January in Osaka is crisp, festive, and full of contrasts. The New Year sets a reflective tone across the city, while bright illuminations, lively festivals, and indulgent winter sweets keep the atmosphere cheerful and warm. From centuries-old temple rituals to cutting-edge immersive art, Osaka in January offers a balance of tradition and modern entertainment that feels uniquely Kansai. Fewer crowds and clear winter skies also make it an excellent time to explore the city at a relaxed pace.
Below are some of the best events and seasonal experiences to enjoy in Osaka in January 2026, each offering a different lens into local culture, winter traditions, and contemporary fun.
Osaka Illuminage – Photo Credit: Mai.Chayakorn
Illuminage
Illuminage is one of Kansai’s most popular winter light-up events, transforming large outdoor spaces into glowing fantasy landscapes. Millions of LED lights create themed zones inspired by nature, seasonal motifs, and imaginative worlds, making it ideal for evening strolls and photography. January is a particularly good time to visit, as the colder air sharpens the colors and crowds are lighter after the New Year holidays.
Date: November 1, 2025 ~ February 1, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM ~ 10:00 PM
Location: 2 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Admission Fee: ¥1,000 ~ ¥2,000
Website: https://illuminagegroup.com/
Kaiyukan illumination “Namima” – Photo Credit: Kaiyukan
Kaiyukan Illumination “Namima”
Set against the iconic Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, this seaside illumination event brings gentle waves of light to the Tempozan Harbor Village. The name Namima reflects the rhythm of ocean waves, with blue and white lights designed to echo the surrounding bay. The illuminations pair beautifully with a winter walk along the waterfront, especially after visiting the aquarium itself.
Date: November 14, 2025 ~ March 1, 2026
Location: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan
Admission Fee: Free
Website: https://www.kaiyukan.com/seascape_namima/
Redhorse Osaka Wheel – Photo Credit: Sora News 24
Sky Kotatsu Ferris Wheel
Winter meets whimsy on the Redhorse Osaka Wheel, which features seasonal kotatsu cabins and is also known as the Sky Kotatsu Ferris Wheel. A kotatsu (炬燵) is a traditional Japanese heated table with a blanket, and these special gondolas recreate that cozy experience in the sky. Wrapped in warmth while overlooking the Osaka skyline, this is a memorable way to enjoy the cold season without actually feeling cold.
Date: December 1, 2025 ~ February 28, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM ~ 8:00 PM; Weekends & holidays 11:00 AM ~ 9:00 PM
Location: 2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan
Admission Fee: ¥1,600 ~ ¥2,600
Website: https://osaka-wheel.com/
End of year celebration – Photo Credit: Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan – NO LIMIT! Countdown 2026
Ring in the New Year with one of Japan’s most energetic countdown celebrations. Universal Studios Japan hosts an all-night event filled with live entertainment, special parades, fireworks, and access to popular attractions. January 1 is spent riding thrill rides, enjoying exclusive shows, and celebrating the New Year in a uniquely cinematic way.
Date: December 31, 2025 ~ January 1, 2026
Time: December 31, 2025 7:00 PM ~ January 1, 2026 9:00 PM
Location: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
Admission Fee: Party Pass required; starts around ¥16,900 (prices vary)
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/events/countdown-2026/no-limit-countdown-2026
Imamiya Ebisu Shrine – Photo Credit: The Villa Studio
Toka Ebisu Festival
Toka Ebisu (十日戎, festival praying for business prosperity) is one of Osaka’s most important traditional January events. Held at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, it draws merchants, entrepreneurs, and visitors hoping for success and good fortune in the year ahead. The shrine grounds buzz with food stalls, performances, and the cheerful sound of visitors clapping to call Ebisu, the god of commerce.
Date: January 9 ~ 11, 2026
Location: 1 Chome-6-10 Ebisunishi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0003, Japan
Admission Fee: Free
Website: https://www.imamiya-ebisu.jp/
Shitennō-ji Doyadoya Festival – Photo Credit: Arvydas Kumpis
Shitennō-ji Doyadoya Festival
Held at one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, the Shitennō-ji Doyadoya Festival is a powerful and visually striking event. Participants compete in ritual contests while chanting and moving energetically, symbolizing prayers for health and good harvests. The festival has deep historical roots and offers a rare chance to witness living tradition in an urban setting.
Date: January 14, 2026
Location: 1 Chome-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051, Japan
Admission Fee: Free
Website: https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/
Mt. Fuji ukiyo-e – Photo Credit: Ukiyoe Immersive Art Exhibition OSAKA
Ukiyo-e Immersive Art
This immersive exhibition reimagines ukiyo-e (浮世絵, Edo-period woodblock prints and paintings) through large-scale digital projections, sound, and motion. Famous works by masters such as Hokusai and Hiroshige are brought to life, allowing visitors to step inside scenes of historical Japan. January is an excellent time to visit, as indoor cultural attractions provide a warm and enriching winter experience.
Date: January 17, 2026 ~ March 14, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM ~ 8:00 PM
Location: 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
Admission Fee: ¥1,300 ~ ¥2,000
Website: https://www.ukiyoeimmersiveart.com/osaka
Chocolate Expo 2026 promotion – Photo Credit: Hankyu Department Store
Valentine’s Chocolate Expo 2026
Osaka’s department stores go all out for Valentine’s season, and this chocolate expo held at Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store is one of the highlights. Featuring premium Japanese chocolatiers and international brands, the event showcases limited-edition sweets, artistic confections, and tasting opportunities. In Japan, Valentine’s Day is traditionally about gifting chocolate, making January the perfect time to explore and sample.
Date: January 21, 2026 ~ February 14, 2026
Location: 8-7 Kakudacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-8350
Admission Fee: Free
Website: https://website.hankyu-dept.co.jp/honten/h/valentine/
Tasty strawberry sweets – Photo Credit: Restaurant Lorraine
Strawberry Sweets Buffet 2026
Winter marks the peak of strawberry season in Japan, and this buffet celebrates the fruit in all its forms. Cakes, parfaits, tarts, and seasonal desserts are paired with savory items for balance. It is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity.
Date: January 10, 2026 ~ April 29, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM
Location: 2 Chome-1-38 Higashinodamachi, Miyakojima Ward, Osaka, 534-0024, Japan
Admission Fee: ¥2,000 ~ ¥5,500
Website: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/lorraine/reserve
January in Osaka blends quiet seasonal charm with bursts of color, flavor, and tradition. Whether you are warming up inside a Ferris wheel kotatsu, praying for prosperity at Toka Ebisu, or indulging in winter sweets, the city offers experiences that feel both comforting and exciting. With fewer tourists and a strong sense of renewal in the air, January 2026 is a wonderful time to discover Osaka from a fresh perspective and start the year with unforgettable memories.
Feature Photo Credit: Kingmaya Studio
