November is a great time to be in Osaka, a vibrant city that blends contemporary lifestyles with rich cultural heritage. While the autumn foliage may come a bit later than usual to Osaka this year, the city’s bustling energy, traditional festivals, evening fireworks, and spectacular cuisine are more than enough reasons to plan a trip to Osaka this November. Here are some of the few things you can do to maximize your Osaka experience. So let’s get started.
Start November in Osaka with a bang at Osaka Hanabi 2024 – Photo Credit: https://www.osakafireworks.com/
Fireworks at Osaka Hanabi 2024
If you enjoy fireworks, make sure to check out the Osaka Hanabi 2024, or the Great Sky Art Fireworks to be held at Rinku Park, in Izumisano City, Osaka. Get ready for 50 minutes of breathtaking fireworks along the coastline, synchronized to music, conducted by Japan’s top pyrotechnicians. Thanks to specially designed barges, visitors can expect unique on-the-water performances, making it a must-see event for visitors to Osaka. Also, don’t miss the sunset at Marble Beach before the show. It’s a ticketed event, so buy your tickets in advance before you visit.
Dates: November 2nd, 2024, 6:00 pm onwards (seating begins at 3:00 pm)
Location: Rinku Park, Izumisano City, Osaka
Website: Osaka Fireworks Official Site
Please refer to the website for more ticketing and other details
Learn about Japan’s Korean connection – Photo Credit: www.wasso.net
Celebrate Japan’s multi-cultural ties at Shitennoji Wasso Matsuri
The Shitennoji Wasso Matsuri is a vibrant cultural festival that celebrates international ties between Japan and its neighboring countries and offers a glimpse of how these international exchanges have helped shape modern Japan. Osaka has always been a thriving trade hub, and this festival was started precisely to remind new generations about Osaka’s rich trade and cultural history, especially its connections with the Korean peninsula and China. Today, the Shitennoji Wasso festival draws a lot of local as well as international visitors, and one of the most popular features is its historical parade, which re-enacts different ancient delegations traveling to Japan. Participants from different countries and communities, dress up in costumes from their past, and briefly transport spectators to the past, with their vibrant performances and dances. It’s also a great time to enjoy Korean music and K-pop events in Japan. As a unique blend of ancient history and modern entertainment, the Shitennoji Wasso is a must-see for anybody who is fascinated by East Asian history.
Dates: November 3, 2024, from 10.30 am to 5.00 pm
Location: Naniwa-no-Miya Palace Remains, Osaka
Website: Shitennoji Wasso Website
Please refer to the website for more details
The Sukunahikona Shrine – Photo Credit: WolfgangMichel, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pray for good health at Shinno-sai Matsuri
For almost 200 years, the Shinno-sai or Tome no Matsuri has been held each year in November, at Osaka’s Sukunahikona Shrine, making it an intangible aspect of Osaka’s culture. It began around the early 19th century, at a time when Japan was struggling with a cholera outbreak. During this time of crisis, the people offered prayers to the kami, Japanese spirits, and especially to Shinnosan, the God of Medicine, in hopes of stopping the pandemic. This faith is what led to the Shinno-sai festival, which to this day remains a celebration of health, where people gather to pray for protection from illness and disease. As part of the traditions, people buy Shintora bamboo grass charms, as a health amulet, in the shape of a tiger, to ward off sickness and attract good health. According to stories, this amulet symbolizes tiger bones, which were once used in traditional medicine. During the festival, the streets along the shrine are filled with stalls selling all kinds of traditional food and arts & crafts. Whether you’re curious about Japanese culture, love historical festivals, or simply want to enjoy the festive ambiance, the Shinnosan Festival offers something authentically Osakan to all visitors.
Dates: November 22nd and 23rd, 2024 from 10 am to 8 pm
Location: Sukunahikona Shrine, Osaka, Japan
Website: https://www.sinnosan.jp
Please refer to the website for more details
Experience the energy of a 600-year-old art form – Photo Credit: Sawai Susao, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Immerse yourself in the world of Noh Theatre
Fans of the theatre and the performing arts must check out the Osaka Noh Festa 2024, a popular cultural event celebrating Noh theatre. One of Japan’s oldest performing arts, dating back almost 600 years, Noh is known for its slow movements, spiritual themes, elegant minimalism, and fusion of dance, drama, and music. The Osaka Noh Festa offers bilingual performances as well as interactive workshops, at various venues across Osaka, all through November. Experience Noh chanting, mask-making, and dancing, in immersive sessions that give a unique glimpse into this centuries-old art form. It will also give visitors a chance to engage in traditional tea ceremonies, which explore the connection between Noh and the traditional Japanese tea culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Japan or a seasoned traveler, the Osaka Noh Festa 2024 is an unmissable experience for anyone who loves Japanese tradition and culture.
Dates: Through November 2024
Location: Multiple venues, including Yamamoto Noh Theatre and Choyo Kaikan Noh Stage
Website: Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau
Please refer to the website for more details
Takoyaki – Photo Credit: Arigato Travel
Indulge at the Bar Festa Ibaraki in Japan’s Kitchen
One of the highlights of Osaka’s culinary calendar this November will be Bar Festa Ibaraki 2024. A must-visit festival for cocktail enthusiasts, craft beer lovers, and foodies in general, the event brings together local bars, restaurants, and food vendors. The event operates on a passport system, where attendees purchase a festival “passport”, which allows them to enjoy drinks and dishes at participating venues, at highly discounted rates. The simple passport system makes it easy to explore different spots and sample a wide range of beverages, as well as live music and party vibes at the different venues.
Dates: November 15th to 24th, 2024
Location: Across various venues in Osaka
Website: Bar Festa Ibaraki 2024
Please refer to the website for more details
In November, Osaka transforms into a city brimming with exciting events, cultural festivities, and vibrant displays of autumn colors. Whether you’re exploring the Shitennoji Wasso parade, marveling at the beauty of Osaka Castle, or enjoying the traditional performances at the Osaka Noh Festa, there is no shortage of things to do this November in the city. Just step out and immerse yourself in the spirit of Osaka. Happy adventures in Osaka!
Feature photo credit: Kingmaya Studio
