Lim Chee Wah

There’s a lot happening in Kyoto these days. teamLab has recently opened its largest museum in Japan near Kyoto Station, while a new circular bus route now connects many of the city’s central attractions. This year – aside from Kyoto raising its accommodation tax by up to a hefty ¥10,000 per person per night – the city is set to host a series of enriching art and cultural events. There’s plenty to experience in this ancient city beyond its celebrated Unesco World Heritage temples and Zen gardens. So, if you’re visiting the ancient capital in the first half of 2026, you can look forward to immersive theatre and installations, art exhibitions and craft fairs, special temple openings, and more. Whenever you’re ready to take a break from temple-hopping, rest assured: Kyoto still offers no shortage of attractions and things to do.

As nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, Osaka transforms into a glowing wonderland. Streets, parks and iconic landmarks sparkle with colourful lights after sundown, creating breathtaking scenes to brighten up our chilly winter nights. From the glittering installations at Osaka Castle to the dazzling displays in Umekita, the city’s winter illuminations are a feast for the eyes. While many lights fade after Christmas, we’ve rounded up the top displays that continue to shine into the new year. So layer up, step outside and enjoy a magical evening stroll – Osaka truly comes alive after dark in winter. RECOMMENDED: Discover more illuminations and seasonal light-ups in Kobe, just a stop trip away from central Osaka

Osaka is famous for its food, 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

January 1 is typically a quiet day across Japan, as New Year’s Day is traditionally reserved for family time. Many people also visit shrines and temples to pray for a good year ahead. This practice is known as hatsumode, the first prayers of the year. Although many shops, restaurants and attractions are closed over the first few days of the New Year, Osaka still offers plenty to do – especially if you're looking to experience traditional New Year festivities like mochi pounding, calligraphy and lion dance. So, after recovering from your New Year’s Eve countdown party, check out these exciting events happening in Osaka over the New Year weekend from January 1–4. RECOMMENDED: 5 best art and cultural events to look forward to in Kyoto in 2026

Looking for the best things to do in Osaka this weekend? Even now that winter has arrived, it remains a wonderful time to explore Osaka and rediscover its many charms, especially the seasonal illuminations that light up the city. Whether you’re planning ahead or searching for fun things to do in Osaka today, we’ve rounded up the most exciting events, festivals, illuminations and activities happening across the city this week. From art exhibitions to lively festivals and free cultural experiences, Osaka is always buzzing with energy. Scroll down to explore our curated list of the best things to do in Osaka and start planning your perfect weekend now. RECOMMENDED: Ready to ring in the New Year in style? Here are the top New Year’s Eve countdown parties in Osaka.

We know Christmas and winter illuminations might be taking up most of your attention right now. However, don’t forget that just one week after December 25 comes another one of the year’s biggest celebrations. So, have you thought about how you’re going to welcome the 2026 New Year in Osaka? Whether you’re planning to party at one of the city’s top New Year’s Eve countdown events or prefer to see out 2025 with your favourite characters such as Snoopy and Hello Kitty, we’ve got you covered. So gather your crew, book your tickets, and get ready for a spectacular New Year’s celebration as you say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026. RECOMMENDED: Watch the first sunrise of the New Year from Harukas 300 or the rooftop of Umeda Sky Building

タイムアウト大阪 > Things to Do > 大阪、ベストカウントダウン7選 クリスマスや冬のイルミネーションに目を奪われがちなこの時期だが、その1週間後には、大みそかが控えている。2026年の幕開けを、大阪でどう迎えるかはもう決まっただろうか。 街屈指のカウントダウンパーティーで思い切り盛り上がるもよし、スヌーピーやハローキティとともに2025年を締めくくるもよし。本記事では、そんなさまざまな過ごし方を紹介する。仲間を集め、チケットを押さえ、2025年に別れを告げ、2026年を華やかに迎えよう。 関連記事『大阪、ベストカクテルバー4選』『大阪、12月に行くべきアート展5選』

タイムアウト大阪 > レストラン＆カフェ > 大阪、ベストカクテルバー4選 大阪のバーシーンは多彩で、気分やシーンに合わせて選べる場所が揃っている。さっぱりしたレモンサワーとお好み焼きを楽しめる居酒屋は友人とのにぎやかな夜にぴったり。一方、クラフトビールバーは、休日の午後のひと休みに立ち寄るのにちょうどいい。　 ただ、本格的なカクテルやスピリッツ、リキュール、ミキサー、ビターズを精密さと創造性で絶妙に組み合わせた一杯を求めるときは、迷わずカクテルに特化したバーへ向かいたい。 本記事では、実際に足繁く通うお気に入りの店や、友人にも自信を持って薦められる場所を紹介する。小さな隠れ家バーから洗練されたラウンジまで、独創的なカクテルを味わえる店で夜の新しい楽しみ方が見つかるはずだ。

Kobe may be synonymous with beef, but this bustling city is first and foremost the capital of Hyogo prefecture, bordering Osaka to the east. In the 19th century, Kobe’s port was among the first in Japan to open to foreign trade, alongside Yokohama and Nagasaki. This history helps explain the city’s vibrant and eclectic international character, which is reflected in everything from its architecture to its everyday way of life. Kobe’s port district is one of the city’s liveliest areas, particularly around Meriken Park, with its striking waterfront architecture, and Harborland, home to sprawling shopping and entertainment complexes. In winter, this scenic seaside neighbourhood comes alive with dazzling illuminations and seasonal celebrations. Best of all, it’s less than an hour from central Osaka, making Kobe an easy and convenient escape for a festive evening by the sea. RECOMMENDED: 10 best winter illuminations and Christmas light-ups in Osaka

Kyoto is one of Japan’s top autumn destinations, renowned for its abundance of vibrant autumn foliage in atmospheric temples. Many of these are Unesco World Heritage Sites, thus making the scenery truly special. The experience becomes even more magical at night, when temple grounds and autumn leaves are illuminated in brilliant colours. To ensure you don’t miss this limited-time spectacle, here are some of the top temples and gardens in Kyoto that open at night for special illumination events, including Byodoin, Kiyomizu-dera, Toji and more. RECOMMENDED: 9 amazing places to see autumn leaves in Osaka

This list is old. Here are the best things to do in the world in 2026.  2025 is set to be a momentous year when it comes to travel. Citywide celebrations and milestone anniversaries will be taking place in Amsterdam and Rome, sparkling new cultural centres are flinging open their doors in Rotterdam, New York and Abu Dhabi, and there are fresh chances to see some wonderful wildlife in Australia, Singapore and Greenland – but that’s just the beginning. Read on for our roundup of the 25 coolest, weirdest and most adventurous new things to do across the world in 2025, no matter your whereabouts or budget. RECOMMENDED:🇬🇧 The best things to do in the UK in 2025🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2025🌃 The best cities in the world right now  

Osaka has a thriving bar scene, with something to suit every mood and occasion. An izakaya serving refreshing lemon sours and hearty okonomiyaki is perfect for a lively night out with friends. A craft beer bar, meanwhile, makes for a great late-afternoon pit stop. But when we’re seeking well-made cocktails – the kind that balance precision and creativity in mixing spirits, liqueurs, mixers and bitters – we make a beeline for the city’s dedicated cocktail dens. In our guide to the best cocktail bars in Osaka, you’ll find places we genuinely enjoy drinking in and return to often, as well as spots we’d confidently recommend to our friends. Explore this list of petite hideaways, underground speakeasies and sleek lounges for nights when you’re craving spirited concoctions that push flavour in delectable new directions. RECOMMENDED: 100 must-go restaurants in Osaka

One of the most popular forms of Japanese percussion, taiko drumming has captivated audiences in Japan and around the world with its powerful, energetic rhythms. Yet traditional taiko performances are often rare, usually limited to festivals or occasional theatre shows. Until now. Led by renowned taiko and shinobue (bamboo flute) artist Yuki Yamanaka, Japanese Drums Entertainment EN has started staging regular performances at Hulic Hall Kyoto since December 2025. The ensemble, made up of both seasoned veterans and rising young performers, blends the traditional sounds of taiko with modern staging and choreography. The 45-minute show is entirely non-verbal, relying on the dynamic interplay of drum sounds, rhythms and physical expression to create an experience that’s instinctively accessible and thrilling for all audiences. In the theatre’s intimate 200-seat setting, the show becomes an immersive, multi-sensory experience, as viewers don’t just see and hear the performance, but also feel the vibrations of the drums. Tickets are available online.

A local institution that’s been around since the early ’80s, Kinryu Ramen is a saviour to your late-night post-party hunger pangs – especially since its five outlets are clustered around the nightlife and entertainment districts of Namba and Dotonbori. Its Dotonbori location is the most iconic of the group, thanks to its bright red facade and the imposing dragon sculpture looming above the store. Plus, it also operates 24-hours a day. There are only two options on the vending machine where you order: regular ramen (¥800) and charsiu ramen (¥1,100), the latter being essentially the same noodle bowl but with extra slices of roast pork. The tonkotsu-style broth mixes pork with chicken, hence creating an easy-drinking soup that’s lighter than the original Hakata ramen. All the better for you to pile on the free kimchi, spicy Chinese chives and garlic to adjust the taste to your liking.

Geisha and their apprentices, known as maiko, are an enduring symbol of Kyoto. Yet encounters with these graceful performers are hard to come by – unless you are invited to a private banquet or have connections to ochaya, traditional teahouses that serve food and drink alongside performances. However, once a year in April, the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theatre stages the Miyako Odori, a dance performance featuring around 50 geiko (the Kyoto term for geisha) and maiko from Gion Kobu, Kyoto’s largest geisha district. Best of all, it is open to the public. Miyako Odori made its debut in 1872 as a special attraction of the First Kyoto Exposition. Since then, it has remained a largely unbroken annual spring tradition, save for six years surrounding World War II, as well as during the Covid-19 pandemic. The performance features shamisen music, singing and percussion, all performed live in perfect unison with the geisha and maiko dancers. The hour-long show opens with a grand ensemble dance known as the so-odori, in which all the dancers appear together in matching light-blue kimono. This is followed by eight individual dances (nakabasami) depicting Kan’ei-era culture – a period of political stability in early Edo-period Japan between 1624 and 1644 – alongside seasonal Kyoto landscapes. Pay close attention to the transitions between acts, as one of the distinctive feats of Miyako Odori is its seamless scene changes, carried out without ever lowering the curtain. With its long history, Miy

This fan-favourite touring exhibition, which wrapped up its Tokyo run just last month, has arrived in Osaka. Held in the gallery space of the Kitamura Camera store in Namba City, the showcase celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Ultraman series, which first aired in the 1960s. The exhibition features dramatic photographs recreating iconic scenes from the original show. Using cutting-edge photography techniques, the works highlight the series’s legendary special effects, from the monsters and the explosions to the action sequences. Here you’ll also find a selection of original exhibition merchandise, including some of the most popular items from the Tokyo show.

Located beside the Unesco World Heritage–listed Nintoku-Tenno-Ryo Tumulus, Daisen Park has been transformed into a fantastical winter nightscape by the multidisciplinary creative collective NAKED. From sundown until 9pm, you can wander the park’s expansive lawns and enjoy projection mapping and atmospheric illuminations. Daisen Night Balloon Festa runs for just four days until Christmas, and it’s free to visit. You’ll also find food trucks within the vicinity. However, the two nearby concurrent events – Osaka Sakai Balloon: Special Night Flights and Special Winter Night Opening: Japanese Light Nights – require separate admission tickets.

It’s worth getting up early on New Year’s Day, as Hotel Universal Port Vita and its sister property, Hotel Universal Port, are hosting two cultural events back-to-back to kick off the 2026 New Year on an auspicious note. A traditional Japanese lion dance, known as shishimai, will be roaming the hotel from 8.30am to 8.50am. This energetic performance is a customary practice to ward off evil spirits while ushering in good fortune for the new year. This is followed by daikagura, a performance that originated in Ise over four centuries ago. It combines the lion dance with acrobatics such as umbrella spinning. Pay attention to the props used, as each carries different symbolism: prosperity, good fortune, and more. The same showcase will also be held at the adjacent Hotel Universal Port: the lion dance procession from 9.30am to 9.50am, and daikagura in the lobby from 10am to 10.30am. All performances are free to watch.

If you’re looking for an indulgent breakfast to kick-start the New Year – without breaking the bank – head to the C’s Sky Cafe & Bar on the 17th floor of Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower. With floor-to-ceiling windows and an elevated vantage point, the café offers sweeping views of the city skyline. As part of the Winter Morning Retreat promotion (until January 5, 9am–11am), you can enjoy a morning set priced at just ¥2,000, featuring an egg sandwich made with premium eggs from Kyoto’s Tanba region. With this deal, you'll also get priority access to the scenic terrace seating. For a more substantial meal, opt for the Reward Morning Full Course at ¥2,980, which offers a selection of dishes, plus a roll-cake dessert to finish on a sweet note. Both options come with a standard drink, but you can upgrade to a glass of champagne for an additional ¥700 – perfect for toasting the New Year. Guests who choose the champagne upgrade will receive a complimentary cup of coffee (usually ¥780). Reservations for this morning promotion are available online.

Perched on the 20th floor of the conveniently located InterContinental Osaka, the Adee Lounge & Bar offers sweeping views of the city skyline through its wrap-around, floor-to-ceiling windows. Against this stunning backdrop, you’ll be raising a toast to the 2026 New Year at midnight on January 1. Tickets for the New Year’s Eve countdown party are priced at ¥18,000 (excluding 15 percent service charge) per person. You’ll enjoy unlimited champagne, wine, beer and selected cocktails, alongside an appetiser and dessert buffet. Live performances will keep the energy high all the way to the countdown. Reservations are now open online.

Roasted sweet potato, or yakiimo, is the ultimate winter comfort food in Japan, and you can savour this seasonal delicacy at Hanshin Umeda’s dedicated food event space on the first floor. The festival brings together artisans and brands from across Japan, offering a delicious variety of sweet potato treats, from simple, fluffy baked yakiimo to decadent and beautifully crafted desserts that elevate this humble tuber. Highlights include a salted butter sweet potato crepe from Yamagata, mont blanc sweet potato dumplings from Kyoto, and salted butter yakiimo brulee from Osaka. With its array of warm, comforting yakiimo treats, the festival promises a toasty and delicious way to welcome the New Year.

Stationery lovers know that Japan is the place to be. The country produces some of the most beautiful paper, notebooks, journals and writing instruments of all kinds. If stationery sparks joy for you, be sure to head to this stationery fair at one of Osaka prefecture’s most beautiful bookshops, Hirakata T-site. This year-end event is the perfect place to kick-start your New Year with fresh and creative stationery, from artisanal paper goods crafted using letterpress and foil-stamping techniques to sleek pens, adorable washi tape, one-of-a-kind stamps designed by illustrators, and more. So, if your New Year’s resolutions involve improving your penmanship or elevating your journalling and scrapbooking hobby, don’t miss this event. You’ll be spoilt for choice with a record-high 49 stationery producers and shops in attendance.

Looking to experience traditional Japanese New Year activities in the city? Hotel Nikko Osaka, conveniently located in the bustling Shinsaibashi shopping district, is hosting two days of auspicious events to welcome 2026. On January 1, enjoy a mochi-pounding ceremony (10.20am–10.40am) in the lobby, along with two traditional lion dance performances (times TBC) roaming the hotel to bring good fortune and well wishes to guests. On both January 1 and 2, you can take part in New Year calligraphy (12noon–4pm) at the Hakucho banquet hall on the fourth floor, watch live balloon art performances (three times daily) in the lobby, and explore the Ennichi New Year festival (12noon–9pm) at the Kujaku banquet hall, also on the fourth floor. The abovementioned events are free, though some of the games at the festival – such as ring toss and the shooting gallery – cost ¥100–¥200 per play.  Amid all the festivities, the hotel is serving a New Year family buffet to keep everyone well-fed. The generous spread features classic Japanese New Year and celebratory dishes alongside sushi, crab shabu-shabu, and teppanyaki-style grilled wagyu beef. There’s also a children’s menu, and all diners can partake in the New Year bingo tournament, with dining and accommodation vouchers up for grabs. There are two lunch and two dinner seatings each day, with prices starting from ¥10,000 for adults and ¥5,000 for elementary school children. More details on the buffet can be found here.

The weird yet undeniably adorable Myaku-Myaku emerged as the breakout celebrity of the now-concluded Osaka Expo. Held at the 9th-floor event hall of Kintetsu Department Store in Abeno Harukas, this free exhibition explores the mascot’s lasting legacy, charting its rise from creation and early popularity to its enduring status as the face of the world’s fair. Presented through news photography taken before and during the Expo, the exhibition also serves as a visual record of Japan’s biggest event of 2025, told through its most recognisable star. The showcase unfolds in chronological chapters, tracing the key stages in Myaku-Myaku’s life. Here, you’ll learn how the character was born from a public design competition. The winning entry was created by picture-book author Kohei Yamashita, who envisioned Myaku-Myaku as a mysterious creature designed to leave room for imagination. The exhibition then follows its nationwide appearances at pre-Expo publicity events, before assuming its intended role at the Expo site itself: engaging with visitors and collaborating with pavilions, celebrities and other popular characters. By the end, Myaku-Myaku had become so synonymous with the Expo that fans formed long queues simply to take photographs with its statues, ultimately cementing its status as a true Osaka icon. Note: the exhibition closes at 6pm on December 31, is closed on January 1, and reopens on January 2 from 9.30am to 7pm. On the final day, January 5, it closes at 5pm.

A Unesco World Heritage Site, Nara is one of the Kansai region’s most popular destinations, beloved for its bowing deer and majestic temples. Visitors primarily flock to the city for its storied history as a political and cultural capital of ancient Japan. The stately Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha Daibutsu, as well as the adjacent Kofukuji Temple, are just some of its key attractions. Come April 27, however, visitors will be able to explore a different aspect of Nara’s past at the new Nara Prison Museum. Visiting a prison on your holiday might sound like a grim prospect, but the Nara Prison Museum is anything but. In fact, the experience has been envisioned as a contemplative one, encouraging you to reflect on fundamental human values. Photo: Nara Prison Museum Of course, Nara Prison’s architectural beauty remains the main highlight. Designed by the late architect Keijiro Yamashita and completed in 1908, the historical red-brick structure incorporates elegant Western decorative features including domes and archways. More importantly, it is the only surviving example of the Five Major Prisons of the Meiji Era, built at a time when Japan was experiencing rapid Western-influenced modernisation. Photo: Nara Prison Museum In 2017, Nara Prison was shut down and designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Hoshino Resorts – operator of some of Japan’s most reputable hotels including the luxurious Hoshinoya brand – has taken on the task of not only preserving th

If you’re planning to spend December 31 out and about in Osaka, particularly at one of the city’s top New Year’s Eve countdown parties, you’ll be glad to know that public transport remains available after midnight. While Osaka Metro will not operate all-night trains, JR West is keeping things moving with extra services until 3am on New Year’s Day, January 1. As one of the city’s main train routes, the Osaka Loop Line will continue running until 3 am, with trains every 10 minutes. The Loop Line connects key districts including Osaka Station, Temma, Kyobashi, Tennoji and Fukushima. This should be useful for heading home or back to your hotel after the celebrations. The Yumesaki Line will also operate until 3am, with a similar 10-minute frequency. This short four-station route passes through Universal City Station between Sakurajima and Nishikujo. Some trains even continue through to the Osaka Loop Line. So check this out if you’re attending the No Limit countdown at Universal Studios Japan. For more information check the JR West travel portal. More from Time Out Osaka Japan cherry blossom forecast 2026: Osaka and Kyoto bloom dates The world’s second-ever Gucci bar is now open in Osaka Christmas 2025 at Universal Studios Japan: Your guide to USJ Osaka’s winter events You can now ride the One Piece Shinkansen between Osaka and Hakata 7-Eleven now offers luggage storage in Osaka and across Japan

Is there anything a Japanese convenience store doesn’t do? The fact is, in Japan, you can practically live off a konbini. As one of Japan’s largest convenience store chains, serving around two million customers every day, 7-Eleven offers far more than hot food and last-minute essentials. You can print documents, withdraw cash 24 hours a day using international cards, purchase event tickets – and now, store your luggage, too. Photo: Ecbo Cloak With its latest partnership with Ecbo Cloak luggage storage service, you can leave your bags at 378 (and counting) 7-Eleven stores in Osaka and across Japan. This is particularly convenient, as most 7-Eleven locations operate 24 hours a day and are found in high-traffic areas such as shopping streets and near train stations. Whether you’re killing time before the 3pm hotel check-in, have hours to spare before heading to the airport, or simply want to stash your shopping while continuing to explore the city, the service allows you to travel light and move freely. Through Ecbo Cloak’s app or website, both available in English, you can easily search for a 7-Eleven near you, book a storage spot and pay online in advance. This guarantees availability and saves you the frustration of wandering around a train station hoping to find an empty coin locker. Photo: Ecbo Cloak If there's no participating 7-Eleven nearby, you can make use of Ecbo Cloak’s wider network of luggage storage locations, including cafés, commercial facilities and post of

Some good news to get you through the winter blues. The trusty Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) has released its first official cherry blossom forecast for 2026. According to the report, sakura season will arrive slightly earlier than usual next year in Osaka and Kyoto. Every year, JMC issues nationwide predictions for both the initial flowering and full bloom dates of somei yoshino, Japan’s most iconic and prevalent cherry blossom species. Through its dedicated website, you can check the estimated bloom dates for around 1,000 cherry blossom destinations across the country, from Hokkaido in the north to Kagoshima in the south. Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation So what does the forecast reveal for the Kansai region? In both Osaka and Kyoto, cherry blossoms are predicted to begin flowering on March 24, with trees reaching full bloom around March 31. That’s roughly two to four days earlier than average. Elsewhere in Kansai, the outlook is similar. In Kobe, Nara and Wakayama, flowering is expected to start around March 26. Full bloom, known as mankai, is forecast for April 2 in Nara and Wakayama, with Kobe following one day later on April 3. As always, this is just the first forecast. Actual blooming dates may change depending on weather patterns. We’ll keep you informed when JMC releases its updated forecast on January 8. In the meantime, enjoy winter by checking out the many festive illuminations currently taking place around Osaka, and start planning your New Yea

Who’s excited for 2026? If you’re planning to celebrate at a New Year’s Eve countdown party in Osaka, there’s one important detail to keep in mind: Osaka Metro will not run trains all night on December 31. With most countdown parties wrapping up between 12.30am and 1am, you’ll need to either grab a taxi to go back or wait until the first trains resume on the morning of January 1, usually after 5am. From Saturday December 27 through Sunday January 4, Osaka Metro will operate on its weekend/holiday schedule. While last train times vary by line, most services will stop running shortly after midnight.  The Midosuji Line – which serves as the backbone of Osaka connecting major districts like Umeda, Honmachi, Shinsaibashi, Namba and Tennoji – has its last train to Nakamozu departing at 12.15am. On the Chuo Line, the last train leaves at 12.15am while the last Yotsubashi Line train departs at 12.14am. So, before you head out to paint the town red on New Year’s Eve, it’s a good idea to plan your route in advance. That way, you can enjoy the celebrations without worrying about transportation. You’ll find the train timetables on Osaka Metro’s website. More from Time Out Osaka The world’s second-ever Gucci bar is now open in Osaka Christmas 2025 at Universal Studios Japan: Your guide to USJ Osaka’s winter events You can now ride the One Piece Shinkansen between Osaka and Hakata This hip Osaka drag is the world’s second coolest street Heian Shrine in Kyoto lights up with night illuminat

With the reopening of the newly redesigned Gucci Osaka boutique at the upscale Herbis Plaza shopping centre, the Italian luxury house has unveiled its second-ever bar in the world. Following the original Gucci Giardino in Florence, Italy – ranked on the 2025 World’s 50 Best Bars extended list – Osaka now offers the same mixology finesse and glamour right in the heart of bustling Umeda. Photo: Gucci Gucci Giardino Osaka’s stylish interior is described as ‘Italian elegance meets contemporary Japanese sensibility’. The space is dominated by the brand’s signature deep red hue, known as Gucci Rosso Ancora, and centred around a striking bar with counter seating. Surrounding it are plush Italian-made sofas and furniture, along with several private rooms for more intimate gatherings. Sake fans will be pleased to find a 30-year-aged rice wine on the menu. The vintage Tsuki no Katsura is produced exclusively for Gucci Giardino by Masuda Tokubee Shoten, a historical Kyoto sake brewery that has been around since 1675. Photo: Gucci As for the cocktails, expect a curated selection that blends Italian and Japanese ingredients. Osaka Amore, for instance, is built around a sake from the aforementioned brewery; it’s mixed with cherry blossoms, fresh Hokkaido cream and osmanthus essence to create a complex, creamy flavour. For something bolder, Ikigai Neat features Hibiki Japanese whisky infused with Uji matcha and Nara botanicals, served straight or on the rocks. The bar food follows suit

Long before New Year’s Eve countdown parties became the norm, Japan celebrated a quieter, more auspicious tradition: hatsuhinode, the ritual of watching the first sunrise of the New Year. In Osaka, you can partake in this cherished custom on January 1 at some of the city’s sky-high observation decks, especially Harukas 300 and Kuchu Teien Observatory. Photo: Kuchu Teien ObservatoryKuchu Teien Observatory at Umeda Sky Building Topping the iconic Umeda Sky Building, Kuchu Teien Observatory is bringing back its exclusive New Year’s Day sunrise event on Thursday January 1. This early-morning session runs from 6am to 8am, allowing visitors to catch the sun rising for the first time in 2026 over the distant Ikoma mountain range. You can choose to witness this auspicious sight from the open-air rooftop 173 metres above ground or, more comfortably, from the indoor viewing area on the 40th floor. Photo: Kuchu Teien Observatory For this special event, attendance is capped at 250 people. Tickets are priced at ¥6,000 and will be sold online only, on a first-come, first-served basis starting Friday December 12 at 12noon JST. If you’re hoping to welcome 2026 from one of Osaka’s best vantage points, be sure to set a reminder, as these tickets are sure to sell out fast. Photo: Kuchu Teien Observatory Your experience will include more than just the sunrise view. As the city slowly awakens to a new year, you’ll already be up and about, enjoying otoso (traditional New Year’s Day sake) fro

The now-concluded Osaka Expo was a showcase for some of the world’s most advanced – and also admittedly experimental – technology aimed at better living. One exhibit that caused quite a stir was a futuristic, automated bathing pod created by Osaka-based company Science. Photo: Science Co., Ltd.'Future Human Washing Machine' on display at the Osaka Expo Called the ‘Mirai Ningen Sentakki’, or ‘Future Human Washing Machine’, this pod is the ultimate convenience – or, if we’re being honest, the ultimate lazy person’s dream. You simply recline inside and let it do everything for you. It treats you to a pampering bubble cleanse, followed by a warm-water mist, and finishes with a rhythmic wave bath that sends a gentle water flow over your whole body. All the while, you’re surrounded by soothing visuals and music. Actually, the experience sounds indulgent, almost spa-like. You get cleaned without any effort and come out feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. If you missed your chance to try this at the Osaka Expo – it was a lottery-only experience, after all – you can now do so at Dotonbori Crystal Hotel III in Namba. And right now, it’s the only place in Japan where you can experience it. The 'human washing machine' is set up in a private spa room at the hotel, but you don’t need to be an overnight guest to enjoy it. Anyone can reserve the room for 90 minutes at ¥18,000, and it can accommodate up to four people. Think of it as a fun spa outing with friends or family. Each ‘human washi

Japan’s New Year traditions are truly special. On New Year’s Eve, locals visit shrines and temples to cleanse away the past year’s misfortunes while praying for health, happiness and success in the year ahead. Then, just before dawn on New Year’s Day, many rise early to witness the first sunrise of the year. If you want to partake in this auspicious tradition on Thursday, January 1, 2026, one of the best spots to watch the New Year's first sunrise is Harukas 300, the highest observation deck atop Osaka’s tallest skyscraper, Abeno Harukas. However, as this is a once-a-year experience, tickets must be booked in advance. Be warned, they sell out quickly. Photo: Harukas 300 Standard Plans With the Standard Plans, you can view the sunrise from the 59th floor (indoor), 60th floor (outdoor) or the helipad. Prices range from ¥6,000 to ¥8,500 per person, depending on the location. After the sunrise, enjoy a warm bowl of ozoni (traditional New Year’s soup with mochi) at the Sky Garden on the 58th floor. Photo: Harukas 300Osechi, traditional Japanese New Year dishes Kotatsu Enjoyment Plans For a more indulgent experience, the Kotatsu Enjoyment Plan offers a cosy and unique way to welcome the New Year. You begin with warm drinks at a special lounge on the 58th floor before proceeding to the helipad or the 60th floor to catch the sunrise. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy special New Year osechi dishes while tucked into a warm kotatsu at the 58th-floor Sky Garden. For those unfamiliar, a kotat

Let’s start with the not-so-good news: the beloved Hello Kitty Shinkansen, which runs along the Sanyo Shinkansen line between Shin-Osaka and Hakata Stations in Fukuoka, will be retired in spring 2026. The good news? Character-themed bullet trains aren’t going anywhere. JR West has recently launched the One Piece Shinkansen along the same Sanyo Shinkansen Line, bringing the world of Monkey D. Luffy to life along this popular route in western Japan. Inspired by the Grand Line, a legendary ocean route in the One Piece world, the Sanyo Shinkansen has been reimagined as the Grand Rail, taking passengers on a journey reminiscent of the Straw Hat Crew’s epic adventures. Even better, there are three unique train designs, each featuring exclusive exterior and interior art drawn from One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda’s original world. These illustrations are all new, specially commissioned for this collaboration. For a fully immersive experience, the One Piece Shinkansen even plays ‘We Are!’, the first opening theme song from the One Piece anime, as the onboard arrival and departure chime. At selected stations, you’ll also hear Luffy and Chopper delivering the onboard announcements. Photo: Moko/PixtaThe Setouchi Blue One Piece Shinkansen The first train, Setouchi Blue, is a striking aquamarine design inspired by the sea of the Setouchi region, which the Sanyo Shinkansen passes through between Shin-Osaka and Hakata Stations. Along the route, it stops at some of Japan’s most popular desti

One of Kyoto’s most popular temples, Heian Shrine was established in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto’s founding as the capital of Japan. At that time, Kyoto was known as Heian, which is where the shrine got its name. This December, as part of its 130th anniversary celebration, the historical shrine is hosting a special light festival after dark. One unique feature of Heian Shrine is its sprawling grounds, home to beautiful landscape gardens and a series of elegant buildings modelled after the former Imperial Palace from the Heian period, albeit on a smaller scale. For this special night opening, you can explore these heritage buildings and traditional gardens in a whole new light, as NAKED, one of Japan’s leading digital art experts, transforms them with mesmerising light art and illuminations. Photo: NAKED, IncOtenmon Gate NAKED Yorumairi: 130th Anniversary of Heian Shrine runs for roughly a month from December 19 to January 18, with a short break over the New Year holidays (December 31 to January 5). During this period, the shrine, which normally closes around sunset, will open from 5.30pm to 9.30pm for special nighttime visits celebrating this milestone. Photo: NAKED, IncThe Daigokuden Hall at Heian Shrine The shrine’s iconic Otenmon Gate and the striking red Daigokuden Hall – both designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan – will be illuminated in vibrant colours. This event also marks the reopening of Daigokuden (from Tuesday December 23),

Time flies, and somehow we’ve reached the end of 2025 in the blink of an eye. As we prepare to wrap up the year, it’s time to start planning our 2026 New Year’s Eve celebrations. If you’re looking for an outdoor soirée with all the bells and whistles, check out the Countdown Festival 2025–2026 at Kobe Illuminage, located less than 90 minutes away from central Osaka. Photo: Kobe Illuminage For the uninitiated, Kobe Illuminage is one of Japan’s largest annual light festivals, running this year from October 24 to February 1. To mark its 15th anniversary, the illumination’s 'Garden Dream' theme has transformed the sprawling venue into a sparkling wonderland featuring a luxury cruise ship, a heart-shaped love tunnel, an ice palace and more, all sculpted entirely from lights. Photo: Kobe Illuminage For one night only on Wednesday December 31, Kobe Illuminage will host a massive countdown party across its vast illuminated grounds. Surrounded by brilliant displays in every direction, it’s a fantastical way to ring in the New Year. The evening’s programme includes food trucks, live concerts, stage performances and a magical bubble show. As midnight approaches, DJs will be all hands on deck, spinning a rousing mix of EDM, hip-hop, disco, K-pop, J-pop and more. The music will be synchronised with lighting effects to create a fully immersive atmosphere that builds the excitement as the night progresses. Photo: Kobe Illuminage Just before the clock strikes twelve, you’ll be treated