Rachel Teo

January 1 is typically a quiet day across Japan, as New Year’s Day is traditionally reserved for family time. Many people also visit shrines and temples to pray for a good year ahead. This practice is known as hatsumode, the first prayers of the year. Although many shops, restaurants and attractions are closed over the first few days of the New Year, Osaka still offers plenty to do – especially if you're looking to experience traditional New Year festivities like mochi pounding, calligraphy and lion dance. So, after recovering from your New Year’s Eve countdown party, check out these exciting events happening in Osaka over the New Year weekend from January 1–4. RECOMMENDED: 5 best art and cultural events to look forward to in Kyoto in 2026

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

If you’re looking for a new way to experience Osaka, the Japan City SUP Association is bringing back its annual winter boat tour along the Dotonbori River. Take in the iconic sights of the area’s famed giant billboards, quirky signs and neon lights from the water while staying warm under a kotatsu (a heated low table complete with a blanket to keep your lower body warm). Running on weekends and public holidays until March 31, each of the private 60-minute tours can be reserved by a group of up to four people. Life jackets are provided, and you may bring your own drinks and snacks to enjoy on board. The tour costs ¥5,500 for adults and ¥3,850 for children under 12. Tickets are available online, with an early-bird discount for reservations made at least 14 days in advance.

Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji is a Godzilla attraction located within the massive Nijigen no Mori theme park on Awaji Island, Hyogo prefecture. It features a life-sized Godzilla statue and visitors can join in the efforts to ‘tackle’ the titular monster through ziplining and shooting game missions. A Godzilla festival is currently running until March 1. During this special period, you get to play four additional games and earn points. These include an archery challenge, tosenkyo (traditional Japanese dart throwing), ring toss and target shooting. Complete the challenges and you’ll receive a park-exclusive postcard. But if your score is 500 points or more, you’ll win an exclusive Japanese-patterned notebook.  This event is only available to guests who purchase a Premium Ticket (ages 12 and above, from ¥11,300; under 12, ¥9,600), which includes an original Godzilla backpack, or a VIP Journey Pass (ages 12 and above, from ¥30,200; under 12, ¥28,600), which comes with an exclusive Godzilla sukajan jacket. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance, but advance purchases are highly recommended.

Release the young ’uns among dinosaurs at the Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park, where this dinosaur-themed festival is taking place until January 12. You can look forward to displays of gemstones and fossils, including a full-size reproduction of the fossilised skeleton of Tambasaurus, a dinosaur species named after the city of Tamba in Hyogo, where the fossil was discovered. Excavation experiences and hands-on craft workshops offer the opportunity to make your own ammonite replicas and dinosaur models. The family-friendly event also features storytelling sessions using picture books, though these are all in Japanese. An expansive Christmas and crafts market is held on the weekends in December, and traditional Japanese New Year’s decoration workshops will take place in the week leading up to the new year. Tickets are available at the door and cost ¥450 for adults – children under the age of 15 enter for free.

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 in Nishinomiya adds some seasonal colour to the educational play by holding a special winter event until January 7. Catered to children aged 3 to 15, the event features festive decorations and a Christmas parade until December 25. From December 20 to 31, kids can try their hand at crafting shimekazari, a traditional Japanese New Year’s ornament, and take part in some fun New Year’s fortune telling. New occupations will also be available, so kids can experience what it’s like working in a car design studio or at the front desk of a hotel. Tickets can be reserved and purchased online. Prices for the first session (9am-3pm) range from ¥4,800 to ¥5,700, while the second session (4pm-9pm) costs ¥3,500 to ¥4,300. Prices are higher on weekends and public holidays.

If you’re a fan of Tamagotchi, here’s a café you don’t want to miss. A limited-time collaboration with the Capcom Cafe on the 13th floor of Daimaru Umeda, the Tamagotchi Cafe is open until January 15 and draws in Osakans hungry for nostalgia and a themed menu featuring the once-ubiquitous digital pets from the ’90s. Food items include Kuchipatchi’s Hamburger Galette, Gozarutchi’s Takoyaki and Shykutchi’s Muscle Plate, and you can also look forward to Tamagotchi latte art plus cute cakes and themed desserts. Exclusive merch and décor are available for purchase too, of course, and you’ll get a special postcard for every ¥3,000 spent at the café. While walk-ins are accepted based on availability, advance reservations are highly recommended. Reservations can be made online from 10am for a 90-minute session; the last seating for the day is at 6.20pm.

The Plarail Expo in Osaka is a fun-filled exhibition for all the little train enthusiasts in your life. The main highlights of the January bash at Osaka Nanko ATC Hall are the massive dioramas, which showcase the extensive variety and range of the Plarail train sets, providing plenty of inspiration for how to set up your own tracks at home. The event also features interactive play areas, special themed zones for Thomas the Tank Engine and Shinkalion (Shinkansen transformers), photo spots, interactive games and exclusive merch. Attractions like a rideable mini Shinkansen, customisable train sets and fishing activities are available for an additional fee. Advance tickets are available online until the end of December and cost ¥1,200 for adults and ¥800 for children 3 to 12. Same-day tickets cost ¥200 more and can be purchased at the door.

If you love train rides, you’ll enjoy the Sagano Romantic Train in Kyoto. This charming, old-fashioned diesel train offers year-round sightseeing tours through some of the most scenic landscapes in the Kyoto countryside. The 7.5km-long, 25-minute journey departs from Torokko Saga Station and follows the Hozugawa River Gorge to Torokko Kameoka Station. Along the way, you’ll pass by stunning views of the river, the rugged gorge and the forested mountains. During the autumn and winter seasons, the route lights up at dusk with dazzling illuminations. The annual Fantasy Train of Light event runs from October 25 until December 29, with over 1,000 LEDs illuminating the gorge, creating a truly magical landscapes. Tickets cost ¥880 for adults and half price for children, and are available online up to one month in advance. The light-up tour begins at 4.30pm. Note: there's no service on December 17.

If you have a good eye for vintage treasures – or just love a good bargain – mark your calendar. The Kansai Nominoichi flea market takes over the Expo ’70 Commemoration Park on the first weekend of December. Expect a wide variety of vendors from across Japan offering antique tools, furniture, tableware, clothing, home décor, books and handcrafted accessories. Families will also have plenty to enjoy, with kid-friendly activities such as face painting and stuffed-toy workshops. Foodies will be pleased to know the flea market features a dedicated food section. The on-site Wheat Festival showcases an impressive selection of breads, pastries and other baked goods. There’s even a dedicated noodle zone, more than 30 food trucks, and live performances throughout the event. Tickets are available online for ¥1,500, or ¥2,000 at the door. You’ll also need to pay for the park admission separately: ¥260 for adults and ¥80 for elementary and high school students.

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.

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

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