Lim Chee Wah

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. Want to enjoy the great outdoors? Check out these top beaches and hiking trails in and around Osaka

There's always something exciting to do in the great city of Osaka. With summer just around the corner, the city continues to host a variety of fantastic events and festivals leading up to the highly anticipated fireworks season, which kicks off this weekend with not one but three big bangs. Meanwhile, Osaka Art & Design 2026 enters its second week, with a host of exhibitions and art tours taking place across the city.  So, are you ready to head out for a fantastic weekend? Explore our curated list of the best events and things to do in and around Osaka right now. Plan ahead: Here are the best events and things to do in Osaka and Kyoto for the rest of June 2026

タイムアウト大阪 > Things to Do > 大阪、6月に行くべきイベント23選 6月は一年の折り返し地点。そして大阪では、少し不思議な季節でもある。春から夏へと移り変わる時期で、雨の日が増える一方、気温や湿度も徐々に高まっていく。しかし、そんな天候など気にしていないかのように、大阪では今月も見逃せないイベントが数多く開催される。 中でも、6月最初の週末だけで3つもの花火大会が予定されていること。まさに月の幕開けを華やかに彩るスタートだ。さらに、街全体を舞台にした「Osaka Art & Design 2026」が6月中旬まで開催されるほか、各地で展覧会やマーケットも続々と実施する。 梅雨空に気分を左右される必要はない。この時期ならではの体験が詰まった、注目のイベントをチェックしてみよう。 関連記事『大阪、6月に行くべき無料のアート展12選』

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.

While Kyoto is renowned for its Unesco World Heritage Sites and immaculately preserved ancient temples, the former capital of Japan is more than just a living museum. This vibrant city is an amalgamation of old and new, where historical traditions exist harmoniously alongside modern infrastructure. May is an exciting month to be in Kyoto, as it kicks off one of Japan's busiest domestic travel periods with the Golden Week holidays. The city comes alive with a vibrant mix of activities, from a world-class exhibition to a storied festival dating back more than a thousand years. So, if you're in the city this spring, plan your visit with our guide to the best events and festivals happening in Kyoto this month. Going to Osaka instead? Check out our list of the best May events and festivals in Osaka

In Osaka and across Japan, the month of May always starts in a joyful mood. The long stretch of Golden Week holidays means everyone is out and about, enjoying a wide variety of food events and cultural festivals all over the city. The month typically brings beautiful spring weather, making it the ideal time to explore the outdoors before the rainy season arrives and the intense heat and humidity of summer set in. Whether you’re looking for world-class art exhibitions or a chance to immerse yourself in local and international culture, May is jam-packed with exciting activities. To help you plan for an amazing month ahead, here’s our curated list of the best events, festivals and things to do in Osaka. Don’t forget to check back often, as we’ll be updating this guide as and when new events are confirmed. Going to Kyoto? Here are the best events and festivals happening in the ancient capital this May 2026

Nestled in the lush mountains of Wakayama, Koyasan (or Mount Koya) is a Unesco World Heritage Site easily accessible from Osaka. This ancient temple town is one of Japan’s most sacred Buddhist sites, where visitors can experience soul-soothing temple lodgings and partake in a centuries-old pilgrimage.  Even if you only have time for a brief visit, Koyasan makes for an easy day trip from Osaka (with proper planning). And with Nankai Railway's recently introduced Gran Tenku luxury sightseeing train running between Namba in Osaka and Gokurakubashi at the foothills of Koyasan, the journey is now easier and more enjoyable.  Here’s everything you need to know about the newly launched Gran Tenku train. Looking to experience nature nearer to the city? Here are the five best day hikes in and around Osaka

Ramen is life. This oft-repeated statement may sound like a cliche, but it's hardly an exaggeration. There's something so comforting and satisfying – and filling! – about a steaming bowl of ramen that it's widely regarded as a quintessential Japanese soul food. In Osaka, the famed 'Kitchen of Japan', the ramen scene is just as vibrant as the city's takoyaki offerings. There are options galore when it comes to the many different styles of the noodles, from classic shoyu (soy sauce) and seabream broths to duck-based bowls and everything in between. To help you navigate the thousands of noodle restaurants across Osaka, we've done all the slurping to give you this list of the city's top ramen, vetted and savoured by your trusty Time Out Osaka editors. Love noods? Check out these top soba and udon restaurants in Osaka.

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 kick off with not one but three fireworks festivals happening back to back, all in the first weekend of June. Outside of Osaka, you'll find equally stunning displays in Kyoto and Mie worth making a day trip for. 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 May with our curated lists of the best events in Osaka and Kyoto.

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

Golden Week is the longest stretch of public holidays in Japan, which make it peak domestic travel season. It’s also one of the most exciting times to be in Osaka, as the city comes alive with an array of seasonal events and festivals. This year, the 2026 Golden Week runs from Wednesday April 29 to the following Wednesday May 6. While April 30 and May 1 are technically working days, locals who take those off as paid leave can easily enjoy a whopping eight-day break. To help you make the most of this long holiday, we’ve rounded up the best food and drink events, spring floral displays and cultural festivals happening across the city.

タイムアウト大阪 > Things to Do > 大阪、ゴールデンウィークに行くべき注目のイベント20選 大阪が一年の中でも特に活気づくゴールデンウィーク。街はグルメやカルチャーフェスティバル、フラワーガーデン、展覧会など多彩な催しで彩られる。 食のイベントでは「THE MEAT OSAKA」「クラフト餃子フェス OSAKA」「LA FOOD & CULTURE FEST」が開催され、肉料理や餃子、LAフードなどを存分に味わえる。 フラワー系ではネモフィラが見頃を迎え、青一面の花畑が広がる。さらにアート分野では「劇場アニメ ルックバック展 －押山清高 線の感情」や「NAKED meets ガウディ展」などを通して、映像や建築表現の世界観に触れられるだろう。 本記事では、この期間に楽しめる食・文化・自然・アートのイベントをまとめて紹介。連休の計画づくりの参考にしてほしい。 関連記事『奈良監獄ミュージアムでしかできない6のこと』

Located in the unassuming foodie neighbourhood of Kyomachibori, Kyomachibori Nakamura has elevated the humble tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet) into an omakase-style tasting course. The Bib Gourmand-rated restaurant achieves this in two ways: provenance and technique. The provenance part is on full display the moment you walk into the elegant and surprisingly spacious restaurant, where diners sit around a counter facing the chef at work. Resting on the table is a platter of the day’s pork – an impressive array of cuts from various premium, brand-name pork sourced from across Japan. To highlight the pork’s natural characteristics, the meat is deep-fried using a laborious, low-heat method. This patient process, which can take up to 20 minutes, yields a beautifully airy and golden panko crust wrapped around perfectly tender meat that’s still gleaming with juices. Timing has to be precise, too, as the tonkatsu is served piece by piece fresh off the fryer to allow diners to compare and contrast the varying textures and flavours.  And the differences are striking. During my visit, the Hirata Farm Berkshire 50 chateaubriand from Yamagata was exceptionally tender and delicate in flavour, while the Tokyo X shoulder loin from Yamanashi offered a more savoury depth and a firmer bite. The loin from Fukushima’s LD Mangalitsa pork, on the other hand, delivered the most luxurious mouthfeel with its sweet, melty fat. This succession of deep-fried pork is best enjoyed with the bowl of white r

One of Japan’s most distinctive ceramic styles, Kutani ware originated in the mid-17th century in the historical Kaga region of present-day Ishikawa prefecture. This painted Japanese porcelain is highly prized for its vivid colours and intricate hand-painted imagery. The iconic Seisen Kiln in Kaga City – a Kutani ware specialist founded in 1868 – unfortunately fell dormant following the death of its master potter in 2014. Now, ongoing revival efforts are bringing the historic site and its legacy back into the spotlight. Japanese ceramics collectors and design lovers can admire the exquisite works produced by this kiln at a pop-up exhibition on the seventh floor of Hankyu Umeda Main Store. Here you’ll find new pieces created by contemporary artisans using preserved and restored antique molds salvaged from the heritage kiln. Alongside these modern recreations are rare, original pieces that were produced more than 50 years ago. Best of all, many of the pieces here are up for sale, with prices starting from ¥9,900. So whether you’re a serious collector or simply looking to elevate your home with unique Japanese craftsmanship, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to learn more about – and even own a piece of – the beautiful Kutani ware.

Just before summer rolls in, Osaka will experience a brief period of rainy days. But don’t let that dampen your spirits, as this is exactly when the city’s hydrangeas bloom in their multi-coloured glory. Nestled in the northwest corner of the expansive Natural and Cultural Gardens at Expo '70 Commemorative Park, the gorgeous Hydrangea Forest was renovated just last year. It now boasts roughly 50 varieties of hydrangeas in a spectacular array of vivid hues.  During the festival, you can also check out two site-specific installations that double as photo spots. The ‘Forest Palette’ features a circular formation with vibrant ribbons radiating from a central tower. Meanwhile, ‘Graffiti Street’ is more interactive. Here, you are encouraged to write down messages on colourful stickers and affix them to large boards adorned with outlines of rainbows and hydrangeas, ultimately transforming the displays into a collaborative work of mosaic art. You can check the hydrangeas’ blooming status here before you go. Do note that the Natural and Cultural Gardens requires an admission fee of ¥450 for adults and high school students.

Osaka has its famous spice curry while Hokkaido is known for its soup curry. Now, you can enjoy the northern Japanese-style curry right here in the city, as Suage has opened its first Kansai outpost in Lucua Osaka shopping mall, directly connected to Osaka Station. While Osaka’s spice curry is beloved for its punchy aromatics, Hokkaido’s soup curry is noted for having a light, broth-like consistency that’s perfect for sipping. Today, there are over 200 soup curry restaurants in the Hokkaido capital of Sapporo alone, with Suage being a long-running icon founded in 2007. The restaurant now has multiple branches in its home prefecture Hokkaido, as well as in Tokyo, Fukuoka and Ishikawa. At Suage, you can customise every component of your meal. The classic soup features a mix of spices built on a base of caramelised onions and tomatoes. However, you can opt for the rich and umami shrimp soup or the special soup of the month instead for an additional ¥220. You also get to choose the level of spiciness from 1 to 10 (levels 7 through 10 carry an extra charge of ¥110), your preferred rice portion, and additional toppings. Regardless of your main choice of protein – whether it’s braised pork belly, fried chicken, grilled lamb or seafood – your curry will come with seven types of Hokkaido-grown vegetables including broccoli, capsicum, pumpkin and baby corn, all freshly flash-fried upon order. If you are overwhelmed by the choices, don’t worry – you can’t go wrong with the signature cri

For just one night in June, the Nishi-Umeda district will switch off its electric lights and instead bask in the glow of candles. This atmospheric event, which has been running for more than 20 years, aims to encourage locals and visitors to enjoy a slower evening amid candlelight while reflecting on the environmental issues and social challenges affecting us today. Nishi-Umeda Park will serve as the focal point of the event, as it transforms into a Candle Park. Here you’ll find a candle installation by artist-activist Candle June, alongside candle-making workshops, a market, live music and food trucks.  Meanwhile, over at Herbis Plaza’s Herbis Square, you’ll find the event’s signature Nishi-Ume Andon display. Inspired by traditional Japanese designs, these paper-bag lanterns will feature heartwarming wishes and messages for the future. Additionally, the streets of Nishi-Umeda will also come aglow with candle art by Kansai-based artists and students. These Candle Corridors are scattered across the district’s major landmarks including the Hilton Plaza, JP Tower Osaka, Herbis Plaza and Breeze Breeze, just to name a few. Some of these venues will even host free concerts for everyone to enjoy. In the event of rain, Nishi-Umeda Candle Night will be postponed to the following day, June 10.

Located in southern Kyoto, the ancient Fujinomori Shrine is closely associated with horses, making it a popular site for prayers among jockeys and racing enthusiasts. For the general public, however, the shrine’s biggest draw is its two lush gardens, which burst into vibrant colour in early summer. Starting from May 30 for roughly a month – depending on the flowering situation – the shrine opens its two expansive gardens to the public to enjoy roughly 3,500 hydrangea plants blooming in all colours. The best times to visit are on weekends, when the shrine hosts special dedication ceremonies and cultural activities.  Highlights include a Chikuzen biwa lute performance and Noh chanting (June 6, 1pm); an iaido sword-drawing demonstration (June 13, 2:30pm); a charity bazaar (June 17, 10am); ancient court music and dance followed by taiko drumming (June 21, 10am and 2pm respectively); and a sumo song recital (June 27, 1pm). There’s a ¥500 admission to visit the gardens.

While spring sees Kyoto’s five active geisha districts put on their respective geisha dance seasons, June is when all five come together for a magnificent joint production known as ‘Miyako no Nigiwai’, or ‘The Liveliness of the Capital’.  ‘Miyako no Nigiwai’ made its debut in 1994 to commemorate the 1200th anniversary of Kyoto, then known as Heian-kyo. It has since become a highly anticipated annual affair, bringing together roughly 70 geiko (Kyoto’s preferred term for ‘geisha’) and maiko (apprentice geiko) for a truly awe-inspiring performance.  In this two-day-only showcase, the five districts – Gion Kobu, Miyagawacho, Pontocho, Kamishichiken and Gion Higashi – will each present their own distinctive repertoires, grounded in history and house codes. For the grand finale, performers from all five districts unite on stage for a joint performance featuring graceful choreography and exquisite costumes. Tickets are now available online.

Osaka Art & Design 2026 is like a treasure hunt. This four-week-long creative festival features a host of exhibitions, events and activities across the city's main hubs, from Umeda, Nakanoshima and Abeno to Honmachi, Shinsaibashi and Namba. And it's not just museums and galleries either. You'll find visual arts, installations, product designs and more in a wide variety of spaces including department stores, train stations, commercial facilities and home interior shops. Since its debut in 2023, the city-wide festival has become a staple in Osaka’s annual art calendar. Last year, it attracted 760 creators with exhibits scattered across 65 venues.  The theme for 2026 is 'Infinitize Your Creation/Imagination', which aims to channel the global inspiration from last year's Osaka Expo into new creative expressions. You can expect works by emerging Japanese and international artists and designers across various disciplines. Highlights include installations by contemporary artist Yuichi Hirako at Hankyu Umeda Main Store's display windows on the concourse floor (May 20–June 22) and the Festival Plaza (May 27–June 8) on the 9th floor, as well as a group exhibition inspired by the mythical phoenix at Daimaru Shinsaibashi (May 29–June 25). Kenji Yanobe will showcase his beloved ‘catstronaut’ character, Ship’s Cat, at two venues. A newly configured parent-and-child installation, ‘Cosmo Red’ and ‘Little Cosmo Red’, will make its debut at Grand Green Osaka South Building's 'Valley Space' fro

Studio Ghibli has such an enduring appeal that anything bearing its name is bound to succeed. Ghibli Park is a prime example. This immersive attraction is easily the studio’s crown jewel, as it brings the anime house’s beloved universe and heartfelt storytelling to life. Back in 2022, to coincide with the park’s highly anticipated opening, the ‘Ghibli Park and Ghibli Exhibition’ toured ten venues across Japan, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the park’s concept and creation. The travelling exhibition was a massive hit, drawing approximately 1.7 million visitors at the end of its run in 2025. Now, more than three years after the park’s debut, a new exhibition is set to tour Japan, this time highlighting the park’s current state. The best part is, the new exhibition will kick off in Osaka this July before travelling to other prefectures. This new Ghibli Park Exhibition will have 'play' as its theme, with a majority of the showcases designed to be interactive and experiential. One key exhibit is the Mini Ghibli Park, where all five zones of the Aichi attraction are recreated as a board game experience. The squares on the floor are styled after Ghibli Park posters, and there will be plenty of games and photo opportunities. Moreover, visitors get to enjoy two of Ghibli Park's most popular features here in Osaka. One is the revised and expanded edition of the 'Delicious! Animating Memorable Meals' exhibition, which explores the important role of food in Ghibli films throug

This large-scale tasting event made its debut in 2007 and has consistently brought together distilleries, manufacturers, importers and liquor stores from Japan and abroad. At the time of writing, Whisky Festival has confirmed roughly 100 exhibitors for this June’s instalment in Osaka. They include Awano Distillery from Tokushima, Osuzuyama Distillery from Miyazaki, Kizakura Distillery from Hyogo, and Tankyu Distillery from Hokkaido, just to name a few. The event is divided into three sessions, each requiring a separate ticket: Friday June 26, 5pm–7.30pm, and Saturday June 27, 10am–1.30pm and 2.30pm–6pm. Visitors can enjoy whisky and gin tastings – some free, some paid – as well as purchase bottles and merchandise. Moreover, there will be opportunities to interact directly with whisky producers to learn more about one of the world’s most beloved spirits. Tickets are now available online. Admission is limited to guests aged 20 and above.

Super Studio Kitakagaya (SSK) is Osaka’s largest shared studio space, and since it was converted from a former shipyard warehouse, its lofty proportions with 7-metre-high ceiling allow for unique and expansive works. Normally closed to the public, this private art space will welcome visitors on the last weekend of May in conjunction with Art Osaka 2026. During this rare occasion, the public can check out limited-time exhibitions by resident and guest artists. Highlights include the unveiling of a collaborative mural created by British deconstructive pop artist Matt Gondek and Japanese contemporary street artist Naze. Meanwhile, renowned Japanese photographer Kenichi Yamamura will showcase street art murals he documented while travelling the world. Admission is free, except for the interactive installation ‘Dust in the Stomach’ (3pm–6pm daily), which requires a nominal fee of ¥500. Here, Osaka-born artist Karu Miyoshi and German sculptor Rebeka Akane Fimmel have created an installation resembling breathing skin. Members of the audience are admitted into the space one at a time and can decide whether or not to touch the artwork (it’s permitted). This exercise aims to restore agency and responsibility to the viewers, which are often treated as passive participants at exhibitions. While you’re here, don’t miss the special opening of MASK (Mega Art Storage Kitakagaya, 11am–7pm). Entry is free, and you’ll get to explore the impressive collection kept here, which includes pieces by

Hidden away in the basement of Senba Center, this clean and bright ramen restaurant is operated by a renowned dried goods purveyor – and it shows. Honmachi Seimensho Chukasobakobo's broth is beautifully balanced, despite having a long list of robust ingredients: several types of dried fish, kombu kelp, pike conger eel and chicken bones. While the soup has deep umami, there’s still clarity in flavour, and it’s immensely drinkable. First, taste it on its own, then sprinkle on some sansho pepper for a spicy, fragrant kick that rounds off the richness. You get to choose from two types of noodles, both made fresh in-house every day. The restaurant recommends the hand-rolled thin flat noodles for the soupy ramen, and the springy, chewy round noodles for the soupless version, as the latter is better at picking up the dressing. Make sure you go for the bowl with all the toppings, which include perfectly tender sous-vide chashu pork and an ajitama egg with a glossy, barely set yolk. The menu also features a selection of rice bowls with different toppings, such as tuna and green onions, seared pork, and chashu pork with onsen egg. Keep an eye out for the seasonal specials, too. In winter, we had the spicy miso ramen, a hearty bowl made with garlic and mackerel on a katsuobushi stock, and topped with chunky, unctuous roast pork. A quick note: Senba Center is a long shopping mall tucked under the Honmachi elevated expressway, and it’s divided by intersections into separate buildings. Hon

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,

You can eat well for lunch and not break the bank at Time Out Market Osaka, the curated food and culture hub at Grand Green Osaka in bustling Umeda. With the recent introduction of new restaurants including ramen-and-sake joint Tenmei and British comfort food specialist Furai Guys, the market now serves up a wide variety of cuisines to satisfy your midday cravings. Here’s what you can enjoy for lunch without spending more than ¥1,500 in one of Osaka’s most exciting districts. Photo: Time Out Market OsakaGinger beef stir-fry set meal at Nikutoieba Matsuda If you’re looking for Japanese cuisine A collaboration between notable noodle specialist Jinrui Mina Menrui and sake sommelier Keita Akaboshi, Tenmei’s ramen lunch is priced from just ¥890. Moreover, with any shoyu ramen order, you’ll get to enjoy side dishes including pork rice bowls and gyoza at a ¥50 discount each. Over at Nikutoieba Matsuda, the hearty ginger beef stir-fry set meal, complete with salad and miso soup, is available at only ¥1,190 (or ¥1,500 for a larger portion). Udon lovers, head to Passion Udon Sanshu for satisfying bowls of the thick, chewy wheat noodles. From just ¥1,000, you’ll get to choose an udon bowl complete with seasoned rice and green tea. Spend a bit more, from ¥1,100, and your udon will be served with freshly fried tempura. The restaurant’s signature curry udon, made with a 20-spice roux on a rich Kansai-style dashi base, will only set you back ¥1,400, and it even comes with rice and a small

Summer is fireworks season in Japan. However, with the rising temperatures in recent years, heading out into the oppressive heat and humidity can be uncomfortable, to say the least. Perhaps it’s a good thing that Osaka is kicking off the 2026 summer fireworks season early, while the weather is still pleasant. The thing is, there isn't just one, but three fireworks events happening back-to-back in the first weekend of June alone. As two of them take place concurrently on opposite ends of Osaka on Saturday June 6, you’ll have to pick a side. Meanwhile, the postponed Japan Fireworks Expo 2026 is set to make up for its April cancellation with a jaw-dropping show on Sunday June 7. Read on for the deets on each fireworks event and make your choice quickly, as tickets are selling fast. Photo: Rinku Fireworks Festival Rinku Fireworks Festival, June 6 Held at Rinku Park’s Marble Beach, Rinku Fireworks Festival returns for its 10th edition this year. The 40-minute display will feature 7,000 fireworks synchronised to music.  While the fireworks begin at 7.30pm, the festival grounds are open from 4pm, giving you plenty of time to stake out a good spot and enjoy the spread that the festival food trucks and booths have to offer. Tickets from ¥3,000. More details here. Photo: Osaka Bay Skylumina Osaka Bay Skylumina Fireworks & Drones, June 6 Held at the Sky Plaza on the artificial island of Maishima in Osaka Bay, Skylumina bills itself as a ‘next-generation’ fireworks show that combines

April 29 marks the start of the 2026 Golden Week, which runs through May 6. Every year, this long stretch of holidays turns Japan into a lively playground filled with an assortment of events and festivals – and Osaka is no exception. However, if the sheer number of things to do feels overwhelming, let us narrow it down for you.  These food and drink festivals, happening at some of Osaka’s biggest attractions, will appease any foodie looking for an outdoor feast that combines the chance to bask in the beautiful spring weather. While entry is free, food and drinks are to be paid for separately. Plus, the Craft Gyoza Fes and the Meat Osaka are cashless. Photo: The Meat For carnivores: The Meat Osaka, Apr 29–May 6 The Meat Osaka returns after two years, bringing an expanded lineup of top-tier meat dishes from butchers, yakiniku specialists and innovative chefs who’ve developed exclusive menus for the festival. Expect premium wagyu sushi, rare-cut katsu (deep-fried cutlets), Korean-style grilled beef tongue, hearty menchi katsu (deep-fried ground meat patties) and more, served up by vendors from across Japan. Confirmed participants include World Diner (Hokkaido black wagyu sushi and roast beef with truffle sauce), Tamagawa Butcher Shop (rare beef katsu and secret-blend menchi katsu), Korean BBQ specialist 4si (two styles of grilled tongue), and Ishigaki Island Kitauchi Ranch (premium cuts from its own cattle). Photo: Tenshiba Oktoberfest For drinking in the park: Tenshiba Okto

The Grand Green Osaka we see today is not the full picture. When this large-scale urban regeneration project reaches its final phase around 2027, Umeda will be transformed from a major commercial and transport hub into a model city district offering a new way of urban living that balances innovation with well-being and nature. Now that Umekita Park South Park has been open for over a year, the next major component of the broader Grand Green Osaka development is set to be completed in spring 2027. The good news is, we don’t have to wait that long to get a taste of Umekita Park North Park. A key attraction in the area, the Umekita Forest – or Umekita no Mori in Japanese – will open right in front of JR Osaka Station on November 20 later this year. Photo: Hankyu Hanshin Originally a wetland, then farmland, and for the last 85 years a freight yard, the green lung is designed to be a living forest, not just in name. The expansive 0.9 hectare space is just slightly smaller than a standard rugby field and will serve as a living ecosystem that contributes to the district’s urban biodiversity. Photo: Hankyu Hanshin The plants at Umekita Forest will reflect the native vegetation of the Osaka region. There will be 165 trees across 22 species, growing alongside aquatic plants and Japanese flora such as iris and azalea. More interestingly, it aims to become a new cherry blossom spot in Osaka with six sakura species totalling 23 trees. This is further supplemented by maple and katsura

It’s been teased for months with a staggered release of noteworthy restaurants, but the Michelin Guide has finally unveiled its 2026 edition for Kyoto and Osaka. The big news is that, for the first time in six years, Kyoto has a new three-star restaurant. That honor belongs to Miyamasou, an inn and restaurant with over 120 years of history, nestled in the lush Hanase mountains on the fringes of Kyoto. This destination restaurant was first awarded a star in 2010 and has held two stars since 2011. Miyamasou is renowned for its immaculate satoyama cuisine, with ingredients drawn from the surrounding wilderness, including game, river fish and mountain vegetables foraged by the chef-owner himself. The 2026 Kyoto and Osaka Michelin Guide features a total of 479 restaurants. Here’s an overview of the newly released guide. Do note that when we mention ‘new’, it means the restaurant is either newly included in the guide or has been promoted from its previous ranking. Osaka There’s no change in the number of three-star restaurants in Osaka. Japanese restaurants Taian and Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama, as well as innovative restaurant Hajime, remain the only three establishments with the highest star ranking in the city. While kaiseki restaurant Teruya near Tanimachi 9-chome Station is the only new two-star entry, there are seven new one-star restaurants and nine new Bib Gourmand restaurants. Rounding out the list are 16 Selected restaurants making their debut in the prestigious guide. Kyot

If you’re looking for one final spring hurrah over the Golden Week holidays, dust off your trekking shoes – you’re heading out for a hike on Mt. Ikoma in Higashi-Osaka. Located towards the east of Osaka City near the border with Nara, this lush mountain is home to one of the region’s most scenic hiking trails. Every spring, the azalea slope at Narukawa Park, found midway up Mt. Ikoma, bursts into brilliant shades of white, red and pink. Photo: Higashi-Osaka Tourism Around 2,500 azalea bushes are planted here, in a stunning layered formation that resembles bands or ribbons cascading down the mountainside. From afar, the sight looks like a colourful Swiss roll, earning it the nickname ‘Azalea Roll’. The flowers grow so densely along the trail that they surround hikers on both sides. It almost feels like you’re walking through a corridor of colours. In recent years, this breathtaking scene has started trending on Japanese social media, with many people touting it as one of Osaka’s must-see spring destinations. Photo: Higashi-Osaka Tourism Nature lovers often praise Mt. Ikoma as an ideal hiking spot for its lush greenery and fresh mountain air. The azaleas just make it even more appealing, especially from late April through Golden Week in early May. However, while Mt. Ikoma is accessible from central Osaka via public transport, getting to Narukawa Park requires a bit of a trek. First, catch a train from central Osaka to Hiraoka Station, which takes slightly under an hour. The

Convenience stores in Japan are beloved for their extensive selection of ready-to-eat meals and snacks, from bento boxes and fluffy sandwiches to fried chicken and steamed buns. They make the perfect quick fuel stop whenever you feel peckish, no matter the time of day. Now, fans of Osaka street food will be pleased to know that 7-Eleven has started serving takoyaki at outlets across the country. Don’t worry, these aren’t the pre-frozen, microwaved versions; they are freshly prepared in-store.  Octopus balls are traditionally grilled, but the ones at 7-Eleven are fried instead. So while the experience may not be exactly the same as eating out on the streets of Dotonbori, the snack will at least be piping hot. Photo: Koji FujitaA takoyaki vendor in Dotonbori These konbini takoyaki are made with a rich, bonito-based dashi batter and feature generously sized octopus chunks. You can expect the signature gooey centre, a deep umami flavour and a satisfying bite. Of course, no takoyaki is complete without the sauce and mayonnaise, which 7-Eleven serves on the side. A three-piece set will only cost you ¥213, or you can go for six pieces at ¥427. Photo: 7-Eleven Japan So, the next time you’re craving this iconic taste of Osaka but can’t make it to the city’s top takoyaki joints, just swing by your nearest 7-Eleven. Fingers crossed they’re firing up the fryer for a fresh batch, as availability may vary by store. More from Time Out Osaka See 40,000 wisteria clusters at this private