Osaka: List of Events & Festivals for 2024
While October in Osaka can still have some warm days, November sees temperatures dropping below 20°C (68°F), bringing a noticeable chill. By December, the daytime highs hover around 10°C (50°F), marking the arrival of winter in earnest.
Did you know that Osaka hosts numerous events from October to December when the cold weather becomes more apparent? These events range from traditional festivities to nature-focused attractions, special experiences, and food festivals, offering something for everyone.
In this guide, we'll introduce you to the notable Osaka Events 2024, including their highlights, basic information, schedules, and access details to the venues.
Osaka Events 2024 Calendar
Autumn Osaka Events 2024 (October to November)
As October approaches, Osaka's heat gradually subsides, though the first half of the month can still see temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F).
By November, the average temperature drops to 12°C (54°F), and from mid to late November, you'll start to see people wearing coats. Early November, when the chill begins to set in, is the perfect time to enjoy autumn foliage spots in the cool climate.
Notable Osaka Events 2024 in October
October in Osaka is packed with traditional festivals that draw national attention, including the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival and the Autumn Countryside Festival. These events always attract large crowds.
If you want to experience the festivals of 2024, October in Osaka is the time to visit.
Kishiwada Danjiri Festival
Source: Official website
The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is a celebration where massive danjiri (festival floats pulled or carried during Japanese festivals) are pulled through the streets of Kishiwada City. Each danjiri, weighing over 4 tons, is pulled by 400-1000 men using two ropes. This tradition has been passed down by locals for over 300 years.
The highlight is the danjiri procession. Watching the momentum-filled danjiri make sharp turns at intersections without losing speed is truly breathtaking! While it's a dangerous maneuver, the daring attempts are spectacular.
From dusk, each danjiri is adorned with about 200 lanterns, transforming its powerful daytime appearance into a glamorous nocturnal spectacle. Don't miss the magical atmosphere created by the danjiri gently illuminating the darkness.
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Dates: September 14-15, 2024, October 12-13, 2024
Access: Right by Kishiwada Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.city.kishiwada.osaka.jp/site/danjiri/
Hiraoka Shrine Autumn Festival
Source: HigashiosCity Official website
The Hiraoka Shrine Autumn Festival is a celebration where parishioners (residents of the same district who worship the same deity) offer taiko drum floats to express gratitude for the autumn harvest. About 20 large and small taiko drum floats are carried through the streets by a mix of children and adults and brought to the shrine.
The highlight is watching the bearers in happi (festival coats) ascending the long shrine approach while chanting the unique call of "Chosaja, Chosaja." The energetic chanting is impressive and captivating.
Many food stalls selling goldfish scooping games, lottery tickets, and walk-and-eat snacks are set up around the shrine. Why not enjoy the festival's lively atmosphere while savoring delicious food?
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Dates: October 12-13, 15, 2024
Access: 3-minute walk from Hiraoka Station
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.hiraoka-jinja.org/rituals/#shugosai
Yabusame Ritual (Osaka Tenmangu Shrine)
Source: THE SANKEI SHINBUN
The Yabusame Ritual at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is an event where horsemen dressed in Muromachi period hunting attire ride horses and shoot targets. The festival's history dates back to 1615 when it began at the shogunate's call. At Osaka Tenmangu, the horses gallop on urban asphalt, and archers use half-bows to hit targets instead of arrows. Known as a unique yabusame event nationwide, it attracts many tourists every year.
The highlight is when the half-bow hits the target, creating a loud bang as target fragments scatter. These fragments are believed to ward off evil and are distributed to spectators. If you're lucky enough to receive one, consider keeping it as a lucky charm.
As horses are sensitive, flash photography is prohibited, and smartphone silent mode is recommended. Please observe these manners while enjoying the spectacle.
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Date: October 25, 2024
Access: 3-minute walk from Osaka Tenmangu Station, 4-minute walk from Minamimorimachi Station
Admission: Free
If you are interested in Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Notable Osaka Events 2024 in November
November in Osaka is when autumn foliage reaches its peak, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty of the city. While there are fewer festivals compared to October, you can enjoy strolling through the streets beautifully colored by autumn leaves.
The cooler weather makes outdoor events more comfortable. Why not continue enjoying BBQ events from October?
Shitennoji Wasso 2024
Source: Official Facebook
Shitennoji Wasso is an event held at Naniwa Palace Ruins Park where you can enjoy live performances by Asian artists, theater, and food. It aims to recreate the exchange between Japan and East Asia that took place in ancient Osaka, which was once the capital, and convey this history to today's youth. The event started in 1990 and has been attracting an increasing number of tourists as well as locals year by year.
The highlight is the large-scale parade, where about 1,000 participants dressed in ancient costumes showcase vibrant dances and performances. The authentic costumes will make you feel like you've traveled back in time to ancient days.
The parade's call, "Wasso," means "came" in modern Korean, expressing gratitude for the visitors' arrival. Join in shouting "Wasso" and help energize the entire venue!
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Date: November 3, 2024, 10:30-17:00
Access: 5-minute walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station, Exit 10
Admission: Free
Website: https://wasso.net/
Annual Festival "Shinnō Festival"
Source: Official website
The Annual Festival "Shinnō Festival" is a celebration at Sukunahikona Shrine featuring a parade of medicine mascot characters, a rock-paper-scissors tournament, and food stalls. Sukunahikona Shrine has a history dating back to the late Edo period when it prescribed a medicine called "Kotousakkiouen" during a cholera outbreak in Osaka, which helped control the epidemic. The festival is said to have started with the aim of praying for household safety and good health.
The highlight is the opportunity to interact with many medicine mascot characters. It's a rare chance to meet all the characters of major Japanese medicines like Seirogan, Jintan, and Kaigen at once. Why not take photos with them and have fun with gestures?
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Dates: November 24-25, 2024, 10:00-20:00
Access: 5-minute walk from Kitahama Station Exit 6, 10-minute walk from Yodoyabashi Station Exit 11
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.sinnosan.jp/schedule/1418/
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shichi-Go-San Festival
Source: Official website
The Sumiyoshi Taisha Shichi-Go-San Festival celebrates the Japanese tradition of Shichi-Go-San. Shichi-Go-San is an event where families with boys aged 3 or 5 and girls aged 3 or 7 visit shrines to pray for their children's healthy growth. While the official date for Shichi-Go-San is November 15, the shrine accepts visitors daily around this time to accommodate families' schedules.
The highlight is seeing girls dressed in kimono (traditional Japanese clothing) and boys in hakama (loose trousers worn over kimono). It's a precious experience to see Japanese children in their adorable formal attire.
The kimono and hakama are decorated with auspicious animals, plants, and fans, making them eye-catching even from afar. The sight of children holding Chitose Ame (long, thin red and white candy given as a Shichi-Go-San gift) is particularly emblematic of the Shichi-Go-San celebration and is a must-see.
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Date: November 15, 2024 (Available year-round 9:00-16:00)
Access: [Access information was missing in the original text]
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.sumiyoshitaisha.net/worship/753.html
If you are interested in Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Universal Studios Japan's "Halloween Event" from September to November is also one of Osaka's traditional events!
Source: Official website
The "Halloween Event" held from September to November at Universal Studios Japan (USJ), one of Japan's leading amusement parks, is also one of Osaka's traditional events. It's one of the top 1 or 2 most popular programs among USJ's annual events, bustling with participants dressed in their favorite costumes.
The highlight is the different Halloween atmospheres you can enjoy during the day and night. In 2024, the daytime features shows and dances with popular characters like Pikachu, Sanrio characters, and Minions, emphasizing fun for all ages from children to adults. At night, the atmosphere drastically changes as zombies and monsters appear, offering a thrilling, horror-filled experience.
The night program creates such an authentic horror atmosphere that children's entry is not recommended. If you're looking for a thrilling experience, why not challenge yourself to a night visit to USJ?
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Dates: September 6 to November 4, 2024
Access: 5-minute walk from Universal City Station
Admission: 1-Day Studio Pass from 8,600 yen for adults (price varies depending on the season)
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/company/news/2024/0704.html
If you are interested in USJ, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Takashi Nakadomari
Osaka Events 2024: Year-End and Winter Events (December)
December 2024 in Osaka mainly features events that wrap up the year. While there aren't as many festivals or events as in other months, illuminations are held in various locations, allowing you to enjoy the sparkling cityscape.
Depending on the weather, you might still be able to see autumn leaves in some places until early December.
Notable Osaka Events 2024 in December
Shimenawa Hanging Ritual
The Shimenawa Hanging Ritual at Hiraoka Shrine involves hanging new shimenawa (sacred ropes that mark the boundary between the sacred and profane) on the pillars along the shrine's approach and then laughing loudly. It's said to have started with the aim of calling the sun and wishing for happiness by laughing during the short days of winter.
Also known as the Laughing Ritual, it has been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Higashi Osaka City.
The highlight is when the chief priest laughs "Ah ha ha" in front of the newly hung shimenawa, followed by all participants laughing continuously for 20 minutes. Join in and laugh away the events of the past year with everyone.
Many food stalls selling daifuku (rice cakes with sweet filling), roasted sweet potatoes, pizza, and other treats are also set up at the event. Why not satisfy your body, mind, and stomach by laughing heartily and enjoying delicious food?
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Date: December 25, 2024, from 10:00
Access: 3-minute walk from Hiraoka Station
Admission: Free
Website: http://hiraoka-jinja.org/special/owarai-shinji.html
Sumiyoshi Taisha Year-end Purification Ceremony & New Year's Eve Festival
Source: iko-yo
The Year-end Purification Ceremony and New Year's Eve Festival at Sumiyoshi Taisha is an event to purify sins and misfortunes unknowingly committed during the year and welcome the new year with a refreshed spirit. The New Year's Eve Festival follows the Year-end Purification Ceremony. According to historical documents, this tradition dates back to the Heian period, allowing you to experience a sense of history.
The highlight is when participants perform their own purification using "kirinusa" (a tool made of paper and hemp used for purification) to cleanse themselves of the year's impurities. In contrast to the busy atmosphere of the year-end, the ceremony proceeds in a quiet and calm manner. Why not experience this uniquely Japanese way of ending the year in the crisp winter cold?
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Date: December 31, 2024, from 17:00
Access: Immediately from Sumiyoshi Torii-mae Station, 3-minute walk from Sumiyoshi-taisha Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.sumiyoshitaisha.net/events/annualevents/12.html
If you are interested in temples and shrines in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized them and how I felt each spot.
sena kanda
Osaka Festival of the Lights
Source: Osaka City Official website
The Osaka Festival of the Lights is a collective term for illumination events held in various parts of Osaka. In Osaka, you can enjoy winter illuminations in many places, centered around the "Midosuji Illumination," where the entire 4km length of Midosuji, a popular tourist spot, shines brightly, and the "Osaka Light Renaissance," which gently illuminates Nakanoshima, known for its waterfront scenery.
The highlight is the lights that enliven nighttime Osaka with various colors such as red, orange, and blue. As you gaze at the illuminations that colorfully adorn the darkness, you might forget about the winter cold.
It's interesting to compare the different themes featured in each location.
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Dates: December 14, 2024 - January 31, 2025
Access: Various locations in Osaka Prefecture
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.hikari-kyoen.com/index.html
