Latest Events in Osaka(July Updated)

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

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

The Ikudama Summer Festival is one of Osaka's three major summer festivals (Ikudama Festival, Tenjin Festival, and Sumiyoshi Festival), held annually in July at Ikudama Shrine. Renowned for its vibrant festival atmosphere, it heralds the arrival of summer in Osaka. Affectionately known as "Ikudama-sensei," the Ikudama Festival attracts large crowds each year and is a cherished tradition that perfectly blends solemn Shinto rituals with lively folk celebrations. It is also famous for being held before other major Osaka summer festivals such as the Tenjin Festival. As the premier of Osaka's three major summer festivals, the Ikudama Summer Festival is held annually on July 11th and 12th at Ikukuni Shrine. A highlight is the "Rikudo-go," a procession of lion dancers and portable shrines led by the pillow drum. This is a summer festival where one can experience Osaka's rich history, traditions, and passion.

Discover U!!! An undiscovered side of you is about to make some noise. It's Universal Studios Japan's 25th anniversary. This is a special year where "U" stands for "you" and "USJ." You can encounter captivating new experiences this year at USJ. Here, you can rediscover awe-inspiring experiences from 25 years of our history, as well as unforgettable entertainment. Here, you can savor unexpected moments of excitement, break out in dance, and experience the thrill of unleashing a power that you never knew you had! Take the plunge! Unleash all of your emotions! An undiscovered side of you is about to make some noise at the awesome festivities!

Yasumasa Morimura, Kenji Yanobe, and Miwa Yanagi will reunite at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka! These three artists, active on the international stage and who have previously crossed paths, will meet again in 2026, following their collaboration in 2019, the year after the World Expo. Why 2019? Will it attract audiences? What does the exhibition title "Disappearance" truly mean? What lies hidden behind the word "disappearance"? This exhibition primarily showcases new works and will also serve as a "treasure trove," condensing the creative journey of each artist. Sometimes collaborating, sometimes clashing, each artist, as an absolutely independent creator, will have their individual worlds converge and collide on the museum's stage.

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