Shittenoji Doya Doya Festival
See dozens of loincloth-clad men and boys doused in very cold water as they compete in teams for banknotes.
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Osaka and Kōbe Illuminage
See Osaka and Kobe come alight at this unique illumination event.
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Dojima Yakushido Setsubun Omizukumi Festival
Instead of bean-throwing, you toss joss sticks into a fire at this traditional Setsubun Festival.
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Suita Fire Festival
Visit the Suita Fire Festival at Jōkō Enmanji Temple in Osaka for fire rituals, sacred smoke, and blessings for the year ahead.
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Ichiya Kanjo (One Night) Festival
A smaller, but unique festival in Osaka for fans of traditional Japanese culture
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Osaka Marathon 2027
Pound the asphalt or cheer from the sidelines at the Osaka Marathon 2026.
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Wonder Night Hill Illumination in Osaka
Step into a dazzling world of lights at one of southern Osaka’s largest illumination events.
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Sky Kotatsu Osaka Ferris Wheel
The Osaka Wheel transforms into the Kotatsu Ferris Wheel, offering a cozy gondola ride complete with heated tables, warm oden, and hot sake.
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Umekita Champagne Gold Illumination
The lights run on renewable energy and energy-saving bulbs.
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Osaka Miyoshi Nagayoshi Warrior Procession
Expect plenty of photo ops, clashing steel, and a crowd that loves a bit of samurai drama.
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Bungu Joshi Haku Stationery Festival in Osaka
Browse and purchase the very best of Japanese stationery. From big names to smaller, local brands.
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Osaka Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Plum Blossom Festival
Wander through 600 blooming plum trees, enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, and try local plum-inspired treats at the annual Expo '70 Plum Blossom Festival.
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Osaka Asian Film Festival 2027
See films from over a dozen different countries, at venues around Osaka (and online).
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Osaka March Grand Sumo Tournament
★ Staff recommendationSee Japan's top wrestlers have a go at it in Osaka.
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Grand Sumo Minoh Expo Tournament
Sumo Minoh Expo is one of the most highly-anticipated sumo events of the year.
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Expo ’70 Sakura Expo
Expo '70 Commemorative Park is known for being one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots.
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Illuminations at Hirakata Amusement Park in Osaka
Hirakata Park’s illuminations return. Explore seven themed light areas, including a 13-meter Flower and Fairy Tree, 500 glowing lanterns, and 20 illuminated rides.
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Osaka Castle Cherry Blossom Illumination
With extended evening hours, food stalls, and a rare chance to see Osaka’s iconic castle framed by illuminated cherry blossoms, this is nighttime sakura viewing at its most enchanting.
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teamLab Nemophila Illumination
An outdoor night museum, with nemophila in the spotlight. This seasonal installation by international art collective teamLab is worth checking out.
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Recommended hotels in Japan
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Osaka
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Osaka
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Nakanoshima, Osaka
