Lim Chee Wah

Osaka is famous for its food – especially takoyaki and udon – but its cultural scene is just as vibrant. As the heart of the Kansai region, the city is packed with museums and galleries presenting a diverse array of exhibitions year-round – from contemporary installations and immersive digital art to thought-provoking commentary and timeless traditional works. With so much to explore, we’re here to help you focus on the most exciting and worthwhile shows. Browse our curated list below and get ready to be inspired by Osaka’s dynamic art world. RECOMMENDED: 12 best things to do in Nakanoshima, Osaka's museum island

There's always something exciting to do in the great city of Osaka – especially in summer, when there are cultural festivals and fireworks shows galore. This July 3–5 weekend, you'll find two sky lantern festivals happening concurrently at different parts of Osaka prefecture. There's also a coffee festival and a new Van Gogh exhibition opening in town, while over in Kyoto, this is your last chance to experience the immersive illuminations at the atmospheric Tofukuji temple, complete with neuro music installations. So, are you ready to head out for a fantastic weekend? Explore our curated list of the best events and things to do in Osaka (and nearby Kyoto) right now. Plan ahead: Here are the best events and things to do in Osaka and Kyoto for the rest of July 2026

We’ve entered the second half of 2026, which means summer has officially started. While the heat and humidity of summer can be punishing, this season is also one of the liveliest times to be in Japan – especially Osaka. From July onwards, the city comes alive with a host of boisterous summer festivals, street parades and jaw-dropping fireworks lighting up the night sky. If you only do one thing this month, make sure it’s the Tenjin Matsuri. Widely considered one of Japan’s three great festivals, this massive two-day celebration culminates with a spectacular riverside fireworks display on Saturday July 25. The secret to enjoying – and surviving – summer in Osaka is to hydrate often and stay out of the midday sun. Then, head out in the late afternoon just before the sun sets and partake in the evening celebrations. For the most amazing time in the city, peruse our curated list of the best events, festivals and things to do in Osaka this July, from must-see traditional matsuri to intriguing art exhibitions and lip-smacking food promotions. Looking to explore Osaka's vibrant food scene? Here are the city's best takoyaki, ramen and spice curry

July is one of the best months to experience Kyoto, as the ancient city plays host to some of Japan's most iconic summer festivals. Chief among them is the legendary Gion Matsuri, a millennium-old tradition featuring two awe-inspiring Yamaboko float processions as well as the lively Yoiyama street celebrations. Beyond these grand parades, you can also look forward to an atmospheric lantern festival at Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, a ukiyo-e woodblock print exhibition with an immersive digital art installation, and many other events proving that Kyoto has so much more to offer than just its Unesco World Heritage temples. So scroll down for the top events and festivals happening this July 2026 and plan your exciting summer in Kyoto. RECOMMENDED: Going to Osaka? Here are the best events and festivals happening in Osaka in July 2026  

Early summer in Kyoto is an exciting time, especially with hydrangeas blooming in some of the ancient city's most atmospheric and historic temples. If you're looking to experience Kyoto's biggest draw – its temples – in a completely different light, you’ve come at just the right time. Tofukuji is open for special night viewings this month, during which its grounds are transformed by enchanting illuminations and calming soundscapes. Of course, there is plenty more to see and do in Kyoto this month, including a spectacular music-synchronised fireworks display. Check out our list of events and festivals below to plan your perfect month in Kyoto. Spending some time in Osaka as well? Here are our top picks for the best June events and festivals happening in Osaka.

Cada año elaboramos una clasificación definitiva de las mejores ciudades del mundo para comer y beber. El objetivo es rendir homenaje a los chefs, los fogones y los puestos de comida callejera que alimentan a la ciudad, uniendo a locales y visitantes para saborear uno de los mayores placeres de la vida: una comida excelente. ¿Y cómo se decide la lista? Este año, el ranking de las Mejores Ciudades para Comer de Time Out se ha creado a partir de una encuesta a más de 24.000 residentes de todo el mundo. Les pedimos que valoraran la calidad general de la escena gastronómica de su lugar de residencia, el precio de salir a cenar y los puntos gastronómicos en los que creen que destaca su ciudad. A continuación, combinamos esas miles de respuestas con el criterio del panel de expertos culinarios de Time Out (editores y críticos gastronómicos de toda nuestra red), quienes votaron por las ciudades que consideran los destinos gastronómicos más estimulantes del planeta en este momento. Para garantizar que la lista refleje fielmente las capitales culinarias globales, solo la ciudad con la puntuación más alta de cada país logró entrar en el Top 20 definitivo. Como demuestra nuestra selección, vivimos un momento divertidísimo para salir a comer por la ciudad. Restaurantes desde Lisboa hasta Lima están sirviendo algunos de los platos más sorprendentes, atrevidos y francamente deliciosos que se puedan encontrar. ¿Qué hay en el menú? Polos de crema de mandarina en Nueva York, fideos de espina

Cada any elaborem una classificació de les millors ciutats del món per menjar i beure. L'objectiu és retre homenatge als xefs, els fogons i les parades de menjar de carrer que alimenten la ciutat. I com es decideix la llista? Enguany, el rànquing de les Millors Ciutats per Menjar de Time Out s'ha creat a partir d'una enquesta a més de 24.000 residents de tot el món. Els vam demanar que valoressin la qualitat general de l'escena gastronòmica del seu lloc de residència, el preu de sortir a sopar i els punts gastronòmics en els quals creuen que destaca la seva ciutat. A continuació, vam combinar aquestes milers de respostes amb el criteri del panell d'experts culinaris de Time Out (editors i crítics gastronòmics de tota la nostra xarxa), que van votar per les ciutats que consideren els destins gastronòmics més estimulants del planeta en aquest moment. Per garantir que la llista reflecteixi fidelment les capitals culinàries globals, només la ciutat amb la puntuació més alta de cada país va aconseguir entrar al Top 20 definitiu. Com demostra la nostra selecció, vivim un moment divertidíssim per sortir a menjar per la ciutat. Restaurants des de Lisboa fins a Lima estan servint alguns dels plats més sorprenents, atrevits i francament deliciosos que es puguin trobar. Què hi ha al menú? Polos de crema de mandarina a Nova York, fideus d'espina de peix a Copenhague i un sofisticat phở a Ciutat Ho Chi Minh. Hi ha alta cuina a Melbourne i fun dining (alta cuina divertida) a Ciutat del Cap

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 kicked off in spectacular fashion with three fireworks festivals on the first weekend of June. The next wave of fireworks will begin in July. Outside of Osaka, you'll find equally stunning displays in Kyoto and Mie that are well worth a day trip. 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. Meanwhile, plan out your June with our curated lists of the best events in Osaka and Kyoto.

We’ve come to the midway point of the year, and June is a bit of a strange one. It marks the transition from spring to summer in Osaka, with frequent rain as well as rising heat and humidity. But the city doesn’t seem too bothered by the weather. There are plenty of spectacular events lined up this month, starting with not one but three fireworks festivals crammed into the first weekend of June alone. Talk about kicking off the month with a bang! Meanwhile, the city-wide Osaka Art & Design 2026 runs through mid-June, alongside a steady stream of events, exhibitions and markets across the city. So don’t let the weather get you down. Scroll on for our curated list of the best things to do in Osaka this June, and make it an exciting month filled with festivals, culture and amazing experiences. Note: we update this list frequently as new events are announced – check back often for the latest happenings in Osaka. Want to enjoy the great outdoors? Check out these top beaches and hiking trails in and around Osaka

タイムアウト大阪 > Things to Do > 初夏に訪れたい、大阪・京都のアジサイ名所5選 春の象徴が桜なら、夏の訪れを告げる花はアジサイだろう。6月から7月上旬にかけて、色鮮やかな花々が葉の茂る低木に大きく咲き誇り、そのフォトジェニックな姿は、春から夏へと移り変わる梅雨の到来を感じさせる。 雨の日が続き、湿度も高くなるこの時期を少し憂鬱に感じるかもしれないが、本格的な暑さが到来する前に自然を満喫できる絶好のシーズンでもある。 大阪では、府内屈指の景観を誇る公園でアジサイが見頃を迎え、京都では市街地から離れた静かな寺院で、その美しい姿を味わえる。中には、6月中旬に夜間ライトアップを実施するスポットもある。 この機会に足を運び、初夏を彩る景色を堪能してほしい。

Spend some time in Osaka and you’ll realise the city has a rebellious streak, especially when it comes to food. A good example of this culinary ingenuity is spice curry, which has become an iconic Osaka dish, just like takoyaki. Curry came to Japan from India via the British Navy during the Meiji era (1868–1912), and it has evolved over decades into a beloved yoshoku (Japanese-style western cooking) staple across the country. Since then, it has also spawned an array of variations including curry bread, curry udon and soup curry (synonymous with Hokkaido). But while Japanese curry in general relies heavily on pre-mixed curry powder and sports a thick flour-based roux, Osaka takes the dish in a radically different direction. Osaka spice curry bypasses the heavy flour roux for a lighter, more fluid base built around savoury stocks like dashi. This gives the dish a comparatively lighter texture. More distinctively, this Osaka-style curry utilises a robust handpicked mix of warm spices – including cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cumin and clove – to deliver a punchy, more complex flavour. It is also intensely aromatic and visually striking, as a plate of spice curry often features a vibrant mix of colours and textures. So the next time you’re hankering for heat and spice in your meal, head to these speciality restaurants for some of the best Osaka spice curry in the city. RECOMMENDED: Did you know Osaka is one of the world best cities for food in 2026?

Osaka’s caffeine scene has come on leaps and bounds in recent times. Whether it’s a sleek speciality coffee shop or a traditional kissaten café you’re after, there’s a plethora of options to choose from throughout the city now. Independent and small-batch roasters who source, roast and blend their own beans are becoming more common, too. Some of these local roasters have even become mini-destinations in themselves, as they roast their beans right on site: you can pick up a bag of freshly roasted coffee to go after enjoying an energising shot on the spot. So upgrade your next coffee run by heading to some of our favourite roasters in Osaka. All these establishments feature seating – though some are limited to just a few benches while others are more spacious – where you can kick back with a freshly brewed cuppa after a day of exploring the city. While you're there, consider pairing their signature roast or blend with something sweet for that perfect pick-me-up. Prefer something stronger? Here are some of Osaka's best cocktail bars

One of Kyoto’s oldest shrines, Kamigamo boasts a mythical origin story dating back 2,600 years. Today, this Unesco World Heritage Site features a sprawling complex dotted with magnificent prayer halls and buildings, many of which have been designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.  The Shingu Shrine in particular, found in the inner grounds of the Kamigamo Shrine precinct, celebrates a water festival every year on the fourth Sunday of July. This celebration honours the shrine’s water dragon deity and prays for protection from the intense summer heat. For 12 days leading up to this tradition, Kamigamo Shrine is opening its doors after sunset for a special nighttime visit.  Here you’ll find over 1,000 wind chimes decorating the shrine grounds while blue and green lights create a cooling atmosphere to counter the daytime summer heat. Moreover, you can enjoy dipping your feet in the Nara-no-Ogawa Stream flowing through the shrine and refresh yourself physically and spiritually. Best of all, you get to watch the mystical shrine maiden dance (twice daily) as well as a sacred Shinto musical performance (three times daily) featuring the shinobue (Japanese bamboo flute) and the koto (Japanese zither). For the full experience, you can even partake in a special worship tour guided by a priest, where you’ll venture into the normally restricted Naitei inner garden and visit the National Treasure Main Hall (Honden) and National Treasure Gonden. This requires a reserv

One of the world’s most renowned design houses, Marimekko is beloved for its iconic style combining joyous prints with vibrant colours. Since its inception in 1951, the Finnish brand has produced more than 3,500 original prints, and its signature cheery designs can be found across all aspects of modern lifestyle from fashion to homeware. This two-year touring exhibition takes a deep dive into the brand’s heritage, aesthetics and creative vision. It opens in Kyoto before travelling to other cities in Japan, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum in October. Through a diverse collection of artworks, textiles and dresses across the decades, the exhibition sheds light on Marimekko’s design approach as well as its printmaking techniques.  Highlights include a video installation by multidisciplinary art and design collective plaplax, which uses digital projection to showcase Marimekko's Print Factory in Helsinki. Separately, another installation documents an exchange between Japanese textile artist Akira Minagawa and Marimekko, and its culmination in a new print designed by the artist and produced by the brand in Helsinki. This exhibition is closed on Mondays (except July 20) and on July 21

One of Kyoto’s most iconic shrines, Fushimi Inari Taisha is beloved for its vibrant vermilion torii gate tunnels that stretch from the base of the complex, across the hillsides, and up to the mountaintop. While the grounds are atmospheric on any given day, they become even more magical during the Motomiya-sai Festival in summer. This festival brings together Inari Shrine devotees from across Japan for two days of prayers and celebrations. At 6pm on Sunday July 19, thousands of lanterns will light up the grounds, from the main shrine at the foothills to the vivid orange torii tunnels winding up Mt. Inari. You’ll find ornate stone, wood and beautifully painted paper lanterns illuminating the grounds after dark. On Monday July 20, the festivities kick off at 9am. There will be a variety of cultural performances, including taiko drum and traditional dance, to entertain devotees who come to the shrine to perform prayers and give thanks.

Summer is for dancing in the streets, and this annual Bon Odori festival at Grand Front Osaka offers the perfect opportunity to partake in this classic Japanese summer tradition. This two-day celebration, set for Friday July 10 and Saturday July 11, is part of the wider, multi-event Umeda Yukata Festival 2026 happening from July 1–31. For this vibrant occasion, a special yagura stage will be set up in front of Umekita Ship Hall, all decked out with hand-printed tenugui hand towels. The event will be divided into three segments. Part 1 (6pm–6.20pm) and Part 2 (6.45pm–7.10pm) will feature classic Bon Odori songs that anyone can easily dance to, including children. For Part 3 (7.50pm–8.20pm), the festival will switch gears for a more modern approach by applying traditional folk dance moves to the latest hit songs. Don’t worry if you are not familiar with Bon Odori dance. Just rock up, preferably in your light and breezy summer yukata, and just follow the dancers on stage. You’ll soon get the hang of it. Prior to the Bon Odori dance, the stage will host a lineup of performances, including live music and taiko drumming, starting at 4pm. So you can expect a lively street party complete with food and drinks galore, all the way until 9pm.

The most renowned of all traditional Japanese festivals, Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri has a storied history dating back to the year 869, when it was first held as an appeasing ceremony to the gods to rid the city of an epidemic. What’s truly impressive is that this grand tradition has survived for over a millennium while retaining much of its elaborate rituals. While Gion Matsuri spans the entire month of July with numerous festivities revolving around its host, the Yasaka Shrine, the main highlight is the spectacular Yamaboko float procession happening on July 17, followed by a second, smaller one a week later on July 24. The biggest procession of the two, the Saki Matsuri Junko on July 17, features 23 massive multi-storey floats. These awe-inspiring vessels, known as Yamaboko, measure up to 25 metres tall and weigh as much as 12 tons. Each is unique in design, yet all of them are embellished with ornate tapestries as well as intricate carvings and woodwork. In fact, these floats hold such historical and artistic significance that they are designated Important Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan. The procession follows a 3km route across the city centre, starting at the Shijo-Karasuma junction at 9am and ending at the Karasuma-Oike junction at around 2pm. For the best view, park yourself at one of the major intersections along the route to witness the famous 90-degree turn known as Tsujimawashi. This is where the gigantic floats make a corner pivot manually using just bamboo slats

The National Museum of Art, Osaka is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting Japanese and international works produced in the modern age, largely from 1945 to the present day. However, there are also a number of pieces that date further back. As the museum gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027, this commemorative exhibition will re-examine its vast collection to piece together a narrative of the history and development of art. The main focus is to look at the social and historical contexts in the years leading up to the museum’s opening in 1977, and how they shaped the art of that time. This 50th anniversary exhibition is split into two parts. The first, running from July 19 to November 3, gathers around 140 works by more than 80 artists. The oldest piece in the museum’s collection, the Post-Impressionist ‘Preparation for a Banquet’ by Paul Cézanne from the 1890s, serves as the starting point. With the curation’s chronological flow through to the mid-1960s, visitors can simultaneously learn about the different artistic movements during that time period. Furthermore, this exhibition also sheds light on marginalised names in art history. Here, the final section of the showcase is dedicated to works produced right up to the mid-1960s by women artists who made a mark in postwar art. Some of the artists to watch out for include Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp and Willem de Kooning, as well as Yoko Ono and Yayoi Kusama. The exhibition is closed on Monda

As its name suggests, Fujiyama Tokyo is a Tokyo-based restaurant specialising in all-you-can-eat crab and sushi. Its occasional ‘Thank You All-You-Can-Eat Plan’, which offers 90 minutes of unlimited sushi, is extremely popular. The good news is that this limited-time deal is now available at the restaurant’s sole Kansai outlet in Namba, Osaka, which opened just last year. Available from Monday to Thursday (excluding public holidays) throughout July 2026, this promotion allows you to eat to your heart’s content from a selection of over 50 varieties of sushi, including premium seafood, for just ¥3,900. Highlights include fatty tuna, snapper, red sea bream, yellowtail, salmon roe, shrimp, uni and more. To enjoy this promotion, you must make a reservation via Tabelog, as it’s limited to just five groups per day. You’ll have 90 minutes of dining time, with last orders taken at the 70-minute mark. There is also a minimum requirement of one drink order per person, and sashimi is not included in the plan. Note that any leftovers, including shari (sushi rice), will be charged separately.

Active during the late Edo period (1603–1868), Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) was a talented ukiyo-e (woodblock print) artist whose work crosses multiple genres. While he is best known for his musha-e, or warrior prints, he also painted uniquely styled landscapes incorporating Western painting techniques, as well as portraits of stylish women (bijin-ga) and popular actors. His work was so extensive and prolific that he established a reputation as a super creator in the ukiyo-e world back in the day. This exhibition brings together about 200 pieces of Kuniyoshi’s work. His extraordinary and versatile talent is showcased across six distinct genres. You can expect to see some of his most iconic artworks including ‘The Takiyasha Witch and the Skeleton Spectre’ (one of the world’s most recognisable ukiyo-e images) and ‘Fifty Three Stations of the Tokaido Road Explained by Cats’. Aside from the traditional display, the organisers of the immensely popular Ukiyo-e Immersive Art Exhibition have transformed roughly 50 pieces of Kuniyoshi’s woodblock prints into a captivating digital art experience. Titled ‘Kuniyoshi Immersive Art’, the installation features artworks projected into a three-dimensional space using cutting-edge 3DCG animation and projection mapping technologies. This allows visitors to feel like they are stepping into Kuniyoshi’s vivid imagination. The exhibition is closed on Mondays, except July 20 and September 21

The Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne, Germany, holds one of the finest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art outside France. As the museum prepares for a two-year closure to facilitate an extensive renovation, some of its most prized possessions are going on tour across several cities in Japan, including Osaka.  Held for three months at the Abeno Harukas Art Museum, the exhibition is built around Vincent van Gogh’s ‘The Drawbridge’ (1888). This landscape piece is from the artist’s Arles period, a time when he is believed to have established his signature style. The oil painting is widely celebrated for its vibrant, colourful depiction of southern France.  Overall, the exhibition features 70 masterpieces from 42 renowned Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters including Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Gauguin and Pissarro. Rounding off the curation are several works by artists of the Barbizon School, such as Jean-François Millet and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. Note: advance tickets with ¥200 discount are available online until July 3. The exhibition is closed on Monday July 6.

In Japan, summer is for fireworks – and kakigori, as the lip-smacking shaved ice dessert is the ultimate remedy for the punishing heat. This season, Sesame Street Market, the franchise’s official merchandise store and café in Hanshin Umeda Main Store, is turning our childhood nostalgia into adorable icy cool treats. The lineup features seven beloved Sesame Street characters – Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Oscar, Abby, Ernie and Bert – plus a special rainbow version. Each kakigori is made with natural spring water ice and syrups free of artificial colouring, plus a variety of toppings including fresh fruit, ice cream, sorbet, red beans, rice cakes and coconut. You can expect a vibrant mix of colours and textures. Highlights include Ernie (chestnut and hojicha roasted green tea), Oscar (matcha and milk), Big Bird (mango and coconut), Elmo (strawberry and milk) and Bert (custard pudding syrup and caramel sauce). Note that the first release (June 25–August 31) and the second release (September 1–30) will each feature a different set of characters. Prices range from ¥1,480 to ¥1,980.

With a long history dating back to the year 951, Tenjin Matsuri is Osaka’s biggest summer festival, featuring an elaborate parade and float procession, traditional dances and 90-minute-long fireworks. The vibrant festival is the main celebration of Tenmangu Shrine, held every year on July 24–25 to honour its principal deity of knowledge and learning, Sugawara Michizane. In fact, Tenjin Matsuri is hailed as one of Japan’s three great festivals, alongside Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Tokyo’s Kanda Matsuri. The events on the first day are simpler compared to day two. The morning of July 24 kicks off with a ceremony at Tenmangu Shrine, followed by prayers for peace and prosperity at the nearby river. Then, thunderous drumbeats echo throughout the area, played by men in red hats to signal the official start of the festival. On July 25, the proceedings begin at 3.30pm, with the shrine deity carried out in a mikoshi (portable shrine) for an exuberant procession around the city. The massive entourage consists of lion and umbrella dancers, colourful floats with participants in costumes, as well as more portable shrines. You can catch the parade on the streets of Tenjinbashi and Nakanoshima, or just park yourself around Osaka City Central Public Hall in Nakanoshima. Then at around 6pm, the procession transfers onto boats to continue the journey down the Okawa River. This is one of the very few traditional parades in Japan that moves from land to water. Keep an eye out for the floating stag

Now in its fifth year, the annual Suito Kurawanka Fireworks Festival is one of Osaka’s most unique pyrotechnic events. Interestingly, the number of fireworks launched each year is determined by the number of babies born in the Osaka prefecture cities of Hirakata, Takatsuki and Katano during the previous year, plus an additional 100 memorial fireworks. For 2026, you can expect 4,877 shells to celebrate a total of 4,777 births across those three cities. They will be accompanied by a drone show, with the display set to commence at 7.10pm. The Suito Kurawanka Fireworks Festival is held at the sprawling Yodogawa Riverside Park, across two separate venues facing each other over the water. Both the Hirakata and Takatsuki sides will each host a live music stage, a selection of children’s festival games, and plenty of food trucks and booths. While there is a free viewing area – where you can claim a spot in person on a first-come, first-served basis after 12noon on the day of the event – the paid seating offers a more leisurely experience with the best vantage points.  A single chair seat costs ¥4,500, while couples can opt for pair seats at ¥12,000. Group seating accommodating up to six people is available for ¥30,000, and table seating starts at ¥32,000 for four people. An early-bird discount of ¥500 per person is available during the advance online sale, which ends on June 30 at 6pm. The general online sale will then run from July 2 at 10am until August 5 at 6pm. More details here.

Summer in Japan means traditional festivals, yukata (light, casual summer kimono) and street performances. And you can enjoy them all in Osaka’s bustling Umeda district, home to the city’s main transport hub, striking skyscrapers and world-class shopping. Running from July 10–31, the annual Umeda Yukata Festival features a vibrant line-up of events and activities held across the area’s key locations, especially around Grand Front Osaka. However, the main highlights take place at Umekita Plaza (the public square at Grand Front Osaka) over the weekend of July 10–11. Photo: Umeda Yukata Festival Bon Odori dancing and live performances The festival’s standout event is undoubtedly the Yukata de Bon Odori on July 10–11. This joyous celebration invites everyone to come together for some traditional Japanese street dancing. The event is free and open to all. Just head to the yagura stage at Umekita Plaza between 6pm and 8.20pm, and follow along with the dancers as classic Japanese tunes fill the air. If you do only one thing during your time in Japan this summer, make it a Bon Odori festival. It’s the quintessential and most iconic of all Japanese summer celebrations. Photo: Umeda Yukata FestivalUmeda Yukata Festival 2026 Also over the same weekend, join in a traditional water-sprinkling ritual to symbolically cool the streets. Be sure to gather at Umekita Plaza on Saturday July 11 by 4.20pm to take part. Photo: Umeda Yukata Festival If you're after more vibrant summer vibes, c

A curated food hall and cultural space in bustling Umeda, Time Out Market Osaka is dedicated to spotlighting the city’s and the Kansai region’s top culinary talents and food trends. For a few weeks in July, you can enjoy some refreshing summer desserts and pastries exclusively at this Grand Green Osaka venue. Photo: The Westin OsakaOnikuri Chiffon at Time Out Market Osaka Chiffon cakes with cream by The Westin Osaka July 7–31 The Westin Osaka has built a loyal following for the exceptional cream featured throughout its pastries and sweet offerings. At this limited-time pop-up at Time Out Market Osaka, pastry chef Yoshimi Kamekawa is unveiling the hotel’s latest dessert, crafted specifically to showcase that creamy indulgence.  While the Onikuri Chiffon has a delicate, sponge-like cake as its base, the cream is the focus here. By using his expert aeration technique to blend three varieties of fresh cream, each with a different formulation and fat content, the chef has achieved a texture that’s impossibly light and airy, yet rich and sumptuous in flavour.  This limited-time Onikuri Chiffon is available only at Time Out Market Osaka. You can enjoy the dessert on its own at ¥880, or order a set with iced tea for ¥1,320. Photo: Time Out Market OsakaCanelé To, Kakigori pop-up at Time Out Market Osaka Canelé To, Kakigori July 3–28 Popular canelé speciality store Canelé To is serving the trendy French pastry alongside frosty kakigori shaved ice at its 'Canelé To, Kakigori' pop-up

The Tokaido Shinkansen, which runs between Tokyo and Osaka, is one of Japan’s most popular bullet train routes. The frequent service makes travelling between the two major cities easy, speedy and enjoyable. And it’s about to get even better, especially for those looking to save on a night of accommodation. The Tokaido Shinkansen only runs during the day: the first train departs Tokyo at 6am, with the last service leaving for Osaka at 9.30pm. But on Saturday August 8, JR Central will trial a special overnight service. For this one-off Tokaido Lumiere Express service, the shinkansen will depart Tokyo on August 8 at 10pm, 30 minutes after the usual last train. Passengers can board at Tokyo, Shinagawa or Shin-Yokohama stations, and alight at either Kyoto or Shin-Osaka stations. The scheduled arrival time at Shin-Osaka is 6.59am on Sunday the 9th, about an hour earlier than the first regular morning train. One thing to note is that boarding and alighting at Nagoya will not be permitted. Plus, the train will park at Gifu-Hashima Station between midnight and 6am due to nightly track maintenance and to comply with noise regulations. The cabin lights will remain on throughout this period, so bring an eye mask for a more comfortable rest. An adult ticket in the Ordinary Car is expected to cost ¥15,000 between Tokyo and Osaka. The Green Car, child fare and a dedicated women-only coach will also be available. Depending on the trial’s reception, JR Central may consider adding more overnig

Beloved for combining awe-inspiring sets with emotional storytelling and heart-stopping acrobatic stunts, Cirque du Soleil last performed in Japan three years ago, when it brought an updated version of Alegría to Tokyo and Osaka. Now, the globally renowned circus troupe has confirmed that it will be back in Japan in 2027 to present Kooza. Charivari by Janis House Photography © Cirque du Soleil 2026Cirque du Soleil – Kooza Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘koza’, meaning ‘treasure chest’, Kooza tells the story of a charming character called the Innocent, who discovers a magical box with a mysterious figure known as the Trickster. Together, they venture into a fantastical kingdom and encounter the King, the Clowns and the Mad Dog. © Cirque du Soleil 2026Cirque du Soleil – Kooza Audiences can expect Cirque du Soleil’s signature acrobatic artistry, imaginative stage design and magnificent costumes to transport them into an otherworldly realm. But ultimately, Kooza is an exploration of universal human values: the dichotomy of strength versus vulnerability, chaos versus harmony, and good versus evil. There will be thrills, laughter and stunts that make you gasp... Basically, a roller coaster of emotions. © Cirque du Soleil 2026Cirque du Soleil – Kooza Premiered in 2007, Kooza is Cirque du Soleil’s longest-running production that is still touring in its original format. The show was first staged in Japan in 2011 and will be celebrating its milestone 20th anniversary during this

Moss enthusiasts, this one's for you: JR Tokai Tours is offering its oddly specific Kyoto Moss Tour Passport again this year. The ¥1,500 booklet is available until September 30, granting admission into any four of the six participating Kyoto temples known for their spectacular moss gardens. It's a strangely niche proposition, we know, but we promise they're all quite lovely. Photo: JR TokaiKyoto Moss Tour Passport 2026 Given that buying separate tickets for any four of these temples would add up to more than the cost of the booklet, it's quite the bargain. To get your hands on the 'passport', you can purchase an e-ticket here, which you must then use to pick up your booklet in person at the Kyoto Tourist Information Center 'Kyo Navi' in Kyoto Station.Read on for more info on the six participating temples. Photo: Digital Love/PixtaMyoshin-ji Temple Keishun-in Myoshinji Temple Keishunin (妙心寺桂春院) Built in 1337, the majestic Myoshinji Temple has evolved over centuries into the sprawling Buddhist complex seen today. Scattered across this massive site is a network of historical sub-temples, many of which, particularly those erected in the 1600s, have been officially designated as Tangible Cultural Properties of Kyoto. Tucked away in the furthest northeast corner is Keishunin Temple, home to a garden so splendid it is now officially a National Site of Scenic Beauty. The grounds are made up of four distinct dry-landscape gardens, including the Shojo courtyard garden featuring whi

Osaka is obsessed with food. That is a fact. And we are also very good at cooking, serving and eating it – so much so that the city is widely known as ‘the nation’s kitchen’. While we don’t need anyone else to tell us this, it still feels good to have our pride and joy validated on the world stage, as the latest Time Out global survey just did by naming Osaka one of 2026’s best cities for food. So, how did we get here? Through sheer numbers. Time Out consulted more than 24,000 locals around the world to rate the food scene in their cities, based on a host of criteria including quality, choice and affordability. This data was then combined with votes and insight from Time Out’s international network of food experts and critics. Only the city with the highest score from each country made the final 20. The 2026 list of the World’s Best Cities for Food is topped by Lima, the capital of Peru, with Osaka coming in at No. 12. What’s really interesting is that locals in Osaka rate the city higher for affordability (at 71 percent) than quality (at 68 percent), but not by much. This is very telling, actually, as the narrow gap points to an exciting evolution in the city's food scene, a key reason why Osaka is in this year’s top 20. For the longest time, Osaka has been the undisputed street food capital of Japan. But lately, the city is rapidly evolving into a serious dining destination. This transformation is largely driven by a new generation of chefs who are reinterpreting Japanese f

Plastic pollution, especially at sea, has reached a critical point. And the issue becomes even more tangible – and alarming – when you look at the actual numbers. Today, roughly 150 million tons of plastic are floating in the world’s oceans, and by 2050, it’s estimated that the amount of marine debris could exceed the total weight of fish in the sea. Every year, Japan alone collects around 30,000 to 50,000 tons of marine plastic from its coastlines. What’s even more worrying is that research has shown that the microplastic concentration in Japan’s waters is a staggering 27 times higher than the global average. Photo: Saga PrefecturePlastic waste washed ashore at Cape Hado in Saga prefecture Cape Hado in Saga prefecture, located on northern Kyushu island, is struggling with this eco-crisis, as it sees a non-stop barrage of marine plastic wash ashore from both domestic and international sources. Local volunteer groups and authorities have been tirelessly clearing and even tried upcycling this waste, but the impact on marine life, fisheries and local tourism continues to intensify. This led to the creation of the World Ocean Plastic Planning Center at the cape. Also known as PlaPla, the facility serves as an educational hub for people to understand the severity of the issue and discover the actions they can take to fight it. This will hopefully lead to a reduction in plastic waste, which will also help preserve the beautiful waters of the Karatsu–Genkai region. Photo: Saga Pr

It's almost two and a half years since the New Year’s Day earthquake devastated the picturesque Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture. Massive efforts have gone into rebuilding the region, and Pokémon is contributing to the reconstruction in the cutest way possible. ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.Wakura Pokémon Footbath The global pop culture phenomenon has recently opened a new footbath at Wakura Onsen, one of the largest tourist destinations on the Noto Peninsula. The Wakura Pokémon Footbath, located within Yuttari Park, is open to the public for free – and it is just adorable.  ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.Pikachu at the Wakura Pokémon Footbath Fed by natural hot spring water, the facility features 3D sculptures of some of the franchise’s most iconic creatures including Gyarados, Vaporeon, Poliwag, Politoad, Psyduck and, of course, Pikachu. Here, you get to take a relaxing foot soak among your Pokemon buddies while gazing out at the sea, as Yuttari Park sits right by the coast. ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.Vaporeon at the Wakura Pokémon Footbath The Wakura Pokémon Footbath is free – just remember to bring along a small towel to dry your feet afterwards.  ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.Quaxly at the Wakura Pokémon Footbath While Wakura Pokémon Footbath is accessible from Osaka, the destination is a bit of a trek and involves multiple transfers. First, hop on the Thunderbird Limited Expre

A Kyoto headliner, the annual Gion Festival is Japan’s most iconic celebration, with a history dating back to the year 869. Held every July for a full month, this grand affair honours Yasaka Shrine with an elaborate line-up of traditional events. The festival’s crowning moments, however, are the Yamaboko processions on July 17 (Saki Matsuri, or the first procession) and July 24 (Ato Matsuri, or the second procession). On these two days, the streets of central Kyoto come alive with majestic floats, live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Photo: Pia Corporation The enormous Yamaboko floats are a major reason why the Gion Festival is so beloved. Some reach up to 25 metres in height and weigh as much as 12 tonnes, yet they are still pulled by hand. Lavishly decorated with tapestries and embroidery, the floats are often referred to as moving art museums. Saki Matsuri is the larger of the two processions, featuring 23 floats compared to 11 in Ato Matsuri. While the processions are free, public events, those wishing to enjoy the spectacle in comfort can book paid seats at a prime viewing spot. Photo: Kyoto City Tourism Association July 17 procession The first and grandest procession begins at the Shijo-Karasuma intersection. The paid viewing area on Oike Street offers regular seats starting at ¥6,000.  If you want to listen to a live commentary in English, you’ll have to get the Special Learning Seats. These will set you back ¥14,500 for the front row, or ¥12,500 for the subsequent

日本の夏の風物詩といえば花火。しかし近年は猛暑や湿気の影響で、真夏の花火大会に足を運ぶのもひと苦労だ。その点、比較的過ごしやすい気候の6月初旬に開催されるのはうれしい。 6月最初の週末には、3つの花火イベントが立て続けに実施される。2026年6月6日（土）には大阪の異なるエリアで2つのイベントが同時開催されるため、どちらに行くか悩んでしまいそうだ。また、4月に延期となっていた「JAPAN FIREWORKS EXPO 2026 in Osaka – Nishikinohama」も、7日（日）に行われる。 チケットは既に売れ始めているため、気になるイベントは早めのチェックしてほしい。 1. りんくう花火2026（6日） Photo: Rinku Fireworks Festival 「りんくう公園」の「マーブルビーチ」で開催される「りんくう花火2026」が、今年で10回目を迎える。約40分間にわたり、音楽とシンクロした演出で7000発の花火を打ち上げ。花火は19時30分からスタートするが、会場は16時からオープンするため、早めに訪れて場所取りをしたり、キッチンカーや屋台グルメを楽しんだりできる。 チケットは子どもが500円、大人は3,000円（以下、全て税込み）から販売中だ。 2. OSAKA BAY SKYLUMINA FIREWORKS & DRONES（6日） Photo: Osaka Bay Skylumina 大阪湾に浮かぶ人工島「舞洲スポーツアイランド空の広場」で開催予定の「OSAKA BAY SKYLUMINA FIREWORKS & DRONES」は、次世代型をテーマにした花火イベント。伝統的な花火と最先端ドローン演出を融合させたショーが展開される。当日は、日本を代表するドローンオペレーター「REDCLIFF」が2000機のドローンを飛ばし、夜空に幻想的なフォーメーションを描き出す。 また、花火は日本を代表する3つの有名な花火会社によって制作され、その中には1899年に創業し127年の歴史を持つ長野の名門「伊那火工堀内煙火店」も含まれる。音楽に合わせ、100分の1秒単位でシンクロする1万発の花火が打ち上げられる予定だ。さらに、直径約500メートルにも及ぶ大輪を描く8号玉も登場する。 チケットは子どもが6,600円、大人は8,800円から販売している。 3. JAPAN FIREWORKS EXPO 2026 in Osaka – Nishikinohama（7日） Photo: Japan Fireworks Expo 4月に延期となっていた「JAPAN FIREWORKS EXPO 2026 in Osaka – Nishikinohama」が、「2025年日本国際博覧会」（以降、関西・大阪万博）を彩った花火演出を再現する形で行われる。主催者によると、前回以上のスケールになる可能性もあるという。 演出を担当するのは、関西・大阪万博開幕日の花火を手がけた「Wakino Art Factory」。19時30分から20時30分までの約1時間にわたり、壮大な花火ショーを繰り広げるほか、「にし阿波の花火」でファイナリストに選ばれた「岸火工品製造所」による特別演出も予定されている。さらに、関西・大阪万博に関連した楽曲とシンクロする花火演出に加え、直径330メートル以上に広がる10号玉も打ち上げる。 当日は「二色の浜海水浴場」周辺に屋台やバーベキューエリア、各種アクティビティも登場。会場は12時からオープンするため、早めに訪れてイ

Studio Ghibli is a cultural phenomenon, with its heartfelt, beautifully crafted anime amassing legions of fans around the world. In recent years, the Ghibli Universe has leapt off the screen into tangible experiences, much to the delight of fans. There’s the sprawling Ghibli Park in Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. At the same time, Japan has seen several travelling exhibitions offering deep dives into the studio's creative process and notable themes in the Ghibli Universe, as well as interactive ways for fans to engage with their favourite anime. The good news is, there are two brand new Ghibli exhibitions coming to Osaka and Kyoto in the second half of the year. The Ghibli Park Exhibition in Osaka will bring some of the Aichi park’s most iconic attractions to the city. The Kyoto show, on the other hand, will be more contemplative in nature, as it explores the connection between Hayao Miyazaki’s 'The Boy and the Heron' and the philosophy of Zen. Tickets for Osaka are now available online. Photo: Ghibli ParkA 'Porco Rosso' set piece from a previous Ghibli exhibition Ghibli Park Exhibition, Osaka July 18–September 26 A continuation of the hit ‘Ghibli Park and Ghibli Exhibition’ which toured ten venues across Japan, the new ‘Ghibli Park Exhibition’ will highlight the iconic park’s current state. This, too, will be a travelling show, kicking off in Osaka before moving to other cities in the country. Ghibli Park Exhibition will be, for most parts, interactive and experientia

Shinkansen is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to travel across Japan – and it’s even more memorable when you catch one of its special themed trains. Among the most popular is the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, which runs along the Sanyo Shinkansen line connecting Shin-Osaka and Hakata in Fukuoka, Kyushu. The route serves western Japan’s major destinations including Shin-Kobe, Himeji, Okayama and Hiroshima. Launched in June 2018, this charming bullet train is beloved for its cute design bursting with colours, motifs and characters inspired by the global Japanese icon. Its eye-catching pink exterior features Hello Kitty’s signature bow and ribbon, and the interior is even more adorable. Photo: ©1976, 2020 Sanrio, Co. Ltd, Approval No. L613133Car 1 of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen Car 1 serves as a display area and gift shop offering exclusive Hello Kitty merchandise, while Car 2, the ‘Kawaii! Room’, is fully decked out in Hello Kitty designs, from the walls and ceiling to the seats. There’s even a dedicated photo spot where you can take pictures with a one-of-a-kind Hello Kitty train conductor. Photo: ©1976, 2020 Sanrio, Co. Ltd, Approval No. L613133Car 2 of the Hello Kitty Shinkansen Sadly, after eight years of service, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen will cease operations on Sunday May 17 2026. To celebrate its farewell, train operator JR West has rolled out a campaign to mark this momentous event. © 2026 Sanrio Co., Ltd. Approval No. L664814 For the final send-off,