Osaka in October 2024: Highlights, Events & Festivals

The average temperature in Osaka in October is around 23°C. The climate is characterized by comfortable weather where you can spend time in a single long-sleeved shirt. Cosmos flowers bloom in the streets, and rice paddies turn golden as harvest time approaches. October is Osaka's leisure season when many people go out to enjoy activities.

Osaka has developed as a commercial city due to its role as a hub for the distribution of goods. It's also the second-largest city in Japan by population, after Tokyo.

In Osaka, numerous historical festivals and popular events are held throughout the year. October, with its pleasant climate, is a season packed with famous festivals and events. For example, the "Kishiwada Danjiri Festival" is famous for its powerful spectacle.

This time, we'll feature festivals and events held in Osaka in October, starting with the Danjiri Festival. We'll introduce the highlights, basic information, timing, and access to each event venue. Please use this as a reference for your autumn Osaka sightseeing.

Table of Contents
Traditional Events in Osaka in October 2024
Special Experiences Only in Osaka in October
Gourmet Events in Osaka in October 2024

Traditional Events in Osaka in October 2024

Kishiwada Danjiri Festival

The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is a passionate Osaka festival that has continued for over 300 years. People carry decorated carts around the town.

The decorated carts used for the festival are called "danjiri". Danjiri festivals have traditionally been held in various parts of western Japan.

In Kishiwada, it's believed to have started in the early 18th century. Originally, it was a festival to pray for a good harvest to Inari, a Shinto deity. It continues today as an important festival to deepen community bonds.

The main attraction of the Kishiwada Danjiri is its sense of speed. Local people carry large and elaborate carts, racing through the town at incredible speeds.

The scene where they change the direction of the cart at sharp corners while maintaining speed is called "yamawashi". This sight is so thrilling that it makes spectators' hearts race.

The Danjiri Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Japan for its power and gallant spectacle. It's recommended for those who want to see a passionate and exhilarating festival. You can feel Osaka's local history firsthand.

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Date: October 7 (Sat) - October 8 (Sun), 2023
Access: Immediately on foot from JR Higashi-Kishiwada Station. Or immediately on foot from JR Kumeda Station or Shimomatsu Station (differs depending on the district you plan to view)
Admission: Free
Website

Yabusame Ritual (Osaka Tenmangu Shrine)

The Yabusame Ritual at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is a traditional event where participants shoot arrows while riding horses. Yabusame refers to samurai shooting targets with arrows while riding galloping horses. The Yabusame Ritual is performed to dedicate this traditional martial art to the gods.

The Yabusame Ritual at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine was started by the government of the time in the 17th century. It's a venerable event that has continued for 400 years since then. It's performed to ward off bad luck and pray for peace and abundant harvests.

The highlight is the traditional appearance of the archers shooting arrows while galloping about 400m. The riders wear samurai costumes from around the 14th century. Their ceremonial dress, with its dignified beauty, becomes a topic on social media every year.

The sight of them galloping on similarly dressed horses is like seeing samurai from the past right before your eyes. Many people take photos, making it a photogenic event as well.

It's especially recommended for those who like samurai, of course, and those who want to capture the beauty of traditional Japanese culture in photos. Be sure to visit Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and enjoy the gallant Yabusame.

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Date: October 25, 2024
Access: About 4 minutes walk from Exit 4 of Minami-morimachi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line or Sakaisuji Line
About 4 minutes walk from Exit 7 (Tozai Line Access Building) of JR Osaka Tenmangu Station on the Tozai Line to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Admission: Free
Website

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine Takaraichi Shinji and Masu no Ichi

This festival is a Shinto event celebrating the autumn harvest, held at Sumiyoshi Taisha, a famous shrine in Osaka. The rice from the shrine's own paddy fields is harvested and offered to the gods by the shrine's priests.

Sumiyoshi Taisha is historically said to be the first place in Japan where a full-scale market was opened. This is said to be the origin of Osaka's development as a commercial city. In keeping with this history, a market is also held on the shrine grounds on the day of the event.

The highlight is the opportunity to see up close a traditional Shinto event with over 1000 years of history. Shinto events are conducted based on various traditions. Each costume, tool, and movement has cultural significance. Seeing it up close should be an excellent opportunity to deeply feel Japanese culture.

On the day, events by rakugo performers are also held. If you're interested in traditional culture and events at shrines, be sure to visit Sumiyoshi Taisha on this day.

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Date: October 17, 2024
Access: 3 minutes walk east from Sumiyoshi Taisha Station on the Nankai Main Line, 5 minutes walk west from Sumiyoshi-Higashi Station on the Nankai Koya Line, or immediately from Sumiyoshi Torii-mae Station on the Hankai Line to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
Admission: Free
Website

Hiraoka Shrine Autumn Festival

The Autumn Festival at Hiraoka Shrine is said to be the largest autumn festival in Osaka. It's held to dedicate large vehicles called taiko-dai, which carry drums, to the shrine.

Hiraoka Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The Autumn Festival originally started as a festival to give thanks for the autumn harvest. It remains an important festival for community solidarity and vitality.

The highlight of this festival is the traditional and elaborate taiko-dai. Local people carry vehicles with drums and performers on board, walking by district. Each taiko-dai features drum performances, and the festival maintains a very lively atmosphere all day. The music played is traditional festival music called kagura.

Many festival stalls, known as "yatai", also appear, with food sales bustling. There are also many traditional festival games like shooting galleries.

If you're interested in lively and classic Japanese festivals, be sure to visit. You should be able to enjoy it to the fullest along with the locals.

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Date: October 15, 2024
Access: Immediately from Hiraoka Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line, about 30 minutes from Osaka Namba Station to Hiraoka Shrine
Admission: Free
Website

93rd Setomono Festival

The Setomono Festival is a market event where you can buy ceramics, including tableware. Over 200 shops set up stalls, and a fireworks display is held simultaneously.

Seto City is historically famous for ceramics. Many ceramic specialty stores and workshops line the streets of Seto. The Setomono Festival is also a historical festival that has continued for nearly 100 years. Even now, it's held on a grand scale to boost the industry with citywide participation.

The "Great Bargain Market" held along the Seto River is a great chance to purchase high-quality Seto pottery at bargain prices. Also, Seto City is the production area for Seto Sometsuke ware, a traditional craft. Seto Sometsuke ware is characterized by beautiful indigo-blue paintings. You can also experience making Seto Sometsuke ware at the Setomono Festival.

If you're interested in Japanese ceramics, why not visit? You should find unexpected treasures, from traditional items to daily necessities.

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Date: September 14 (Sat) 9:00-18:00, September 15 (Sun) 9:00-17:30, 2024
Access: Immediately on foot from "Owari-Seto" Station on the Meitetsu Seto Line
Admission: Free
Website

Halloween Event 2024 (Universal Studios Japan)

In October, the Halloween event at Universal Studios Japan, a popular theme park in Osaka, is also held. In 2024, the event is named "HAHAHA! HALLOWEEN PARTY", with Pokémon characters as the main stars.

Universal Studios Japan is a giant theme park in Japan that opened in 2001. It's gaining popularity for collaborations with uniquely Japanese anime and manga characters. The Halloween event starting in September is also very popular every year.

The highlight of this year's Halloween is the cute Pokémon characters dressed as DJs. Pay special attention to DJ Pikachu and DJ Gengar. In the "Pokémon Jumpin' Halloween Party", Pokémon dance rhythmically to the music. Let's jump and dance together with other guests. The music played includes familiar Pokémon music arranged for Halloween, which fans must hear.

If you want to see the Pokémon party up close and for sure, be sure to check out the viewing tickets. There are also events where Sanrio characters and Minion Monsters wear special Halloween costumes. If you come to Osaka in autumn, enjoy USJ's Halloween event to the fullest.

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Date: September 5 (Thu) - November 4 (Mon), 2024
Access: Immediately from Universal City Station, one stop from JR Nishikujo Station on the Osaka Loop Line
Admission: USJ entry pass Adults ¥8,546 - around ¥9,900 (varies depending on the day and season)
Pokémon Jumpin' Halloween Party Special Viewing Area Entry Ticket
Common [Adults/Children/Seniors] ¥1,727 (including tax ¥1,900) - ¥1,909 (including tax ¥2,100)
Website

Special Experiences Only in Osaka in October

Osaka Castle Nishi-no-maru Takigi Noh 2024

This is an event where you can enjoy a stage performance of "Noh", a classical performing art, in the garden of Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle is a historical symbol of Osaka. A special stage is set up in its beautiful garden for the event.

Noh is a traditional performing art that represents Japanese culture. It has a history of being particularly loved by aristocrats and samurai in the Kansai region. Therefore, it's a traditional culture deeply connected to Osaka. While Noh is usually only enjoyed in theaters, this event allows you to experience traditional culture in a beautiful historical place.

The highlight, of course, is the first-class performance by Japan's leading performers. The performance of the Noh actors specially appearing at this event is officially recognized by the state as a national treasure. There's also a course where you can enjoy dinner at the guesthouse on the premises before the stage.

This is a special cultural experience event especially recommended for those interested in Japanese classical performing arts. Viewing and dinner tickets can be reserved in advance. Be sure to check the information so you don't miss this special opportunity.

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Date: October 12 (Sat) and 13 (Sun), 2024, each day opens at 17:30, starts at 18:30 (scheduled to end at 20:40)
Access: Exit 1-B of Tanimachi 4-chome Station or Exit 3 of Temmabashi Station on the Tanimachi Line
Exit 9 of Tanimachi 4-chome Station or Exit 1 or 3-B of Morinomiya Station on the Chuo Line
Immediately after entering the Osaka Castle grounds, go to Nishi-no-maru Garden
Admission: SS seats 12,000 yen, S seats 9,000 yen, A seats 4,500 yen (tax included, advance and same-day)
SS seat ticket with dinner at Osaka Geihinkan (with replacement seat in case of rain cancellation) 25,000 yen
Website

Hyakka Sosaku Festival Hattori Ryokuchi Park Craft Festa

This is a market event where you can buy handcrafted items from individual artists and creators. It's regularly held at Hattori Ryokuchi Park, which also has a BBQ area, music venue, and horseback riding facility.

The charm of this event is the friendly and cheerful atmosphere unique to Osaka. Famous as a commercial city, Osaka is a city with many people skilled in business. It's also known for active communication among people. It should be a special experience where you can feel Osaka's culture firsthand in the pleasant October climate.

Of course, the works of talented artists are also highlights. Mainly shops selling accessories, leather crafts, and artificial flowers set up stalls. It's an opportunity for artists to gather from Osaka, a major city, and its surrounding areas. You can expect to encounter many hidden talents and works.

Fortune-telling booths and craft-making workshops are also popular, especially with children. It's an event that can be enjoyed even with children, so it's recommended for families too.

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Date: January 16, 2025
Access: Take the subway Karasuma Line to Kitaoji Station, then transfer to City Bus Line 37. Get off at the "Kamigamo Misonobashi" bus stop (about 3 minutes walk)
Admission: Free
Website

Gourmet Events in Osaka in October 2024

OSAKA-JO SAKE SQUARE 2024

This is an event where you can taste Japanese sake from various parts of the Kansai region at the square in front of Osaka Castle Park Station. Twenty Japanese Sake Breweries exhibit, and you can taste over 55 types of Japanese sake.

At the event, you first purchase a paid ticket. You can use the ticket to taste Japanese sake and snacks from each brewery. There's also souvenir sales. A DJ booth is also set up, allowing you to enjoy Japanese sake while listening to music.

The point is that you can try a variety of unique Japanese sake from various parts of the Kansai region at once. The Kansai region, in western Japan, has a long history of Japanese sake production. Japanese sake from various parts of Kansai has long gathered in Osaka, a city of gourmet food and commerce. Osaka is the perfect city to taste delicious Japanese sake.

This is a must-see event for those who like alcohol, especially those interested in Japanese sake. Enjoy the Japanese sake from the Kansai region, known as a producer of fine sake, while grooving to the music.

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Date: October 5 (Sat) and 6 (Sun), 2024
5th (Sat): 11:00-18:30, 6th (Sun): 11:00-17:30 (*Last order 30 minutes before closing)
Access: 3 minutes walk from Osakajokoen Station, JR Osakajokoen Station Square
Admission: Starter set same-day ticket ¥3,900
Website

Eat Sky Meals at Harukas: Let's BBQ↑

"Eat Sky Meals at Harukas: Let's BBQ↑" is an event where you can enjoy BBQ on the rooftop of a 300m high-rise building. The theme of the event is "camping". You can enjoy BBQ in a camping mood on the rooftop of a high-rise building with a sense of openness.

You can choose between a casual plan and a premium plan. The premium plan allows you to taste exquisite hors d'oeuvres of raw ham and cheese fondue. It's a gorgeous menu themed around glamping.

Also, a point of interest is the collaboration with camping gear brands. You can enjoy BBQ while using wood tables and outdoor chairs provided by popular brands.

It's recommended for those who like camping and glamping. Of course, you can also enjoy the spectacular view of Osaka from the highfloors. If you're looking for a unique dining experience in Osaka in October, why not try this sky-high BBQ venue?

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Date: April 24, 2024 - October 20, 2024, 9:30 - 22:00 (Last order 21:30)
Access: 1 minute walk from Tennoji Station on the subway Tanimachi Line, 58th floor of Abeno Harukas
Admission:
◎Premium BBQ
・Adults ¥7,980
・Junior high and high school students ¥7,260
・Elementary school students and younger ¥4,000
*All-you-can-eat option is not available

◎Casual BBQ
・Adults ¥5,980
・Junior high and high school students ¥5,260
・Elementary school students and younger ¥2,500
*All-you-can-eat option is available for an additional ¥1000
Website