Summer reaches its peak in August, bringing with it some of Osaka’s most vibrant festivals, spectacular fireworks displays, and unique cultural experiences. From traditional Bon dances honoring ancestors to world-class music festivals and an exhibition celebrating the magic of Studio Ghibli, this month offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a music lover, a food enthusiast, or someone looking to immerse yourself in Japanese traditions, August in Osaka promises unforgettable memories. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting events happening this August, each offering its own special blend of culture, entertainment, and seasonal energy.
Howl’s Moving Castle replica – Photo Credit: Lmaga
Ghibli Park Exhibition Osaka
For Ghibli fans who can’t make it to Nagoya, this exhibition offers the next best thing: a magical journey into the world of Studio Ghibli. The centerpiece is a massive three-dimensional Haku in dragon form from Spirited Away, alongside recreated scenes from Porco Rosso and When Marnie Was There that serve as interactive photo spots. The Mini Ghibli Park installation is a life-sized board game where visitors move through the five areas of the actual Ghibli Park, discovering miniature buildings and participating in activities. The Drawing Food section reveals the behind-the-scenes artistry of Ghibli’s famous animated meals, featuring storyboards, background art, and a recreation of the Kusakabe family dining table from My Neighbor Totoro. Note that photography is only allowed in designated areas, and re-entry is not allowed.
Date: July 18th – September 26th
Time: 9 am – 5 pm (Last entry at 4:30 pm)
Admission: ¥1,900 (adults), ¥1,600 (junior/high school), ¥1,000 (ages 4-elementary), free for 3 and under
Address: 〒559-0034 Osaka, Suminoe Ward, Nankokita, 2 Chome−1−10 ITM棟 2階
Website: https://ghiblipark-exhibition.jp/osaka/index.html
Delicious rainbow-colored ice cream at Aipaku – Photo Credit: Let’s Enjoy Tokyo
Osaka Ice Cream Expo
Osaka Ice Cream Expo, also called Aipaku, is a perfect choice to escape the summer heat through Japan’s largest ice cream festival, where dessert paradise awaits under one air-conditioned roof. The Ice Cream Expo brings together an incredible selection of premium soft serves, regional gelatos, and creative seasonal flavors. You’ll find tempting creations like -8°C pudding soft serve topped with even more pudding, farm-fresh Jersey milk ice cream from Hokkaido, pistachio parfait loaded with Sicilian nuts and crispy filo strands, and peach gelato sourced directly from Yamanashi orchards. Beyond the sweets, handmade ice cream-themed goods make for perfect souvenirs. Remember that the expo is completely cashless, so come prepared with your preferred payment method.
Date: Early to Mid-August (TBC)
Time: 10 am – 8 pm
Admission: Free (Note: Whilst last year’s expo was free, official details of the event are yet to be released, so pricing could change)
Website: https://www.i-89.jp/
Shitennoji during the Bon Festival with lit candles – Photo Credit: Abeno
The Shitennoji Bon Festival
The Shitennoji Bon Festival offers a deeply spiritual and culturally rich experience at one of Japan’s oldest temples. During this Obon celebration (13th – 16th), visitors can honor ancestors through traditional rituals, including sutra recitations by monks, incense offerings, and the floating of wooden prayer slips at Kameido Hall. The temple grounds change in the evenings when thousands of special candles are lit. Each candle bears the name of someone who has passed away, and the sight is truly beautiful and peaceful. The main attraction is the lively Bon Odori dancing that happens on certain evenings. Here, visitors can join locals in traditional dances passed down from generation to generation. And if at any point you feel thirsty or hungry, don’t worry, because the whole place is full of food stalls where you can choose whatever you fancy most.
Date: August 9th – 16th (Candles lit daily, Bon Odori on August 11th – 12th)
Time: Candles 5 pm – 8 pm, Bon Odori starts at dusk
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Chome-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051
Website: https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/event/8/#event2294
Summer Sonic concert at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park – Photo Credit: Summersonic
Summer Sonic Osaka 2026
Summer Sonic is one of Asia’s biggest music festivals, bringing together an incredible lineup of international and Japanese artists across multiple stages. Held simultaneously in Tokyo and Osaka, the festival features five stages: Air, Mountain, Sonic, Massive, and Pavilion. These showcase diverse genres from pop and rock to electronic and hip-hop. Past lineups have included major artists like Alicia Keys, Camila Cabello, Fall Out Boy, and J Balvin. The biggest Japanese artists on this year’s lineup include ADO, Babymetal, and L’Arc-en-Ciel, among many others. Representing South Korea, artists like Jennie, AKMU, and Le Sserafim. The international lineup is equally impressive, featuring artists including Jamiroquai, Alex Warren, Pentatonix, Boy Soda, and the new boy band December 10, along with many other outstanding performers. The festival takes place at the expansive Osaka Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, where you can also enjoy food stalls that offer a wide variety of cuisines, and early morning entry tickets are available for those wanting to secure spots close to their favorite stages.
Date: August 14th – 16th
Time: Doors open at 10:00 am; performances until approximately 10:00 pm
Admission: ¥18,500 – ¥54,000 (check the prices here)
Address: 1 Senribanpakukōen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826
Website: https://www.summersonic.com/
Fireworks display during the Senshu Festival – Photo Credit: Yakei Fan
Senshu Fireworks Festival
Prepare for an explosion of color at the Senshu Fireworks Festival, featuring a massive 45-minute display launched from three separate points over the sea. With Kansai International Airport in the background, the spectacle offers a unique backdrop as planes take off against the illuminated night sky. The festival goes beyond fireworks with food trucks, live performances, Bon dances, games, and even a drone show. All seats are paid for, and children get a discount, so before you buy the seats, make sure to select the child discount option for them.
Date: August 22nd
Time: 3 pm (entry), 7:30 pm (starting time), 8:30 pm (end)
Admission: From ¥5,500 – ¥220,000 (Check the prices here)
Address: 2-201 Rinkuminamihama, Sennan, Osaka 590-0535
Website: https://sbimusiccircus.co.jp/sbimaihanabi/sennan/EN
People dancing Bon Odori – Photo Credit: Kimono Daifukuya
Minami-Mido Osaka Bon Dance
Dance your heart out at one of Osaka’s largest Bon dance celebrations, the Minami-Mido Bon Odori at Namba Betsuin Temple (also known as Minami-Mido). This beloved event began after World War II as a way to bring joy and community spirit to Osaka’s citizens, honoring Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Expect to be entertained by traditional Japanese folk music and dances from across Japan, performed against the historic backdrop of the temple. The first 300 attendees each day receive a fun coupon for food stalls and a bamboo fan, with special guests like TV personality Tatsuo and official mascot Button-kun adding to the festive atmosphere.
Date: August 27th – 28th
Time: 6 pm – 9:30 pm
Admission: Free
Address: 4 Chome-1-11 Kyutaromachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 541-0056
Website: https://minamimido.jp/
Summer in Osaka is pure magic, and August is when it truly comes alive. From street dances to sky-high fireworks, mouthwatering treats to Ghibli dreams, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t just visit, immerse yourself, make memories, and let Osaka’s incredible energy sweep you off your feet. This is summer at its very best!
Featured Photo Credit: Osaka
