Osaka in December 2024: Highlights, Events & Festivals
December in Osaka is characterized by single-digit temperatures hovering around 7°C, bringing with it a chill that settles over the city. From late November onwards, the city transforms with dazzling illuminations and light displays, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
As Japan's second major metropolis, only behind Tokyo, Osaka hosts a wide range of year-end events, from traditional ceremonies at temples and shrines to spectacular illumination displays. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to key events happening in Osaka this December, along with tips for enjoying your visit to the fullest.
Table of Contents
- Traditional Events in Osaka, December 2024
- Special December Experiences in Osaka
Traditional Events in Osaka, December 2024
Joya no Kane – Ringing of the Temple Bells
"Joya no Kane" is a traditional event held at temples across Japan on December 31st. During this ceremony, a large bell is struck 108 times, from the late evening into the early hours of New Year’s Day.
The number 108 represents the worldly desires, or "bonnou," in Buddhist teachings—such as anger, jealousy, and ignorance—that disturb the human mind. It is believed that by ringing the bell 108 times, these desires are dispelled, allowing people to start the New Year with a purified heart.
The deep, resonant toll of the bell symbolizes the cleansing of misfortunes from the past year, making this a meaningful ritual for anyone experiencing Osaka’s year-end culture.
Shitennoji Temple
At the historic Shitennoji Temple, which dates back to 593 AD, tickets are distributed at 11:00 PM on December 31st, with the ceremony beginning at 11:30 PM. The first 108 visitors will have the opportunity to ring the temple bell.
After the Joya no Kane ceremony concludes, visitors are invited to continue ringing the "Kaiun no Kane" (Bell of Good Fortune) and the "Shoufuku no Kane" (Bell of Blessing) until around 3:00 AM. After purging desires, this ceremony focuses on bringing good fortune and happiness for the New Year.
Shitennoji’s Joya no Kane is a special event for a limited number of participants, offering a rare chance to experience an authentic Japanese New Year’s tradition in a solemn, spiritual atmosphere.
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- Date: December 31, 2024 (Ticket distribution at 11:00 PM, Ceremony starts at 11:30 PM)
- Access: From Umeda, walk to Higashi-Umeda (5 minutes), take the Tanimachi Line to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station (4 minutes' walk).
- Entry: Free
- Website: https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/
Taiyuji Temple
Source:Official website
Located just a 10-minute walk from Osaka Station, Taiyuji Temple, established in 821 AD, holds its Joya no Kane ceremony starting at 11:45 PM on December 31st. The bell is rung from the end of the old year into the beginning of the new one.
Unlike Shitennoji, Taiyuji does not limit participants to 108 individuals. Anyone who lines up before midnight can join in the bell-ringing ceremony. However, for those eager to receive a commemorative gift, early arrival is recommended, as this is only available to the first 108 participants.
If you want to express gratitude for the past year or make wishes for the new one, this ceremony is an unmissable event.
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- Date: December 31, 2024 (Ceremony starts at 11:45 PM, all participants are welcome if lined up before midnight)
- Access: ① 10-minute walk from Osaka Station; ② Osaka City Bus No. 36 (Kadomaminami direction), alight at Taiyuji-cho Bus Stop (1-minute walk)
- Entry: Free
- Website:https://taiyuji.net/index.html
Sumiyoshi Taisha – Shiwasu-no-Oharaeshiki & Joya-sai
On December 31st, Sumiyoshi Taisha hosts the "Shiwasu-no-Oharaeshiki" ritual. Participants are given small paper squares called "kirinuki," which are scattered around oneself to purify from the misdeeds and misfortunes accumulated throughout the year.
Following this, a private Joya-sai ritual is performed by the shrine’s priests, and visitors are invited to start praying at 10:00 PM. Sumiyoshi Taisha is dedicated to a Shinto deity with the power to cleanse and dispel calamities. Take part in this sacred ceremony to purify yourself and close the year in a cleansed state.
Before the 4:00 PM Shiwasu-no-Oharaeshiki begins, be sure to explore the historic grounds of Sumiyoshi Taisha, which dates back to 211 AD. It’s a recommended way to spend the last afternoon of the year in Osaka.
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- Date: December 31, 2024 (Shiwasu-no-Oharaeshiki starts at 4:00 PM)
- Access: From Osaka Station, take the Yamatoji Rapid to Shin-Imamiya, then transfer to the Nankai Main Line towards Wakayamashi, alighting at Sumiyoshi Taisha (3 minutes' walk).
- Entry: Free
- Website:https://www.sumiyoshitaisha.net/
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Shimekake Shinji (Sacred Rope-Hanging Ritual)
At the historic Hiraoka Shrine, a unique festival takes place on December 31st where participants laugh loudly while holding amulets to invite good fortune for the New Year. The shrine is surrounded by lush nature, hiking trails, and observation points, creating a solemn atmosphere among the dense trees. Come laugh heartily as you wish for blessings in 2025!
The shrine's approach will be lined with vendors selling traditional Japanese sweets like daifuku (rice cakes with sweet filling), roasted sweet potatoes, and amazake (sweet rice drink). This event is perfect for those wanting to experience an authentic Japanese festival atmosphere.
Event Details:
- Date: December 23, 2024, from 10:00
- Access: From Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line towards Kyobashi to Tsuruhashi Station. Transfer to the Kintetsu Nara Line (Semi-Express bound for Kintetsu Nara), get off at Higashi-Hanazono Station, then transfer to a local train (bound for Kintetsu Nara) and get off at Hiraoka Station (1-minute walk)
- Admission: 1,000 yen (includes amulet)
- Website: http://hiraoka-jinja.org/index.html
Special December Experiences in Osaka
Osaka Festival of Lights
Source:Osaka City Official website
The "Osaka Festival of Lights" is a grand illumination event held every winter in Osaka. The main venue, Midosuji Avenue, features dazzling illuminations adorning the street trees.
Another key venue is the area around Osaka City Hall. The projection mapping on the Osaka City Central Public Hall is particularly famous, creating an unforgettable spectacle with powerful visuals and music projected onto the historical building.
During this period, various illumination displays can be found throughout Osaka as part of the area programs. Enjoy the illuminations as you explore different tourist spots!
Event Details:
- Period: November 3, 2024 - January 31, 2025 (some area programs only after January 1, 2025)
Core Programs:
- Midosuji Illumination 2024
- Period: November 3 - December 31, 2024
- Time: 17:00 - 23:00 (until 25:00 on December 31)
- Location: Midosuji (from Hanshin intersection to Namba West Exit intersection) - OSAKA Light Renaissance 2024
- Period: December 14 - 25, 2024
- Time: 17:00 - 22:00
- Location: Around Osaka City Hall to Nakanoshima Park
- Admission: Free (some exhibits may require payment)
- Website: https://www.hikari-kyoen.com/
Universal Studios Japan Christmas Event
Source:Mannichi Shimbun
Universal Studios Japan in Osaka will host a Christmas event from November 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
The park features a massive Christmas tree over 30 meters tall, decorated according to the event's theme "NO LIMIT!" When the illuminations light up, festive music plays, and visitors can enjoy Christmas shows dancing with popular characters like Snoopy and Elmo.
Create unforgettable memories as both children and adults can let loose and have fun! Of course, all attractions remain open during the Christmas period, so don't miss out on the unique rides only available at USJ in Japan!
Event Details:
- Period: November 20, 2024 - January 5, 2025
- Access: From Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line towards Nishikujo (bound for Tennoji), transfer at Nishikujo to the JR Yumesaki Line (bound for Sakurajima), and get off at Universal City Station
- Admission: Adults 9,400 - 10,900 yen (varies by date)
- Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp
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Hirakata Park - Amusement Park of Light
Source:Official website
Experience a dazzling winter wonderland at Hirakata Park in Osaka Prefecture's Hirakata City from November 2, 2024, to April 6, 2025. This spectacular illumination event transforms the amusement park into a mesmerizing display of lights and colors.
This year's illumination theme is "Flowers," featuring a stunning 13-meter-tall tree adorned with fairy lights and fresh flower decorations throughout the park. The event is divided into seven unique areas, each offering different light colors and effects. My top recommendation is the "Hikari no Rantan Hiroba" (Light Lantern Plaza), where colorful lanterns shimmer overhead, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for photography.
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Dates: November 2, 2024 - April 6, 2025, from 17:00
Access: From Osaka, take the Osaka Loop Line to Kyobashi Station, then transfer to the Keihan Main Line (bound for Demachiyanagi) and get off at Hirakata-koen Station (12-minute walk)
Admission: After 16:00 - Park entry + Free pass: Adults ¥3,600
Website: https://www.hirakatapark.co.jp/illumination/
Osaka Castle Illuminage
Source:OSAKA Metro NiNE
The Nishinomaru Garden, located on the west side of Osaka Castle, hosts the spectacular "Osaka Castle Illuminage" from November 15, 2024, to February 16, 2024. This enchanting event features various illumination styles, including neon decorations shaped like Osaka Castle and samurai warriors, as well as mesmerizing light tunnels.
What makes this event unique is the interactive illuminated playground equipment, allowing visitors to not just observe but also engage with the light displays. With the magnificently lit Osaka Castle as your backdrop, you can capture stunning photos of this dreamlike illumination experience.
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Dates: November 15, 2024 - February 16, 2024, 17:00-22:00
Access: From Osaka Station, walk to Higashi-Umeda Station (about 6 minutes), take the Tanimachi Line (bound for Yaominami) to Tanimachi 4-chome Station, then walk to Nishinomaru Garden (about 15 minutes)
Admission: Regular ticket - Adults ¥2,000
Website: https://illuminagegroup.com/%E5%A4%A7%E9%98%AA%E5%9F%8E%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9F%E3%83%8A%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A52024/
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Illuminight Banpaku
As part of the "Osaka Festival of Lights," the Expo '70 Commemorative Park presents "Illuminight Banpaku." While this year's illumination details are yet to be announced, last year's event featured the iconic Tower of the Sun colorfully illuminated, alongside a 7-meter-tall electric tree and vibrant illuminations in the Sun Plaza.
Adding to the winter festivities, the event coincides with the Ramen Expo, where you can savor regional ramen dishes from across Japan. Enjoy the perfect combination of warm, delicious ramen and breathtaking illuminations.
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Dates: 16 days in total - November 24, 29, 30, December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, 2024, 17:00-21:00
Access: From Umeda, take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line (bound for Minoo-kayano), continue on the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line to Senri-Chuo Station, then transfer to the Osaka Monorail (bound for Minami-Ibaraki) and get off at Banpaku-Kinen-Koen Station
Admission: Adults ¥260
Website: https://www.hikari-kyoen.com/area/program14/index.html
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Pocket Marché in Tsurumi Ryokuchi
Source:Official website
On December 7 and 8, 2024, the Tsurumi Green Space hosts the delightful Pocket Marché. This charming market features vendors selling handmade crafts, houseplants, and antique goods. Food trucks offering coffee and donuts make it perfect for a relaxing shopping and dining experience.
The park itself boasts beautiful attractions including a rose garden, grand flower beds, and a Japanese garden. It's an ideal opportunity to combine shopping with a peaceful nature walk.
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Dates: December 7-8, 2024
Access: From Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line to Kyobashi Station, transfer to the Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Line (bound for Kadoma-Minami), and get off at Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Station (1-minute walk)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.tsurumi-ryokuchi.jp/events/17802