u2019t want to miss.<br \/>\nI\u2019ll introduce the seasonal events and festivals one-by-one and in order below. Please take a look and include some of them in your travel itinerary.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 10px; border-radius: 0px; background: #f7f7f7;\">\n<h2 style=\"color: #e1192c; margin: 10px 0 0;\">\uff3bContents\uff3d<\/h2>\n<ul style=\"margin-bottom: 20px;\">\n<li><a href=\"#anchor1\">January: Tokka Ebisu (Imamiya Ebisu Shrine &#038; others)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor2\">January\u2013March: Osaka Castle Park Plum Grove (Osaka Castle Park)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor3\">February: Osaka Marathon (Osaka)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor4\">March\u2013April: Cherry Blossom Season (Osaka)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor5\">April: Japan Mint Cherry Blossom Tunnel (Japan Mint)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor6\">April\u2013May: Nemophila Festival (Maishima)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor7\">May: Nippombashi Street Festa (Nipponbashi)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor8\">June: Aizen Festival (Aizendo)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor9\">July: Reiwa Osaka Amanokawa Project (Okawa)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor10\">July: Tenjin Matsuri Summer Festival (Osaka Tenmangu &#038; surroundings)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor11\">August: Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor12\">August: Ten Thousand Candle Memorial Service (Shitennoji Temple)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor13\">September\u2013October: Danjiri Festival, Futon-daiko (Various locations in Osaka)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor14\">November\u2013December: Minoh Park Fall Foliage (Minoh)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor15\">November\u2013February: Festival of the Lights in Osaka (Various locations in Osaka)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor1\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">January: Tokka Ebisu (Imamiya Ebisu Shrine &#038; others)<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img01.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21777\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img01.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img01-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img01-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Tokka Ebisu is a festival that is primarily celebrated in Kansai and it is held at various Ebisu shrines. It is dedicated to the very famous Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology. Especially famous is the Tokka Ebisu Festival held at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine. The festival is three days long, Jan. 1\u20133.<\/p>\n<p>Festival goers pray for prosperity in business and take home lucky bamboo branches, called <em>fuku-sasa<\/em>, decorated in colorful good-luck charms. The festivals also have beautiful shrine maidens, called <em>fuku-musume<\/em>, who help pass out the good luck during the festival. At the Imamiya Ebisu festival they are paraded through town in beautiful palanquins too!<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Tokka Ebisu Festival at Imamiya Ebisu<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: Jan. 1\u20133<br \/>\nWhere: Near Imamiya Ebisu Station on the Nankai Koya Line, 5-min walk from Daikokucho Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji or Yotsubashi Line, 5-min walk from Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line, 5-min walk from Ebisucho Station on the Hankai Tram, 10-min walk from Shin-Imamiya Station on the JR or Nankai Railway<br \/>\n*Tokka Ebisu festivals are held at other Ebisu shrines throughout Kansai.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor2\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">January\u2013March: Osaka Castle Park Plum Grove (Osaka Castle Park)<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img02.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21778\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img02.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img02-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img02-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A long, long time ago, during the Nara period\u2014so we\u2019re talking the 8th century\u2014plums were the flower to see. These small fragrant flowers were actually the beginning of blossom-viewing aka <em>hanami<\/em> culture in Japan. Did you know that???<\/p>\n<p>I asked a friend of mine, who is very knowledgeable about history, and she told me that, \u201cIn the Manyoshu collection of poems, there are actually 110 poems about plums, whereas there are only 43 that mention cherry-blossoms.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And if you are interested in plum blossoms, there is one place in Osaka that tops them all\u2014Osaka Castle Park. The plum grove there features 1,245 plum trees in 105 varieties, in adorable shades of pink and white.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Osaka Castle Park Plum Grove<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: Blooms late January through March<br \/>\n*Blossom timing depends upon the weather.<br \/>\nWhere: 9-min walk from Osaka Business Park on the Osaka Metro Nagahori-Tsurumiryokuchi Line, 12-min walk from Osakajokoen Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line<br \/>\n*Osaka Castle Park is also accessible from Morinomiya Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line or Osaka Metro Chuo Line, Temmabashi Station or Tanimachi 4-chome Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line. However, these stations are further from the plum grove.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor3\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">February: Osaka Marathon (Osaka)<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img03.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21779\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img03.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img03-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img03-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The first Osaka Marathon was held in 2011 and it has since become an annual event. Initially it was held in fall, but from the 10th marathon onwards, it has been held in February.<br \/>\nOn marathon day, Osaka\u2019s main boulevard, Midosuji is packed with runners. They head past the beautiful red brick Osaka City Central Public Hall, across the bridge at Dotonbori, around Kyocera Dome and towards the finish line in Osaka Castle Park. <\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Osaka Marathon<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: End of February<br \/>\n*Please see the official website for details about the course.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osaka-marathon.com\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.osaka-marathon.com\/<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor4\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">March\u2013April: Cherry Blossom Season (Osaka)<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img04.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21780\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img04.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img04-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img04-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The sprawling park around Osaka Castle contains some 3,000 cherry trees and the duo of the castle keep against a foreground of pink blossoms in full bloom is something you don\u2019t want to miss. And if you head north to the river that flows down around the castle, you\u2019ll find yourself on the banks of the Okawa River, another amazing setting to see the cherry blossoms in bloom. This spot is also known as Kema Sakuranomiya Park. When I first moved to Osaka, I was impressed by how many spots the city has to see the sakura.<br \/>\nThe best time to see the cherry blossoms in Osaka is usually the end of March through early April. If you are in Osaka during this season, please enjoy this chance to see the beautiful flowers and take in Japanese <em>hanami<\/em> (cherry-blossom viewing) culture.<\/p>\n<p>Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2025\u201413 Amazing Osaka Hotspots<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/2024\/02\/01\/osaka-sakura-spot-best13\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/2024\/02\/01\/osaka-sakura-spot-best13\/<\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Kema Sakuranomiya Park<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: Late March through early April<br \/>\nWhere: Near Temmabashi Station or Minamimorimachi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line, near Keihan Temmabashi Station, near Osaka Tenmangu Station or Osakajokitazume Station on the JR Tozai Line, near Sakuranomiya Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor5\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">April: Japan Mint Cherry Blossom Tunnel (Japan Mint)<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img05.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21781\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img05.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img05-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img05-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Japan Mint is where currency and medals of honor are produced, but it\u2019s famous for its beautiful cherry trees as well. The garden next to the building is open to the public for one week only, when the <em>yaezakura<\/em> (double cherry blossom) trees are in bloom.<br \/>\nThe 560\uff4d pathway is surrounded by approximately 140 varieties of cherry trees, primarily the showy double blossom cherries and forms what some call a tunnel of cherry blossoms. When I visited with my friend, we were both impressed by the different varieties and beauty of the flowers.<br \/>\n<span styel=\"color: red;\">*Advance reservations are required to visit the cherry blossom tunnel at the mint and can be made online.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Mint<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: Early April<br \/>\n*Dates for flower blossoms change depending on the weather.<br \/>\nWhere: 15-min walk from Minamimorimachi Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line and Tanimachi Line, 15-min walk from Osaka Tenmangu Station on the JR Tozai Line\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor6\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">April\u2013May: Nemophila Festival (Maishima)<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img06.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img06.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img06-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img06-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Every year Osaka\u2019s Maishima Seaside Park is transformed into an otherworldly blue, during the Nemophila Festival, when an entire hill near the ocean is covered in Baby blue eyes. It\u2019s so picturesque that the event grows in popularity every year.<br \/>\nDepending on the season when you visit, you\u2019ll be able to see cherry blossoms or tulips as well, creating gorgeous scenery near the sprawling ocean. <\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Osaka Maishima Seaside Park, Nemophila Festival<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: Early April thru early May<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: red;\">*The festival is suspended in 2025 due to the Osaka, Kansai Expo.<\/span><br \/>\nWhere: Near Take the Hokkoh Kanko Bus\/Cosmo Dream Line from Cosmosquare Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, get off at Hotel Lodge Maishima-mae bus stop.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor7\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">May: Nippombashi Street Festa (Nipponbashi)<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img07.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21783\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img07.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img07-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img07-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Nipponbashi\u2019s main street, Sakaisuji, is flooded with cosplayers from all over the country during this annual parade. In 2024, they set a new record with approximately 210,000 visitors during the 2024 parade. This is the one cosplay event in Japan that you absolutely do not want to miss!<br \/>\nCostumes span a wide range, not only including characters from the newest anime, movies, comics, and games, but you\u2019ll also see plenty of characters that you may feel more nostalgic about. The quality is unparalleled!<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Nippombashi Street Festa<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: A weekend date in May<br \/>\n*Check online for this year\u2019s dates.<br \/>\nWhere: 7-min walk from Ebisucho Station on the Osaka metro Sakaisuji Line, 8-min walk from Nankai Namba Station, 10-min walk from Nippombashi Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji or Sennichimae Line, or Kintetsu Railway, 14-min walk from Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji, Yotsubashi, or Sennichimae Line\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor8\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">June: Aizen Festival (Aizendo)<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img08.jpg\" alt=\"\u5b9d\u6075\u304b\u3054\u306b\u4e57\u3063\u305f\u6d74\u8863\u59ff\u306e\u611b\u67d3\u5a18\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img08.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img08-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img08-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This festival carries on a tradition started by Prince Shotoku, who was attributed with spreading Buddhism throughout Japan.<br \/>\nIt\u2019s considered the oldest summer festivals in Japan with a history of 1400 years! Among the other big summer festivals in Osaka\u2014Tenjin Matsuri and Sumiyoshi Matsuri\u2014Aizen Matsuri is the earliest in the calendar, so it always kicks off the summer season. <\/p>\n<p>A sight you don\u2019t want to miss is the procession of yukata clad Aizen-musume being paraded through the streets in <em>hoekago<\/em> (palanquins). The procession starts at Tenshiba Park and continues up towards Aizendo.<br \/>\nYou can feel the energy of the festival as the crowd cheers the procession in loud voices, yelling \u201cHoe-kago!\u201d Food stalls and game stands add to the excitement of this fun summer festival.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Aizen Matsuri<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: Late June<br \/>\nWhere: 2-min walk from Shitennojimae Yuhigaoka Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line, 15-min walk from Tennoji Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji and Tanimachi Lines or JR, 17-min walk from Abenobashi Station on the Kintetsu Railway\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor9\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">July: Reiwa Osaka Amanokawa Project (Okawa)<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img09.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21785\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img09.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img09-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img09-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On the evening of July 7\u2014the Tanabata celebration\u2014the Okawa River is completely filled with glowing LED orbs known as Inoriboshi\u00ae. These balls of light are 8.5 cm across and float on the river as if it were a river of stars. Looking at this ethereal scenery feels like glimpsing the milky way spreading out right before you.<br \/>\nOh, and the Inoriboshi\u00ae represent wishes, so it gives you an even more extraordinary feeling to see all the blue lights bobbing along the river.<br \/>\n*To place your own Inoriboshi\u00ae in the river, you must first purchase a ticket which includes an Inoriboshi\u00ae and entry into the riverside area. (Advance purchase: \u00a51,500\/ Same-day purchase: \u00a51,800. Both prices include tax.) <\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Reiwa Osaka Amanokawa Project<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: July 7<br \/>\nWhere: Near Temmabashi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor10\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">July: Tenjin Matsuri Summer Festival (Osaka Tenmangu &#038; surroundings)<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img10.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21786\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img10.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img10-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img10-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Tenjin summer festival is celebrated at shrines throughout the country dedicated to the deity of the same name. And Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka is particularly impressive. It\u2019s one of the three biggest festivals in Japan!<br \/>\nRituals and ceremonies begin in late June, leading up to the final day of the festival, July 25. In the evening, a boat procession takes over Okawa River and the festival culminates in a grand display of fireworks.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Tenjin Matsuri aka Tenjin Festival<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: July 24 &#038; 25<br \/>\nWhere: In and around Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. 5-min walk from Minamimorimachi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi or Sakaisuji Lines, 5-min walk from Osaka Temmangu Station on the JR Tozai Line\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor11\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">August: Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img11.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21787\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img11-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img11-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Ever since I moved to Osaka, this is one event I look forward to all year\u2014the Yodogawa fireworks in August. Fireworks in Japan come in all different colors and shapes. They are amazing to watch!<br \/>\nFor about an hour, a continuous stream of elaborately designed fireworks lights up the night sky. You\u2019ll see massive bursts of light filling the night sky, during what some say is the most dynamic firework display in all of Japan.<br \/>\nYou can watch the fireworks on TV or online, but that deep, resounding boom you feel in your core is something you can only experience in person.<br \/>\nIf you&#8217;re in Osaka during the event, don&#8217;t miss out on this truly special experience!<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: First Saturday of August<br \/>\n<span styel=\"color: red;\">*In 2025, due to the schedule of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, the event will be held on Saturday, October 18.<\/span><br \/>\nWhere: Within walking distance of Juso Station and Minamigata Station on the Hankyu Railway, Himejima Station on the Hanshin Railway, Tsukamoto Station  and Mitejima Station on the JR Kobe Line, and Nishinakajima-Minamigata Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor12\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">August: Ten Thousand Candle Memorial Service (Shitennoji Temple)<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img12.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img12.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img12-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img12-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>During Obon, a time when people visit temples and graves to honor their ancestors, Shitennoji Temple holds a <em>Manto Kuyo<\/em> (Ten Thousand Candle Memorial Service).<br \/>\nIn the evening, around 10,000 candles inscribed with the names of ancestors are lit, while monks chant the Heart Sutra, which echoes through the temple grounds.<br \/>\nThe sight of the candlelight against the backdrop of the temple buildings is truly magical.<br \/>\nIf you wish to offer a prayer of gratitude to your ancestors, be sure to visit Shitennoji in August.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Shitennoji Ten Thousand Candle Memorial Service<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: August 9\u201316<br \/>\nWhere: 5-min walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line, 12 -min walk from JR Tennoji Station\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor13\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">September\u2013October: Danjiri Festival, Futon-daiko (Various locations in Osaka)<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img13.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21789\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img13.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img13-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img13-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>While summer festivals are held to pray for good health and protection from illness, autumn festivals are a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. All over Osaka Prefecture, many autumn festivals are held, featuring <em>danjiri<\/em> (wooden festival floats) and <em>futon-daiko<\/em> (festival floats with drums).<\/p>\n<p>Danjiri festival feature large wooden floats that are pulled through town as part of a Shinto ritual. The dramatic highlight is the <em>yarimawashi<\/em>\u2014a thrilling maneuver where the float turns sharply at high speed. These floats are adorned with intricate carvings depicting historical stories, leading some to describe them as \u201cmoving works of art.\u201d<br \/>\nIn the futon-daiko tradition, participants energetically hoist a massive drum stand topped with five huge red cushions stacked atop one another. These floats are also considered <em>mikoshi<\/em> (portable shrine), and weigh an astounding 2 tons. They are carried with great vigor and human strength, creating a very a powerful and impressive spectacle. Don\u2019t miss it!<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Danjiri and Futon-daiko Festivals<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: Throughout September and October<br \/>\nWhere: Various locations including Kishiwada and Sakai\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor14\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">November\u2013December: Minoh Park Fall Foliage (Minoh)<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img14.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21790\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img14.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img14-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img14-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Minoh Park, a prefectural park rich in natural beauty, is home to Minoh Great Waterfall, a 33-meter-high cascade, which has been selected as one of the &#8220;Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan.&#8221; The area is also famous for its autumn foliage, and it\u2019s said that historical figures such as Oda Nobunaga, Matsuo Basho, and Hideyo Noguchi once visited this scenic spot!<br \/>\nFrom Hankyu Minoh Station, a 2.7 km walking trail, called <em>Takimichi<\/em>, leads to the waterfall. The path is fully paved, making it easy to walk\u2014even for beginners or casual hikers.<br \/>\nIt takes about 40 minutes on foot, so take your time, enjoy the journey, and be sure to take in the breathtaking view of the waterfall at the end!<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Minoh Park Autumn Foliage<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: Mid-November through early December<br \/>\n*Autumn foliage timing depends on the climate and changes from year to year.<br \/>\nWhere: 40 to 50-min walk from Minoh Station on the Hankyu Minoh Line\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor15\" style=\"color: #e1192c;\">November\u2013February: Festival of the Lights in Osaka (Various locations in Osaka)<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img15.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21791\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img15.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img15-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2025\/04\/osaka-matsuri-event-img15-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>During the Festival of Lights in Osaka (Osaka Hikari no Ky\u014den), various light programs are held throughout the city, including the stunning \u201cOSAKA Hikari no Renaissance,\u201d a spectacular light art installation along the waterside of Nakanoshima, a symbol of Osaka.<br \/>\nAnother highlight is the \u201cMidosuji Illumination,\u201d where Midosuji Boulevard, running north to south through central Osaka, is transformed into a glowing pathway of glimmering light. Approximately 4 kilometers of street trees are decorated with lights, beautifully illuminating the city in a dazzling display.<br \/>\nWe hope you get to enjoy this magical scenery!<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 5%; box-sizing: border-box; background-color: #f7f7f7;\">\n<b>Festival of Lights in Osaka<\/b><br \/>\nWhen: November through February<br \/>\nWhere: Various locations in Osaka Prefecture\n<\/div>\n<p>So this is my list of recommendations for seasonal events in Osaka. But honestly, there are so many others too. I hope you have a great time in Osaka and be sure to visit these events when you\u2019re here!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Maido! Natiyda here! Did you know Osaka has tons of seasonal events and festivals? The city has a reputation for great comedy and amazing food, but there are also lots of other reasons to visit Osaka like the scenic beauty including seasonal variations and events that you won\u2019t want to miss. I\u2019ll introduce the seasonal [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":21792,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[171,210,165],"tags":[],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"author_id":"","author_name":"","author_image":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21776"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21776"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21776\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21995,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21776\/revisions\/21995"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21792"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21776"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21776"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21776"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}