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
Dotombori Lantern Festival 2024
Over 1000 lanterns will soon illuminate the Dotombori river. This event began in 1999 and has been running ever since. This is also a great location for food and drink so you can walk the riverside while enjoying some of the best treats that Osaka has to offer.
| Official Website | Lantern Festival |
| Location | Maps |
| Date | 7/01/2024 – 8/31/2024 |
Tenjin Matsuri
This is one of Japan’s top three festivals, featuring a grand procession of boats on the Okawa River, traditional performances, and a stunning fireworks display. The festival begins with rituals at the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and includes a lively boat procession and over 3,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky.
| Official Website | Tenjin Matsuri |
| Location | Maps |
| Date | 7/24/2024 – 7/25/2024 |
Universal Studios Japan – No Limit Summer Splash
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is hosting its vibrant and exhilarating No Limit Summer Splash event, perfect for beating the summer heat while enjoying thrilling entertainment. This special summer event features a series of fun-filled activities and attractions, catering to both kids and adults alike.
| Official Website | USJ – No Limit Summer Splash |
| Location | Maps |
| Date | 7/1/2024 – 9/3/2024 |
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
Now is the best time of the year to see the roughly 4000 colorful roses in full bloom. This park marks the largest rose garden in all of Osaka! Don’t miss your chance to see them during their best time of year.
| Website | Osaka Park |
| Location | Maps |
| Times | 24hr |
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
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 – 22:30Saturday & Sunday: 16:00 – 22:30 (last order 21:30) |
Other Activities
Abeno Harukas Art Museum 10th Anniversary – Print Master Hiroshige
Featuring 330 carefully chosen Hiroshige works from collections around the world, this collection features the ukiyo-e master Hiroshige. Landscape and bird-and-flower woodblock carvings are commonplace and even features some of his lesser-known artwork. Take a moment to appreciate the history of Japanese art.
| Official Website | Aben Harukas Art Museum |
| Location | Maps |
| Date | 7/6/2024 – 9/1/2024 |
| Start/End Time | Sat – Mon: 10:00 – 18:00 Tue – Fri: 10:00 – 20:00 |
| Tickets | ¥1,900 |
Immersive Museum Osaka 2024
This museum takes classical art from Van Gogh and other post-impressionist masterpieces into the modern era through immersive video and sounds. These works of art are projected onto massive spaces that connect you with the masterpieces in a unique way. This is a second edition of this museum that attracted over half a million people during its first run.
| Official Website | Immersive Museum |
| Location | Maps |
| Date | 06/01/2024 – 08/21/2024 |
River Cruise in Dotonbori
Enjoy some Osaka sightseeing on this 20 minute relaxing boat ride. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of Dotonbori while 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 | GA: ¥1,200 Students: ¥800 Child: ¥400 |
| Start/End Time | 11:00 -21:00 Departs on the hour & half hour |
Pick Some 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!
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Happy traveling!
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