Osaka in April 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
One of the must-see attractions in Osaka during New Year's is the fireworks show at Universal Studios Japan (USJ). I once celebrated New Year's Eve there myself, and the spectacular display was absolutely breathtaking.
However, USJ park tickets for December 31st are extremely competitive and often sell out as soon as they go on sale. As a result, many international visitors miss out on the chance to enjoy the New Year's fireworks at USJ.
But January offers much more than just fireworks - there are many events where you can experience Japanese traditions and Osaka's culture, including hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) at Sumiyoshi Taisha and Osaka Tenmangu shrines, as well as nationally famous unusual festivals. In this article, I've carefully selected my favorite events to share with you.
Also, I think "it would be a shame to visit Osaka without fully experiencing the local food culture!!," so this article introduces not just events but also Magical Trip tours. Our popular "Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba" and "Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour in Osaka" are outstanding tours that popular same as "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku," which was ranked #1 among all tours on TripAdvisor in 2024.
Introduction
Osaka, known as Japan's second-largest city, is extremely popular among international visitors for its abundance of delicious food. As temperatures frequently exceed 20 degrees Celsius in April, beautiful cherry blossoms bloom throughout the city's parks.
April in Osaka is packed with events due to its pleasant climate. Furthermore, with the opening of Osaka Expo 2025 from April 13, 2025, an unprecedented number of tourists is expected to visit.
In this article, we'll provide detailed information about events held in Osaka in April, including highlights, basic information, schedules, and access to venues. We'll also introduce Osaka Expo 2025, so please use this as a reference if you're planning to visit.
2025 Year-round Event calendar in Osaka↓
・Osaka: List of Events & Festivals for 2025
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Osaka Expo 2025 Finally Opens on April 13, 2025!
Source:Wikipedia
Osaka Expo 2025 will open in Konohana Ward, Osaka City, on April 13, 2025.
Running for approximately six months, Osaka Expo 2025's philosophy centers on exploring the nature of life, how to nurture it, and ways to protect it, aiming to inspire people to contemplate the meaning of life.
Here are the must-visit attractions at Osaka Expo 2025:
- The "Great Roof Ring" - world's largest wooden structure with a circumference of about 2km and inner diameter of 615m
- "Signature Pavilion" for contemplating life
- "Private Pavilions" by Japanese companies and organizations
- "Osaka Healthcare Pavilion" offering future urban lifestyle experiences
- "Kansai Pavilion" showcasing the region's attractions
- Water shows and interactive events in halls
Don't Miss the Osaka Expo 2025 Opening Special Live Concert When Visiting Osaka in April 2025!
Source:Official website
If you're visiting Osaka on April 13, 2025 (Expo opening day), don't miss the Osaka Expo Opening Special Live Concert. Popular Japanese singer Ado will perform at the "ExpoArena (Matsuri)," one of the venue's event spaces.
The ExpoArena is a covered arena accommodating up to 16,000 people. Tickets are available only through advance lottery. To enter the lottery, you'll need an ExpoID and Expo admission ticket, so remember to register for an ID and purchase tickets on the official website.
More Expo-Related Events Starting in April
Source:Official website
Osaka Expo 2025 will host various events at the venue starting in April.
The Water Plaza will feature spectacular water and air shows, and there will also be an event performing Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.
Here are the events scheduled for April at Osaka Expo 2025:
- Ikenobo Exhibition: The Roots of Ikebana
- TBS Kids Attraction "SASUKE" Experience
- Japan Expo Paris in Osaka 2025
- Traditional Japanese Shinto Wedding Ceremonies
- Physical Twin Symphony: The Harmonious Future of Humans and Technology
Japan Expo Paris in Osaka 2025
Source:Official website
Japan Expo Paris in Osaka 2025 is an event scheduled for April 26th and 27th at the Osaka Expo 2025 venue. This is a reverse-imported version of the JapanExpo traditionally held in Paris. This marks its first time being held in Japan, taking place at the Expo Arena "Matsuri" and Expo Exhibition Center "WASSE."
This event showcases Japan's representative subcultures such as manga and anime, along with traditional crafts and cutting-edge technology manufacturing. Through these exhibits, visitors can learn about the appeal and potential of "COOL JAPAN" that the country proudly presents to the world.
Additionally, the event features exhibitions on food, sports, and tourism, making it a highly recommended event for experiencing Japan's charm.
The Roots of Ikebana: Ikenobo Exhibition
Source:Ikenobo
From April 13th to 20th during Osaka Expo 2025, an Ikebana exhibition will be held. Ikebana, one of the art forms born in Japan, is recognized as a traditional Japanese art where flowers and plants are arranged to create artistic expressions through flower arrangement.
In Ikebana, there are several Iemoto (schools) that preserve traditions and techniques, among which Ikenobo is famous as a representative Ikebana school. The exhibition expresses nearly 600 years of Ikebana's evolution through various works.
The exhibition will also feature masterpieces representing Ikenobo and works that fuse traditional art with the latest technology. If you want to see authentic Ikebana in Japan, this exhibition is a must-visit.
Traditional Events in Osaka for April 2025
Seiwa Genji Festival
Source:PR TIMES
The Seiwa Genji Festival is held annually in April in Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture. The main event is a historical parade featuring about 220 citizens participating as mounted warriors and child warriors.
The festival began in 1953 as a celebration at Tada Shrine. Tada Shrine, founded in 970, is a historically significant shrine known as the birthplace of Seiwa Genji, son of Emperor Seiwa.
During the Seiwa Genji Festival, participants dressed in period costumes, including armor and helmets, parade elegantly through the city. If you're interested in traditional costumes, the Seiwa Genji Festival parade is definitely worth watching.
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Date: April 6, 2025
Access: About 15 minutes walk from Kawanishi-Noseguchi Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://seiwagenjimatsuri.com/
In Osaka during the peak of spring in April, we recommend taking a tour of spots where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms. Osaka Castle and Osaka Tenmangu Shrine are particularly notable, offering stunning combinations of Japan's renowned cherry blossoms with historic architecture.
The cherry blossoms at Osaka Castle are especially famous, making it an absolute must-visit destination for anyone coming to Osaka in spring.
By joining one of the following tours, you can not only enjoy Osaka's tourist attractions but also gain a deeper appreciation through explanations of the area's history and traditions.
・5-Hour Osaka Highlights Bike Tour with Lunch
・Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour in Osaka
Special Experiences Only in Osaka This April
Vintage Market
Source:PR TIMES
A special Vintage Market featuring carefully curated antique items from around the world will be held for three days starting April 11 at the Expo'70 Commemorative Park in Suita City.
This event, taking place at the East Plaza of Expo'70 Commemorative Park, will host 110 antique shops from various global regions including Japan, Europe, the US, and Asia. All items have been selected by experienced curators, making this a must-visit event for antique enthusiasts.
The venue will feature vintage clothing stores and cafes, along with special jazz music performances. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing time in this nature-filled plaza.
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Dates: April 11-13, 2025
Access: 15-minute walk from "Bampaku-kinen-koen" Station on Osaka Monorail / 6-minute walk from "Koen Higashiguchi" Station
Admission: Advance tickets ¥700 / Same-day tickets ¥1,000
Website: https://vintagemarket.jp/
Grand Kyogen Festival 2025
Source:ktv.jp
The Kyogen Festival 2025, scheduled for April 26, 2025, at the Osaka Festival Hall, is an event where visitors can experience Kyogen, a traditional Japanese performing art. Kyogen is a theatrical performance typically performed by two or three actors, focusing on dialogue and humorously portraying everyday situations.
This Kyogen Festival is a biennial grand event hosted by Mansai Nomura, who is renowned as one of Japan's leading Kyogen performers.
The program includes a Kyogen adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and "Mansai Bolero," where Mansai Nomura performs an elegant dance to the musical piece Bolero.
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Date: April 26, 2025 (Saturday) Starting at 15:00
Access: Directly connected to Exit 4 of "Higobashi" Station on Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line / Connected to Exit 12 of "Watanabashi" Station on Keihan Nakanoshima Line
Admission: SS seats ¥11,000 / S seats ¥9,000 / A seats ¥7,000
Website: https://www.ktv.jp/event/shukusai/
Natural Attractions in Osaka in April
In April, cherry blossoms reach full bloom across Japan. It's a traditional sight to see streets bustling with crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sakura. During this season, various cherry blossom-themed events are held, allowing visitors to enjoy these stunning flowers at different locations.
Let me introduce you to Osaka's natural attractions in April and its famous cherry blossom viewing spots.
Mint Bureau Cherry Blossoms (9:00 am - 4:45 pm)
Source:Official website
The Mint Bureau cherry blossoms are located along a tree-lined path next to the Japan Mint in Osaka's Kita Ward. Known for its yaezakura (double-layered cherry blossoms), this spot has become one of Osaka's most beloved cherry blossom viewing destinations.
The most famous attraction is the "Torinuke" (Cherry Blossom Tunnel), a roughly 560-meter cherry tree-lined path within the Mint Bureau grounds, which opens to the public in mid-April 2025.
The path features an impressive collection of 340 trees representing 141 varieties, offering visitors a diverse range of cherry blossoms to admire. To access the Cherry Blossom Tunnel, visitors must make advance reservations through the Mint Bureau's dedicated website.
Don't forget to bring the QR code that will be sent to your email address after making a reservation, as it's required for entry on the day of your visit.
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Schedule: Mid-April
Access: 15-minute walk from Minami-morimachi Station on Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line and Tanimachi Line / 15-minute ride by Osaka City Bus Route 36 from JR Osaka Station, get off at "Sakuranomiya-bashi" bus stop
Admission: Free (Advance reservation required)
Website: https://www.mint.go.jp/enjoy/toorinuke
Osaka Castle / Osaka Castle Park (9:00 am - 5:00 pm)
Osaka Castle Park, home to the iconic Osaka Castle, is renowned as a cherry blossom viewing spot with approximately 3,000 cherry trees. The Nishinomaru Garden, located on the castle's west side, is particularly famous and a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Nishinomaru Garden is a 6.5-hectare lawn garden featuring about 300 cherry trees. While admission to the garden usually costs 200 yen during other seasons, during the cherry blossom season in April 2025, the fee increases to 350 yen and requires advance reservation.
Weekends are expected to be especially crowded, so make sure to book your visit early.
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Schedule: Late March to mid-April
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Osaka Castle Park Station on the Osaka Loop Line / 10-minute walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station on Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line
Admission: 350 yen for high school students and above
Website: https://www.osakacastlepark.jp/?lang=ja
Enjoy Magical Night Cherry Blossoms with Special Illumination
Source:tenki.jp
If you're planning to visit Osaka Castle Park during cherry blossom season, we highly recommend attending the illumination event from late March to early April 2025, where you can enjoy both Osaka Castle and cherry blossoms simultaneously.
The illuminated cherry blossoms create a magical and beautiful atmosphere, making the combined view of Osaka Castle and the blossoms a perfect photo opportunity. Food trucks will be open around Nishinomaru Garden, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious meals while viewing the cherry blossoms.
Kema Sakuranomiya Park (Open 24 hours)
Source:Wikipedia
Kema Sakuranomiya Park, located in Miyakojima Ward, Osaka City, is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Situated along the Okawa River, this park features nearly 4,000 cherry trees that bloom simultaneously in spring, captivating all visitors.
The cherry blossoms blooming along the riverbank create picture-perfect scenery, attracting many domestic and international tourists as one of Japan's premier cherry blossom locations. Along Kema Sakuranomiya Park, you can also find the Mint and Senpukan, known as Osaka's oldest Western-style building, offering plenty of attractions to explore.
This is a must-visit location when traveling to Osaka during the cherry blossom season in April 2025.
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Schedule: Late March - Mid-April
Access:
- 15-minute walk from Minami-morimachi Station on OsakaMetro Sakaisuji Line and Tanimachi Line
- 15-minute ride on Osaka City Bus Route 36 from JR Osaka Station, get off at "Sakuranomiya-bashi" bus stop (immediate access)
Admission: Free
Expo '70 Commemorative Park (9:30 am - 5:00 pm)
Source:Sankei
The Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Suita City is famous as a cherry blossom viewing destination, where thousands of trees burst into full bloom from late March. The park boasts approximately 5,500 cherry trees of 12 different varieties, attracting numerous tourists who come to witness their artistic beauty.
Particularly famous is the cherry tree-lined path called Higashioji, which extends approximately 200 meters. From late March to early April 2025, visitors can enjoy the spectacular illumination of the cherry blossom trees. During this special event, a Food Court will be open, offering various seasonal delicacies, making it a perfect destination for experiencing the full beauty of cherry blossoms.
Given the park's vast grounds, it's recommended to take your time exploring the extensive area and its attractions.
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Duration: Late March - Mid-April 2025
Access: 5-minute walk from "Expo Memorial Park" station on the Osaka Monorail
Admission Fee: Adults ¥260 / Elementary and Junior High School Students ¥80
Website: https://www.expo70-park.jp/
