Need to get some inspiration for what to do this week in Osaka? Say no more and check out this weeks Highlights of Osaka.
Updated weekly!
Osaka Festivals
Umeda Tanabata Festival 2024
Tanabata is a Japanese festival that originates from a Chinese legend. It commemorates the annual meeting of lover deities Orihime and Hikoboshi. Story goes that they can only meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Around this time many places will hang up beautiful streamers and decorations to celebrate this time of year.
| Official Website | prtimes.jp |
| Location | Maps |
| Date | 6/02/2024 – 8/08/2024 |
Aizen Festival
This is the first major summer festival in Osaka. Taking place around the Aizendo temple, The main attraction is the Hoekago Parade in which beautiful women carry aloft in a palanquin called a hoekago. The parade happens on the first day and starts from Tennoji Park at noon.
| Official Website | Aizen Festival |
| Location | Aizendo Temple Tennoji Park (Starting Location) |
| Date | 6/30/2024 – 7/02/2024 |
Daigoji Temple and its National Treasures Exhibition
A remarkable exhibition celebrating the 1150th anniversary of the Founding of Daigo Temple and Its National Treasure offers a rare glimpse into the artistic and cultural heritage of Daigo-ji, also known as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan’s most significant temples.
| Official Website | National Museum |
| Location | Maps |
| Date | 6/15/2024 – 7/25/2024 |
Gardens
Nagai Park
Located just outside the southern part of Osaka, Nagai Park is not very large however it is home to a beautiful botanical garden with about 10,000 hydrangeas along a small stream. This park is not extremely touristic so not only will you get to see the amazing blooms, but you will also find some peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Along with hydrangeas you can also find roses, lilies, irises, and many other wildflowers.
| Website | Nagai Park |
| Location | Maps |
| Times | 9:30 – 17:00 Closed Mondays |
Nakanoshima Rose Garden
Located just outside the southern part of Osaka, Nagai Park is not very large however it is home to a beautiful botanical garden with about 10,000 hydrangeas along a small stream. This park is not extremely touristic so not only will you get to see the amazing blooms, but you will also find some peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Along with hydrangeas you can also find roses, lilies, irises, and many other wildflowers.
| Website | Osaka Park |
| Location | Maps |
| Times | 24hr |
Lotus Viewing at Expo Park
A beautiful event held annually to view the newly blooming lotus flowers. It’s a short period so make sure you check it out if you’re there at the right time.
Markets
Kuromon Market
Also known as Osaka’s Kitchen, this market street is 580 meters long and over 190 years old. It is home to over 180 shops, stores, and restaurants. It is a must-do for any one visiting Japan not only because it offers many delights but also because of its rich history that includes surviving WWII battles and fires long ago.
Here, you can find fresh fish, fruits, and veggies but also many Izakaya’s and cafes that have opened over recent years. When you visit, it is essential to try fresh seafood as it is very high quality. Most of these shops will prepare the food right in front of you!
| Location | Maps |
Cafes & Restaurants
Healing Garden: New Retro Sweets x Glamping Recipes
Enjoy a buffet featuring classic sweets with a new twist and yummy, refreshing food specially prepared by the hotel chef. Specially selected sweets from the Showa period to the early Heisei period are given a modern, western spin to create a new taste. There are 12 different delicious dessert options to try, such as a matcha lemon birthday cake called “Flower Garden on the Hill”. Each dish is named after a song that was popular during this period making it a delightful experience for both the stomach and mind!
| Official Website | Sky Buffet 51 |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | Until 06/30/2024 |
Umeda Hankyu Beer Garden
This annual celebration held on Umeda Hankyu’s garden rooftop is a great place for family and friends to enjoy food and drinks and a summertime view.
Note: meal plans are also available
| Official Website | Umeda Hankyu Beer Garden (only in Japanese) |
| Location | Maps, located on the 13th floor |
| Dates | Ends 10/06/2024 |
| Start/End Time | Weekdays: 17:00 – 22:30 Saturday & Sunday: 16:00 – 22:30 (last order 21:30) |
Other Activities
Universal “Cool” Studios
Inside Universal Studios Japan, “Cool” is a limited time event where different areas of the park are renovated to display 4 widely known Japanese works. This year you can find a 4D attraction where you can dive into the world of “My Hero Academia”, a “Detective Conan” escape game and detective challenge, and a series of “Monster Hunter” games in which you create your own hunter and fight dragons; immersing yourself into a virtual reality world and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the series!
| Official Website | Universal Studios |
| Location | Maps |
| Tickets | Buy here |
| Dates | Until 06/30/2024 |
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 10th Anniversary
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studio Japan is celebrating its 10th anniversary featuring a variety of unique and magical experiences, special shows, illumination, merchandise, and themed foods. It’s an ongoing event so there’s not as much rush to attend but try to go on a weekday because it will likely be less busy.
| Official Website | Universal Studios |
| Location | Maps |
| Tickets | Buy here |
| Dates | Until 06/30/2024 |
River Cruise in Dotonbori
Enjoy some Osaka sightseeing on this 20 minute relaxing boat ride. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of Dotonbori whi
le enjoying a meal or drink on the way. See all the most famous sights while also learning about hidden highlights and some history along the way.
| Official Website | Osaka Info |
| Location | Maps |
| Tickets | Adult: ¥1,200 Students: ¥800 Child: ¥400 |
| Start/End Time | 11:00 -21:00 Departs every half hour |
Pick Your Own Strawberries
June is the last month of the year to pick strawberries. If you want to get out of the city for some peace and quiet while also enjoying some fresh and delicious fruit, head to Kishiwada Kankunen Farm. Here, you can enjoy all you can eat Nyoho strawberries along with a barbecue lunch if you book in advance!
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Osaka
If you are planning on visiting Osaka and need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place! We would be more than happy to help make your trip the best it possibly could be. We can advise you on where to go, or even better, hook you up with a local English speaking guide that can show you all of the best spots. Let us help you make fun, safe, and unforgettable memories in Osaka!
▶Osaka Highlights Private Walking Tour
On this full-day private tour of Osaka, we will take you to Osaka’s highlights that include Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, the popular Dotonbori area, etc. Learn about the rich history of the area, local lifestyle, and of course delicious Osaka food!
▶Kyoto Food and Drink Tour @Nishiki Street & Gion
If you’re planning on visiting Kyoto along with Osaka and are looking to learn more about the culture and local cuisine, this is definitely the perfect tour for you! Take part in this fun food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous Gion district.
Kimono Experience
▶Kimono Rental
Explore the exciting city of Osaka with a kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. You can choose the one you like the most from several patterns and colors at the rental shop. In Osaka, it’s located at the center of the city, accessible from the main tourist attractions which makes it easy to try it on and explore the city for a day!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured!
Happy traveling!
Subscribe to our newsletter!
