Latest Events in Osaka Prefecture(July Updated)

This brand-new Ghibli Park exhibition will showcase the park's current state thanks to the collective efforts of visitors. A highlight of the exhibition is its interactivity. In addition to valuable exhibits, the park features various interactive facilities that allow adults and children alike to "see, touch, and explore."

"2026 SBI mai fireworks in Osaka Sennan" will brilliantly illuminate the summer nights of Osaka and Sennan. The beloved "Senshu dream fireworks," cherished for over a decade, has been reborn as a new entertainment experience combining music and fireworks. The venue is the beautiful seaside park SENNAN LONG PARK (Sennan Rinku Park), also selected as one of "Japan's top 100 sunset spots." With its superb location overlooking Osaka Bay and Kansai International Airport, you can enjoy special summer moments from day to night. The biggest highlight is the spectacular fireworks show synchronized with music. The vibrant fireworks fantastically illuminate the night sky and sea surface, captivating audiences with a dynamic performance that blends light and sound. In 2026, the arrangement of the fireworks barges will be completely renewed, promising an even more impressive show with greater height and scale than ever before. In addition to the fireworks, the event features a music festival, gourmet booths, and food trucks on the same day. Stroll along the seaside at dusk while enjoying food and shopping, and as the sun sets, a spectacular fireworks show begins—a unique summer festival experience that transports you to another world. It is easily accessible from Kansai International Airport and highly recommended to visit along with sightseeing in Osaka. Please enjoy a special day featuring the open seaside views, breathtaking sunsets, and the brilliant fireworks that fill the night sky.

The Tenjin Festival at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, is one of Japan's three major festivals, boasting a history of over a thousand years. In 2026, the festival includes a nighttime celebration on July 24th (featuring the release of deities, lion dances, and other rituals), followed by the main shrine ceremony on July 25th (featuring the transfer of deities, land processions, boat processions, and fireworks displays). Attracting 1.3 million visitors annually, the Tenjin Festival's grand finale is the fireworks display. Approximately 100 large boats light bonfires, and about 3,000 fireworks explode simultaneously, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

The Sumiyoshi Festival is one of Osaka's largest summer festivals, held annually from July 30th to August 1st. It is also known as the "Ofusatsu Festival," meaning "purification," as its rituals aim to ward off disease and other misfortunes. Before the festival begins, the mikoshi (portable shrine) used to enshrine the deity is cleansed. The water for this cleansing is drawn from Osaka Bay in the early morning. At 8 PM on July 30th, a night festival is held to move the deity to the mikoshi. The following day, the Nagoshi Purification Ceremony, also known as the "Summer Purification Ritual," is held. This ritual includes a procession of shrine maidens, children, and dancers dressed in brightly colored Muromachi period (1336-1573) costumes. They pass through a large standing ring made of woven straw, which is believed to have the power to purify the soul.

Just because the weather is hot doesn't mean you can't partake in cultural traditions. In fact, now's the perfect time of year to try out a yukata, a beautiful traditional garment designed for hot weather! In Umeda, wearing a yukata is a huge celebration throughout July, transforming the city into a magical summer festival. But it's not just about creating the perfect photo opportunity; Umeda offers great discounts and pop-up events for those dressed up.

[Osaka · Kishiwada] Experience the thrilling “sharp turn” up close! Kishiwada Road Race Festival Observation Seats Now Available! The “Kishiwada Road Race Festival”, with a history of over 320 years, is one of Japan's representative traditional festivals. This year, we will set up special observation seats at the powerful viewing spot “Kankanba”, where you can sit and watch the exciting moment “Yarimawashi” when the road race turns sharply at an incredible speed. About 400,000 people come from all over the world to see this scene every year. Please come and experience the passion and sense of presence that can only be felt on site! ● About Observation Seats For three days from September 12 (Friday) to 14 (Sunday) (trial pull, eve of the festival, and the main festival day), we will set up special observation seats on the mountain side and sea side where the “Kankanba” is located. There are various types of seats, including the "trial pull" where you can feel the tense atmosphere on the eve of the festival, the "departure ceremony (楊き出し)" where the cars of each town set off on the actual day, the "parade" where all the cars gather and appear, and the "afternoon session" where the festival atmosphere reaches its climax. This year, S seats will be added on the mountain side where you can watch up close, and tickets will be sold in three areas, A/B/C, during certain periods of time; and comfortable VIP sofa seats will be set up on the sea side. In addition, "group discount tickets" suitable for families or groups have been newly added. In the bustling and crowded Kishiwada Car Festival, you can enjoy the festival leisurely from your exclusive seats! ● Highlights of the Kishiwada Car Festival A car pulling team consists of about 500 to 1,000 people, including "pullers", "musicians", "craftsmen", "front shovels", and "back shovels". The sight of the team working together to operate the huge 4-ton tram with human power is a major attraction of the festival. In particular, the "Yarimawashi" turning at a right angle while running at high speed is a breathtaking climax. For this moment, the participants have been training for a long time, accumulating physical strength, cultivating tacit understanding, and tempering the courage to break through danger. Only when the team is perfectly synchronized can the challenge of "sharp turn" be completed. This power of regional unity is the foundation for the continuation of the Kishiwada Tramway Festival for 300 years. Although there have been regrettable accidents over the years, the enthusiasm of the citizens of Kishiwada for the Tramway Festival has never diminished. When they hear the festival music, they can't help but run to the streets, because the Tramway Festival is not only their pride, but also an emotional bond passed down from generation to generation. From parents to children, from children to grandchildren, the tradition of the Tramway Festival will continue to be passed on.