As the winter comes to an end, the cherry blossoms are soon to bloom, and the temperatures make it easier and easier to get out and do fun things in Japan! If you’re planning a trip to Osaka in March, keep reading. We’ve curated some of the best events going on in Osaka in March 2024.
Miyoshi Nagayoshi Warrior Parade – Photo Credit: Daito City
Miyoshi Nagayoshi Warrior Parade
This parade celebrates Miyoshi Nagayoshi, a Japanese samurai who ruled over seven provinces of what is called the Kansai region of Japan today. This is the area of Japan where Osaka Prefecture sits, so naturally the parade is held there annually in Daito City. The parade starts and ends in Daito’s Hojo Park, and it’s free to attend! Parade participants dress up in traditional garb and parade around the city.
Events typically include food stalls, local produce sales, music, sword fighting shows, and a castle bounce house for the little ones. This event is very family-friendly, and the locals always bring out their kids, so feel free to bring the whole family!
Date: March 2, 2024
Location: Hojo Park, Daito City (take the JR Touzai-Gakkentoshi Line from Osaka City heading toward Matsuiyamate and get off at Shijonawate Station)
Start/End Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Fees: Free
Website: https://www.atpress.ne.jp/news/383927 (Japanese only)
Photo Credit: Osaka Asian Film Festival
Osaka Asian Film Festival
The Osaka Asian Film Festival is an annual event showcasing films from all over Asia. Films are submitted to the festival annually and compete for various awards.
The festival lasts for over a week, with different showings each day, so it’s worth it to go to their website linked below and check the schedule before buying tickets. Screenings also take place at different venues, so be careful when going to see your chosen films. Most films are shown with English and Japanese subtitles, but be sure to check the website to be certain.
Date: March 1 – March 10, 2024
Location: Various (see website below)
Start/End Time: Various (see website below)
Fees: Vary from 1,000 yen to around 1,300 yen per ticket. Tickets on sale online from February 21.
Website: https://oaff.jp/en/oaff2024/schedule/
Sumo – Photo Credit: Bob Fisher on Unsplash
Osaka March Grand Sumo Tournament
Sumo is a must-see when you come to Japan, and in March it comes to Osaka! This is the second of the six annual sumo tournaments, and there’s nothing better than seeing it up close and in person.
Tickets are sold online from early February and even earlier if booked as part of an overseas tour. Tickets are unfortunately already sold out everywhere for this year’s event, so if you’re hoping to go this year, you may need to turn to resellers online, which are a pretty reliable, but more expensive way to find tickets to these events.
Dates: March 10 – March 24, 2024
Location: Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium (Edion Arena)
Start/End Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fees: Several tiers from arena seating (3,500 yen) to Class S seating (20,000 yen) and box seating (over 40,000 yen)
Website: https://www.sumo.or.jp/EnTicket/year_schedule
Cherry blossoms at Osaka Castle Park – Photo Credit: Bagus Pangetsu on Pexels
Cherry Blossom Viewing
The end of March is the prime cherry blossom season in Osaka. Expect locals to be out in droves to local parks to partake in picnics and festivals. The blossoms are expected to peak around March 24th this year and last until April 1st. They may come a bit early though this year due to an unexpectedly warm February, so keep an eye out on the official Japan Meteorological Corporation site to get the latest updates on peak days.
There are many great places to see the blossoms, but one of the best is Osaka Castle Park. They will be hosting a nighttime cherry blossom illumination this year, meaning it’s worth going in the day and night to see the cherry trees in different ways. They will also be hosting daytime barbecue rentals in the park during this period and will even sell ingredients on-site, so it’s a great opportunity to enjoy some food and check out the cherry blossoms with the whole family!
Dates: Vary depending on bloom, but generally last week of March to early April
Location: We recommend Osaka Castle Park
Start/End Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last admission 8:30 PM)
Fees: 350 yen/person for illumination, general park entry is free
Website: https://www.osakacastlepark.jp/springfes/en/event/#event-04
Sennan Oyster Festival – Credit: https://www.tryhardjapanevent.com/oyster-festival
Sennan Oyster Festival
The Sennan Oyster Festival comes to a close this month, so be sure to get over there and check it out if you’re a seafood lover! The festival offers a tantalizing experience with free samples, oyster tastings, and gourmet oyster dishes available for purchase. They are holding a special seafood fair on the 2nd only, so check it out then if you’re available.
Dates: March 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17th, 2024. Special seafood fair event held on the 2nd.
Location: Sennan Long Park
Start/End Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Fees: Free to enter, food costs additional
Website: https://www.tryhardjapanevent.com/oyster-festival
With the fading winter and spring bringing beautiful cherry blossoms and a bunch of unique goods and events along with them, this month truly is going to be a great one to get out there and explore all Osaka has to offer. From taking in the illuminated cherry blossoms in the evening at Osaka Castle Park to seeing sumo in person all the way to taking in some great new films from across Asia, there are so many great things to experience in Osaka this March.
Feature photo credit: Satoshi Hirayama via Pexels
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