July in Osaka is a time of year like nothing you’ve ever experienced before! With summer now officially in full swing, Japan’s culinary capital is transformed into a land of celebration, atmosphere, tradition, and culture. From never-before-seen art exhibitions, festivals, and even anime-themed events, there is no end to the fun that can be found this month in Osaka! And with so many things to discover and see, we know it can seem a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, that’s why we’re here today with July’s edition of our Things To Do in Osaka series, to show you some of the best things you can find this month! So stay tuned, we’re sure you’ll find something perfect for you!
An Aizen Musume taking part in the Hoe Kago Parade – Credit: Journal4
Aizen Matsuri
Boasting a history of over 1,000 years, the Aizen Matsuri is one of Osaka’s three major summer festivals, alongside the Tenjin Matsuri and the Sumiyoshi Matsuri. Also known as the “Yukata Festival,” it is considered the first summer matsuri and thus signals the arrival of the season. The main attraction is the Hoe Kago parade, which features the year’s Aizen Musume being paraded around in a hoe kago, a special kind of palanquin named after the Hoei era. Each year, hundreds of girls apply to become an Aizen Musume, looking to promote Osaka, culture, and beauty. Seeing the parade of the eight finalists and joining in on all the fun and celebration is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience you don’t want to miss!
Address: 5-36 Yuhigaokacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0075, Japan
Dates: June 30th – July 2nd
Entry: Free
Website: https://www.aizendo.com/festival.htm
Official poster for the Japan Fireworks Expo – Credit: Osaka Expo Official Website
Osaka Kansai Expo Fireworks
As part of the long-awaited Osaka Expo this year, the “Japan Fireworks Expo” is being held on-site in Osaka! The event showcases the absolute best of Japan’s world-class pyrotechnics, combining a celebration of this timeless tradition with modern elements. Gathering pyrotechnicians all over the country, the Japan Association hopes to share the culture and traditions of Japanese Fireworks with the world and help them rediscover one of the amazing charms of this country. This month, there will be a special show that will last about 20-30 minutes on the 23rd of July, but there are also dates in August, September, and October, just without the special show. Whether you’re attending the regular show or the special showcasing, you are absolutely going to witness a fireworks show you’ll never forget.
Address: Japan, 〒532-0011 Osaka, Yodogawa Ward, Nishinakajima, 5 Chome−16−1 JR 新大阪駅
Dates: 21st of July and 23rd of July
Entry: Free for the Fireworks Display. Will need to buy tickets for the Expo.
Website: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/news/news-20240909-03/
One of the traditional mikoshi participating in the Tenjin Matsuri parade – Credit: Jasonyan
Tenjin Matsuri
Although typically held across Japan, the Tenjin Matsuri held in Osaka is particularly special, being not only one of Osaka’s top three but also one of the three major festivals in the country! Originally beginning in the year 951, this summer matsuri is filled with rituals, dance, music, and a mikoshi procession that help create a timeless and majestic atmosphere. It’s easy to get enveloped in this atmosphere, joining in on the fun and celebration, whilst also enjoying some traditional summer festival foods. Then, come night, a beautiful boat procession begins, carrying the mikoshi across the river, and some of the boats even have bonfires on them! Afterwards, the night ends with a traditional fireworks show over the Okawa River, creating a breathtaking finale for two days full of tradition and culture. If you get a chance to go, you’ll soon see just why this is such a treasured celebration throughout all of Japan.
Address: 2 Chome-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041, Japan
Dates: July 24th – July 25th
Entry: Free
Website: https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/saijireki/tjm
Official Poster for the Umeda Yukata Festival – Credit: Umeda Connect
Umeda Yukata Festival
Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you can’t get involved in cultural traditions. In fact, it’s the perfect time of year to try on a yukata, the beautiful traditional outfit created for the hotter weather! In Umeda, wearing a yukata is a full-blown celebration held across the whole month of July, transforming the city into a magical summer celebration. But it’s not just about creating a perfect photo opportunity; there will be incredible discounts for those dressed up and pop-up events throughout Umeda. If you’re looking for a stylish way to celebrate summer, along with getting involved with Japanese culture, then make sure to grab a yukata and keep an eye on their website for all the seasonal events they have planned!
Locations: Various locations across Umeda, check their website for the full list.
Dates: July 1st – July 31st (details scheduled to release on June 25th)
Entry: Could depend on the venue
Website: https://umeda-connect.jp/yukata/matsuri2025/
Festival participants carrying the matsuri’s massive mikoshi across the river – Credit: Sumiyoshi Taisha Official Website
Sumiyoshi Festival
Now that we’ve covered both the Aizen and Tenjin Matsuris, it’s time to move on to the final member of Osaka’s big three summer festivals, the Sumiyoshi Matsuri! Held every year from the 30th of July to the 1st of August, the festival holds special significance and a history of purification for all of Osaka, especially when it comes to the massive mikoshi procession. Also known as Owatori, this particular parade isn’t just a highlight of the festival, but stands apart from other similar events with its incredible size. The mikoshi itself, originally made in 1881, is said to weigh about 2 tons and is carried from Sumiyoshi Taisha to Shukuin Tongu by 300 to 400 bearers! It’s a spectacular sight to see, especially if you can get a spot along the Yamato River. Of course, as foodies, we also have to suggest you grab yourself some traditional summer festival foods, trust us, you won’t regret it!
Address: 2 Chome-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0045, Japan
Dates: July 30th – August 1st
Entry: Free
Website: https://sumiyoshitaisha.net/events/special.html#anchor02
Promotional Poster for the Exhibition – Credit: Van Gogh Museum Website
Van Gogh’s Home: The Painter’s Legacy, the Family Collection, the Ongoing Story
Calling all art lovers, this one’s for you! Van Gogh is one of the biggest names in the world of art, with many of his paintings becoming some of the most recognizable artworks you can find. And, of course, this is all with good reason; after all, he was a phenomenal painter with an amazing dream, to create works of art that evoke a sense of consolation and would be viewed for centuries. A dream kept lovingly alive by his family, and now, from July 5th to August 31st, you can discover just how they did this at this special exhibit at the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts. Focusing on telling this unique and unseen story of Van Gogh’s art, this is a must-see event you’re not going to want to miss!
Address: 1-82 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0063, Japan
Dates: July 5th – August 31st
Entry: Adults – Advanced: ¥2,000, At the door: ¥2,200
Children – Advanced: ¥300, At the door: ¥500
Students – Advanced: ¥1,100, At the door: ¥1,300
Website: https://gogh2025-26.jp/english/
Two girls wearing yukata preparing to release a lantern at the festival – Credit: Senshu Beach Lantern Official Website
Senshu Beach Lantern Festival
Definitely one of the more magical events on this list. At the Senshu Beach Lantern Festival, thousands of lanterns are set free, illuminating the sky and shoreline. What makes this event even more special is that each participant entrusts their worries, burdens, and stress into the lantern, ultimately releasing them alongside the lanterns into the sky. Combined together create not only a breathtaking view, but a transformative, cultural, and traditional experience that is sure to leave you feeling a sense of peace. Even if you don’t feel like getting involved with the lantern releasing, you can still get involved in the atmosphere just by watching the beautiful scene. In fact, on their website, there are plenty of options available for special seating, including couple-seating, making it a perfect romantic summertime event!
Address: 1-271 Rinkūōraikita, Izumisano, Osaka 598-0048, Japan
Dates: July 5th – July 6th
Entry: Check their website for the full price list for seating and lantern releasing tickets
Website: https://www.senshu-beachlantern.com/
Incredible 3D representation of one of Tadao Ando’s best works – Credit: Official Website
Tadao Ando: Youth 2025
If you love the works of Tadao Ando, this is an event you do not want to miss! Born in Osaka, this self-taught architect gained international recognition for his unique, amazing architectural designs. And to celebrate not only his works, but the amazing area he hails from, the exhibit Tadao Ando: Youth 2025 was created. Depicting a comprehensive view of Ando’s journey, challenges, and incredible works in a unique 3d representation, it’s not hard to become enveloped in the passion and energy he created. Even the location of the event is special, as the venue VS. found in Grand Green Osaka is a key part of Osaka’s urban regeneration project, something Ando is deeply passionate about and involved in. So if you like architectural designs, and stories like none other, then look no further than the Tadao Ando: Youth 2025 exhibition!
Address: Ofukacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
Dates: March 20th – July 21st
Entry: ¥1,800
Website: https://vsvs.jp/exhibitions/tadao-ando-youth/
One of the only surviving Daigaku on display at Ikune Shrine – Credit: Kansai Odyssey
Daigaku Festival at Ikune Shrine
This is an event that you won’t be able to experience anywhere else. Daigaku are traditional structures with rows of lanterns that were said to be used in rain-making rituals, but today, only two are said to survive, both of which are housed at Ikune Shrine. That’s why every summer, on the 24th and 25th of July, these amazing structures are put on display in celebration, accompanied by traditional drums and cheering from the audience. But that’s not all, smaller Daigaku created for the event are paraded through the park by hundreds of participants as part of a procession called the “Daigaku-katsugi”. The whole festival is something to be admired, being a piece of treasured history and culture, creating an atmosphere that is sure to captivate you long after you return home.
Address: 2 Chome-1-10 Tamadenishi, Nishinari Ward, Osaka, 557-0045, Japan
Dates: July 24th – July 25th
Entry: Free
Website: https://www.ikune.net/daigaku.php?top=3&top3=1&moji=1
Official poster for the Louis Vuitton Exhibit at Nakanoshima Museum of Art – Credit: Louis Vuitton Official Website
Louis Vuitton: Visionary Journeys
As part of their involvement in the World Expo Osaka 2025, Louis Vuitton has created this unique, immersive experience with the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka. Celebrating 170 years, the exhibit takes visitors on an amazing journey through multiple rooms inspired by savoir-faire, creation, and innovation. It’s a new and creative way to experience one of fashion’s biggest brands, making it a must-see whilst you’re in Osaka.
Address: 4 Chome-3-1 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0005, Japan
Dates: July 15th – September 17th
Entry: Check the website for official ticket prices
Website: Museum – https://nakka-art.jp/en/exhibition-post/louisvuitton-2025-en/
Louis Vuitton – https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/magazine/articles/osaka-2025
Universal Studios Japan’s banner for their One Piece Event – Credit: Universal Studios Japan
One Piece Premier Summer 2025
Be on the lookout, One Piece fans, this Universal Studios Japan event is sure to get you excited! As is typical of this beloved theme park, this One Piece-themed event is packed to the brim with different shows and pop-ups that celebrate the absolute best of the Straw Hat Crew! One particular thing that definitely caught my attention has to be Sanji’s Pirate Restaurant, a pop-up restaurant where you can not only taste Sanji’s amazing cooking but also experience his famed hospitality firsthand! But that’s not all, there’s also an epic showdown between the Straw Hats and the Navy, all live before you’re very eyes! Honestly, there isn’t much else you can ask for as an anime fan!
Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
Dates: July 1st – October 6th
Entry: Check Universal Studios Japan’s Website for admissions and tickets
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/events/onepiece/summer-2025
Logo for popular sushi restaurant Kura Sushi – Credit: Kura Sushi Official Website
Kura Sushi at Osaka Expo 2025
If you love sushi, I’m sure you’re familiar with Sushi Train Restaurants, also known as Kaitenzushi in Japanese. But, to celebrate the World Expo Osaka 2025, Kura Sushi has decided to take this beloved dining style to a whole new level… by creating the world’s longest sushi train! So, you’re probably wondering what length classifies a world’s longest? Well, hold on, because this sushi train is an amazing 135 meters long, featuring a long lineup of sushi, with flavors from around the world! To give you an idea of how long this is, it’s longer than a Boeing 747. Incredible, right? But this isn’t all, even the building itself is a thing of wonder, with the exterior walls made from 336,000 recycled seashells. These walls, alongside their famous antibacterial sushi dome, all speak to Kura’s longtime commitment to sustainability. This is certainly a pop-up restaurant you don’t want to miss whilst enjoying the Expo in Osaka!
Address: Japan, 〒554-8089 Osaka, Konohana Ward, Yumeshimanaka, 1 Chome−地先 大阪・関西万博 企画局 L76－11 くら寿司大阪・関西万博店
Dates: April 13th – October 13th
Price: Starting from 150 yen per plate
Website: https://shop.kurasushi.co.jp/detail/650
There you have it, these are just some of the best things you can do this month in Osaka! Whether it’s culturally-rich festivals, celebrations of the art world, or even just taking part in a once-in-a-lifetime event for your favorite anime, there is truly something for everyone in the culinary capital. Not to mention all the fun that can be found thanks to the amazing World Expo, Osaka is truly filled to the brim with fun adventures just waiting to be found. So, grab your bags because Osaka is waiting for you. We can’t wait to see you there!
Featured Photo Credit: iamlukyeee
Ready for more Osaka fun to be found all year round? Check out our full list of Osaka Tours for more culinary adventures in this amazing part of Japan!
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