Festival season is year-round in Japan, especially in the bustling Osaka city. Osaka is the largest city in the Kansai region and has been a focal point for Japan’s economy and culture for centuries.
Osaka has it all, friendly and outgoing people, local peculiarities and festivities, and flavourful street food. Osaka is a must-visit when planning a trip to Japan, especially in May. Here are a few of the exciting events happening this month in Osaka.
A variety of meat dishes available at Niku Fes – Photo Credit: PR Times JP
Niku Fest
Literally translated to “meat festival,” this event is a meat lover’s dream. The slogan for this year’s festival is “Niku Forever” and features over twenty different restaurants from across Japan bringing their signature chicken, beef and pork dishes. Several varieties of craft beer that pair deliciously with each dish will also be on sale. You can mix and match to find the perfect combination, as well as find desserts from shaved ice with fresh fruit to different sweet crêpes.
Niku Fest introduces an area called “The Challenge ” where festival goers can compete in basketball free throws, 3-on-3 tournaments, vertical jump records, and strikeouts, and those who complete the challenges can win food tickets and fast tickets.
Date: April 26th – May 6th
Location: Nagai Park
Start/End Time: Weekdays 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Weekends 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fees: Admission is Free, but food and beverage prices may vary
Website: https://themeat.jp/osaka2024/
König Ludwig Stall – Photo Credit: Osaka Oktoberfest
Ten-shiba Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest? In May?! Yes, the world-renowned beer festival has found a home here in Japan. First adopted in 2011, many Japanese residents and visitors alike flock to this event every year without needing to wait until October or travel to Europe.
Similar to its European counterpart, this event offers a huge selection of craft beer from genuine German brewery companies such as Warsteiner, Arcobrau, Paulaner and König Ludwig. The traditionally paired bratwurst will also be available, along with pretzels, french fries, breaded meat, chicken chops, pizza and lots more to enhance your beer-drinking experience. There are also live performances by bands from Germany that you can sing and dance along to.
Date: April 25th – May 6th
Location: Tenshiba
Start/End Time: Weekdays 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Weekends 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fees: Free Admission however food and beverage prices may vary
Website: http://tenshiba-oktoberfest.com/
Takatsuki Castle Park – Photo Credit: Takatsuki Jazz Street
Takatsuki Jazz Street Festival
Takatsuki Jazz Street Festival is an outdoor music event held annually in Takatsuki City in Osaka prefecture. First held in 1999 and run solely by volunteers and donations, the event coordinators had one thing in mind, ”Let’s make Takatsuki a fun town full of music!” That’s exactly what they did as this year marks the 26th anniversary of its inception, with over 50 singers and musicians performing. The executive committee each year is composed of residents in and around Takatsuki City making decisions on everything including ideas for the event, raising funds and negotiating with musicians to perform.
Every year designs are requested from the public for their Jazz T-shirt since they rely on the patronage of eventgoers as well as local shops and businesses.
Date: May 3rd – May 4th
Location: Takatsuki Castle Park
Start/End Time: Both days 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fees: Free Admission
Website: https://www.0726.info/
Osaka Con – Photo Credit: Tokyo/Osaka Comic Con on Instagram
Osaka Comic Con
Osaka Comic Con is back again for its second year and promises to be bigger and better than last year’s event. Having its roots in the Tokyo-based komiketto (a shortening of Comic Market, a semiannual fan convention), 2023 saw Osaka’s first comic convention. Its inauguration saw many celebrities from famous Western movies and television series such as Orlando Bloom, Milly Bobby Brown, Micheal Rooker, Misha Collins, Mads Mikkelsen, and many more.
This year’s celebrity lineup is no different, starting with Mads Mikkelsen, Tom Hiddleston, Christopher Llyod, Lea Thompson and Temuera Morrison just to name a few. And of course, there will be cosplayers and a cornucopia of books, manga, souvenirs, trinkets and any and everything nerd and otaku-related.
So come as your favorite character and join the thousands at Osaka Comic Con 2024.
Date: May 3rd – May 5th
Location: INTEX Osaka
Start/End Time: May 3rd, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, May 4th and 5th, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fees: 3-Day pass ¥ 7,700, 1-Day pass ¥ 4,400
Website: https://osakacomiccon.jp/
Craft Gyoza – Photo Credit: Craft Gyoza Fes
Craft Gyoza Festival Osaka
Gyoza Fest is an outdoor event that happens annually during the famed Golden Week holidays in Japan. The festival is simultaneously held in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka.
What is gyoza? Gyoza is a type of Japanese dumpling wrapped in a thin layer of dough and made into a crescent shape, usually filled with finely minced meat and cabbage.
In this celebration of the popular Japanese dish, there will be over thirty different types of gyoza stuffed with various meat and vegetable options and prepared in several different styles from boiled, grilled, steamed and fried.
Whether you’re a fan of gyoza or you’ve never tried it, this is the perfect event for you.
Date: May 3rd – May 12th
Location: Osaka Castle Park
Start/End Time: Weekdays 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Weekends 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fees: Free Admission however food and beverage prices may vary
Website: https://craftgyoza.jp/osaka2024/
With Golden Week happening this month, Osaka has many opportunities for everyone to go out and spend time with friends and family during this four-day holiday week. From the exquisite Oktoberfest to the traditional Gyoza Fest and the carnivorous Niku Fest, you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. For the more artistic and creative readers, be sure to check out Comic Con or Takatsuki Jazz Fest.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, Osaka has great events to relax, meet new people and make long-lasting memories, so book your trip today!
Feature photo credit: Tom Tor on Unsplash
