Osaka in February 2026: Setsubun Festivals, Illuminations & Things to Do

Osaka events Published: Jan 21, 2026

In 2025, I made four research trips to Osaka where I personally experienced recommended spots for international visitors and local events. I created this guide to introduce the events that I found particularly captivating.Based on my experience, I've carefully selected only the events that I can wholeheartedly recommend.

Another reason for writing this article is the recent growing attention on Magical Trip tours, which offer a deeper experience of Osaka.

Popular tours like the "Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba" and "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai" are just as impressive as the "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku," which was ranked #1 among all tours on TripAdvisor in 2024.When visiting Osaka, I recommend trying Magical Trip tours to experience a more authentic side of the city.

Introduction

In February, Osaka's temperature ranges around 10°C at its highest, dropping to around 5°C on cold days. While snowfall is rare in Osaka, most people in the city wear coats or jackets along with scarves and gloves for protection against the cold.

Osaka is Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo, the capital. The city boasts numerous tourist attractions, including Osaka Castle and the internationally popular Universal Studios Japan. It's also a culinary paradise known for its unique food culture, featuring local specialties like Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki.

The city is home to many historical spots including shrines, and February in Osaka features numerous events related to "Setsubun," a traditional Japanese celebration. This article introduces the highlights, basic information, schedules, and access details for these events.

2026 Year-round Event calendar in Osaka↓

・Osaka: List of Events & Festivals for 2026

Traditional Events in Osaka - February 2026

Setsubun

Setsubun is a traditional Japanese celebration held around February 3rd each year to ward off evil spirits and pray for good health throughout the year. During Setsubun, there's a custom of throwing beans at demons (Oni), while chanting "Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi" (Demons out, Fortune in).

Another Setsubun tradition involves eating Ehomaki (a type of makisushi/sushi roll) whole while facing the lucky direction of the year to invite good fortune.

Originally a purification ritual performed at shrines, various Setsubun festivals (Setsubun Sai) are still held primarily at shrines during this season.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Setsubun Festival

Source: Official website

Sumiyoshi Taisha is a prestigious shrine with over 1,800 years of history. It's popular among visitors for its numerous attractions, including four main halls (Honden) designated as nationally protected buildings and a camphor tree (Kusunoki) over 1,000 years old.

The highlight of the annual "Sumiyoshi Taisha Setsubun Festival" is the Tsuinahosha Shiki ceremony, where archers shoot arrows at wooden boards marked with the character for "oni" (demon) to ward off evil spirits. The ceremony is performed by archery masters dressed in traditional kimono and headwear from Japan's samurai era. Visitors are captivated by the graceful archery movements performed according to traditional etiquette.

This event is highly recommended for those who want to experience a solemn Setsubun celebration that honors Japanese traditions.

Information
- Date: February 3, 2026 ⁑
- Access:
  - 3-minute walk from Sumiyoshitaisha Station on the Nankai Main Line
  - 5-minute walk from Sumiyoshi Higashi Station on the Nankai Koya Line
  - Right in front of Sumiyoshi Toriimae Station on the Hankai Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.sumiyoshitaisha.net/

If you are interested in Sumiyoshi Taisha, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.

Tsutenkaku Setsubun Bean Throwing Festival

Source: Abeno Keizai Shimbun

Tsutenkaku, famous as Osaka's landmark, holds an annual "Tsutenkaku Setsubun Bean Throwing Festival" (Tsutenkaku Setsubun Fukumame Maki). This traditional event, which has continued since 1957, is held to pray for the prosperity and happiness of the local Osaka people.

At the "Tsutenkaku Setsubun Bean Throwing Festival," lucky beans (fortune-bringing beans used in Setsubun) are thrown to participants in front of Tsutenkaku's entrance. Every year, the event attracts crowds as celebrities from various fields, including stage actors from popular anime and Olympic athletes, participate.

It's a lively event at Tsutenkaku, representing Osaka's vibrant cityscape, where the chant "Demons out, Fortune in" echoes throughout. When I participated, the energetic atmosphere that drove away the winter cold left a lasting impression. If you want to experience a bustling Setsubun festival, please join in.

<Information>
Date: Around February 1, 2026
Access:
- 3 minutes walk from Exit 3 of Ebisucho Station on Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line
- 3 minutes walk from Ebisucho Station on Hankai Tramway Hankai Line
- 6 minutes walk from Exit 1 of Dobutsuen-mae Station on Osaka Metro Midosuji Line
- 6 minutes walk from East Exit of Shin-Imamiya Station on JR Loop Line
- 10 minutes walk from West Exit of Shin-Imamiya Station on Nankai Main Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.tsutenkaku.co.jp/

Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine Setsubun Festival

Source: Official website

Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine is particularly known for its blessings in healing swellings and health-related matters. It's also famous for the "Ohyakudomairi" practice, where worshippers repeat a 100-time ritual of praying at the main shrine, returning to the Hyakudoishi (hundred-time stone), and back again. The shrine attracts many visitors from across Japan.

During the annual "Setsubun Festival" at Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine, lucky beans and Fuku Mochi (fortune-bringing rice cakes) are thrown from the second floor of the Ema-den (building where wooden prayer plaques are offered). The sight of many worshippers crowding to catch the thrown beans and mochi has become a trademark of the "Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine Setsubun Festival."

Some Fuku Mochi contain prize exchange tickets or lottery tickets. Why not try your luck at winning luxurious prizes while receiving the shrine's blessings?

<Information>
Date: February 3, 2026 (planned)
Access:
- 7 minutes walk from Shin-Ishikiri Station on Kintetsu Railway Keihanna Line
- 15 minutes walk from Ishikiri Station on Kintetsu Nara Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.ishikiri.or.jp/

If you are interested in winter in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy winter in Osaka as much as possible.

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine Setsubun Evil-Warding Grand Festival

Source: Official website

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine enshrines Michizane Sugawara, known as the deity of education. The main shrine building, where worship takes place, is a historic structure rebuilt in 1843 after surviving multiple fires.

Another attractive point of Osaka Tenmangu is that it has many buildings designated as particularly important for cultural inheritance by the nation, including the Baikaden, which stores the shrine's treasures.

At the "Setsubun Evil-Warding Grand Festival" (Setsubun Yakuyoke Taisai) held at Osaka Tenmangu, people in their unlucky years (Yakudoshi) receive special prayers to ward off misfortune and invite good luck.

A must-try experience at the "Osaka Tenmangu Setsubun Evil-Warding Grand Festival" is the "1,000 People Sushi Roll Eating" (Makisushi 1,000 people Marukaburi). You can participate in this special Setsubun experience where everyone simultaneously bites into free sushi rolls. As sushi rolls are available only for the first 1,000 people, make sure to get your numbered ticket distributed in the morning if you want to participate.

<Information>
Date: February 3, 2026
Access:
- 3 minutes walk from Exit 7 of Osaka Tenmangu Station on JR Tozai Line
- 5 minutes walk from Exit 4 of Minamimorimachi Station on Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line and Sakaisuji Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/

If you are interested in Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.

Dojima Yakushido Setsubun Omizukumi Festival

Source:Official website

The "Setsubun Omizukumi Festival" at Dojima Yakushido, a temple known for its unique exterior, is a festival that truly embodies Osaka as the "City of Water."

Sacred water, blessed and transported from Yakushiji Temple in Nara Prefecture, is distributed to local people. They take the water home in bamboo tube amulets and sprinkle it in front of their homes and shops, praying for prosperous business and good health.

What my foreign friends particularly enjoyed was the "Oni-oi Matsuri." It is truly spectacular to watch the demons released from Yakushido and the men who chase them away as they parade through the streets.

As dusk falls, a giant dragon and glamorous geisha parade through Kitashinchi, an upscale entertainment district. Since the surrounding bars also welcome guests in costumes, this Osaka event February 2026 is sometimes called the Japanese version of Halloween.

Enjoy the most colorfully decorated day of the year at Yakushido together with the locals!

<Information>
Date: February 3, 2026
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Tozai Line "Kitashinchi Station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.kita-shinchi.org/omizukumi.html

Osaka hosts numerous traditional events during January and February. However, it can be challenging for tourists to fully grasp Japanese culture and traditions on their own. That's why we recommend joining a Magical Trip tour beforehand.

With these tours, you'll have access to guides who are experts in Kyoto's culture and can show you the highlights and must-see events.

Plus, by deepening your understanding of Osaka's culture through the tour, you'll be able to enjoy the rest of your time in Osaka even more.

・5-Hour Osaka Highlights Bike Tour with Lunch

・Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

Ichiya Kannyo Festival

Source: Nikkei.com

The "Ichiya Kannyo Festival" is a traditional event held annually on February 20th at Nozato Sumiyoshi Shrine. The festival originated from a custom where safety for the area was prayed for by offering a young girl to the deity, due to frequent flooding from the river flowing through the Nozato Area.

While legends of human sacrifices (Hitomigoku) to deities exist throughout Japan, it is extremely rare for such traditions to be preserved as festivals. Due to its uniqueness and over 300-year history, the Ichiya Kannyo Festival has been designated by Osaka Prefecture as a particularly important cultural heritage that must be preserved.

The highlight of the Ichiya Kannyo Festival is the procession where selected young girls each year walk to the shrine wearing traditional costumes. We invite you to witness this solemn and quiet festival that expresses the poignant legend of the region.

<Information>
Date: February 20, 2026
Access:
- 10-minute walk from JR Tsukamoto Station West Exit
- 12-minute walk from Hanshin Electric Railway Himejima Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.osaka-jinjacho.jp/funai_jinja/dai5shibu/nishiyodogawa-ku/05021sumiyoshijinja.html

If you are interested in temples and shrines in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized temples and shrines I recommend and how I felt each spot.

Special February Experiences in Osaka

Osaka Marathon EXPO 2026

Source: Official website

The "Osaka Marathon EXPO 2026" is a charity and gourmet event held over two days before the Osaka Marathon.

At the Osaka Marathon EXPO 2026, you can experience Osaka's food culture at the food court in this city known as "Kuidaore no machi" (the city of extravagant food), and enjoy Osaka's comedy culture through stage performances in this "Warai no machi" (city of laughter).

With increasing international runner participation, the venue features English signage, making it accessible for non-Japanese speakers. Experience Osaka's cuisine and culture at this special Osaka Marathon EXPO 2026.

<Information>
Date: February 22-23, 2026
Access:
- 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro New Tram Nakafuto Station
- 8-minute walk from Trade Center mae Station
- 9-minute walk from Osaka Metro Chuo Line Cosmo Square Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.osaka-marathon.com/2025/expo/outline/

If you are interested in Osaka Expo 2025, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt about it.

Plum Blossoms (Osaka Castle Park)

Source: Official website

The plum grove (Bairin) in Osaka Castle Park, home to Osaka's symbolic Osaka Castle, reaches full bloom in February. Visitors can enjoy over 100 varieties of plum blossoms in pink, white, yellow, and other colors.

The highlight is viewing the emerald green Osaka Castle through the colorful plum blossoms. Even amateur photographers can capture professional-looking photos of Osaka Castle with the plum blossoms in the foreground.

As Osaka winters are cold, I recommend enjoying the plum blossoms while taking a leisurely walk with a hot drink from the park's café. Experience not only the visual beauty but also the sweet fragrance of the plum blossoms.

<Information>
Date: January to March 2026
Access:
- 9-minute walk from Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi Ryokuchi Line Osaka Business Park Station
- 12-minute walk from JR Kanjo Line Osakajokoen Station
- 13-minute walk from JR Kanjo Line/Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi Ryokuchi Line Morinomiya Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.osakacastlepark.jp/flower/plum_grove.html

If you are interested in Osaka Castle, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.

Special Experiences Only in Osaka in February 2026

Light Water Panorama Tour

Source:Official website

The "Light Water Panorama Tour" is a spectacular projection mapping that utilizes bridges over the Higashi Yokobori River. Visitors board a specially designed four-person raft and enjoy the show from the water.

This fantastical world, stretching approximately 650 meters and considered one of the largest in the world, offers an immersive experience you can only have here. One fascinating highlight is how the dazzling display of light and sound makes the bridge pillars appear as if they are moving.

The rafts are equipped with tables containing built-in heaters, so you can stay warm and comfortable even in the cold winter.

If you want to escape the crowds and leisurely enjoy a magical journey on the water, be sure to check this out. Since the experience is completely private, it is also highly recommended for families and couples!

<Information>
Date: Until February 28, 2026
Access: 3-minute walk from Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line "Sakaisuji Honmachi Station"
Admission: 3,000 yen (Monday–Thursday) / 3,500 yen (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays) (Reservation required)
Website: https://www.citysup.jp/event-2510-p/

Klimt Alive Osaka Exhibition

Source:Official website

"Klimt Alive" allows you to experience the works of Gustav Klimt, a Viennese painter active in the late 19th century, with your whole body. The massive 360-degree surrounding screens feature gold leaf-inspired effects, reflecting Klimt's fondness for Japanese art influences.

Classical music plays at high volume throughout the venue, and a sweet fragrance fills the air. The ability to fully immerse yourself using all five senses is what makes this exhibition so captivating.

Outside the exhibition area, there is an eat-in space and a bar counter where you can enjoy drinks and food. After viewing, I savored the lingering impressions while enjoying sparkling wine from a long-established Viennese winery.

This is recommended for those who want to forget the everyday and immerse themselves in the world of art within a gorgeous atmosphere.

<Information>
Date: Until March 1, 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Kanjo Line "Fukushima Station"
Admission: Paid (Please check the website for details)
Website: https://klimtalive.jp/osaka/

Surrealism: Expanding from the Visual Arts to Advertising, Fashion, and Interior Design

Source:Official website

This Osaka event February 2026 is a unique exhibition focused on the concept of "Surrealism," which has spread into familiar worlds such as art, fashion, advertising, and interior design. It is a rare opportunity to encounter surrealist works from various genres held in collections throughout Japan.

Surely everyone has seen at least once the masterpiece paintings that represent Surrealism. René Magritte, famous for his man in a bowler hat, created "The Museum of the King" and "The Ready-made Bouquet," which are works I highly recommend seeing.

Whether you are interested in fashion and design or not particularly familiar with art, you can fully enjoy this exhibition visually!

<Information>
Date: Until March 8, 2026 (Closed on February 24)
Access: 5-minute walk from Keihan Nakanoshima Line "Watanabe-bashi Station"
Admission: Adults 1,800 yen / High school and university students 1,500 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 500 yen
Website: https://nakka-art.jp/en/exhibition-post/surrealism-2025-en/

In February 2026, Osaka Also Offers Illumination Events Continuing from January

Illumination events that started during the year-end and New Year period are still going strong. Here, I will introduce six spots that I particularly recommend as must-see Osaka events in February 2026.

Please enjoy these fantastical worlds on crisp winter nights when the air is clear.

Hirakata Park: Light Amusement Park ~Flowering Illumination Rose~

Source:Official website

"Light Amusement Park" is a popular event at Hirakata Park, an amusement park with 110 years of history. This year's theme is "Roses," creating an even more gorgeous and romantic atmosphere than in previous years.

When I visited at the end of the year, the "Lantern Square of Light" caught my eye the most. With an arrangement featuring approximately 500 lanterns appearing to float in the air, I felt as if I had stepped into a movie scene.

Throughout February, events where you can enjoy snow play and skating are also being held. How about moving your body to the fullest during the day and immersing yourself in a fantastical world at night?

<Information>
Date: Select days until April 5, 2026 (Please check the website for details)
Access: 3-minute walk from Keihan "Hirakata Park Station"
Admission: Only park entrance fee required (Please check the website for details)
Website: https://www.hirakatapark.co.jp/topics/illumination/

Solaniwa Onsen: Garden of Light ~66,666 Sparkling Lights~

Source:Official website

"Solaniwa Onsen" is the largest hot spring theme park in the Kansai region. Based on the concept of a Japanese town from around the year 1600, you can enjoy elegant Japanese-style illuminations in the spacious Japanese garden on the rooftop.

What delighted my friend from overseas the most was strolling around while holding a lantern, dressed in a gorgeous rented yukata.

If you want to fully enjoy both hot springs and illuminations, or if you want to experience Japanese-style illuminations, please be sure to visit!

<Information>
Date: Until March 10, 2026 (Closed on February 4)
Access: Directly connected to JR "Benten cho Station"
Admission: Admission fee required *Prices vary by date (Please check the website for details)
Website: https://solaniwa.com/news/illumi2025/

Grand Front Osaka: Champagne Gold Illumination in UMEKITA

Source:PR TIMES

One of my favorites is the illumination around "Grand Front Osaka," a large complex near Osaka Station. More than 100 trees along the tree-lined avenue are adorned with champagne gold lights.

Starting this year, the lighting has expanded to the adjacent park "Grand Green Osaka," making it the largest-scale display ever.

If you want to see sophisticated and elegant urban illuminations, why not take a leisurely stroll with a warm drink in hand?

<Information>
Date: Until February 28, 2026
Access: A short walk from JR "Osaka Station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.grandfront-osaka.jp/xmas2025/#:~:text=%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%91%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B4%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9F%E3%83%8D%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A7%E3%83%B3-,JR%E5%A4%A7%E9%98%AA%E9%A7%85%E5%89%8D,-%E3%81%AE%E3%81%86%E3%82%81%E3%81%8D%E3%81%9F

Sourece:PR TIMES

Namba Hikari Tabi (Light Journey) at Namba Parks

Source:Official website

"Parks Garden" inside Namba Parks, where you can also enjoy shopping, is a unique rooftop garden designed like terraced fields. During this winter-only event, you can enjoy various illuminations, including flower trees made from recycled flowers that were destined for disposal and tunnels of light.

My favorite is the lawn area on the rooftop. The entire area is lit up in blue, creating a sophisticated, mature atmosphere.

This is recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in a fantastical world in the heart of the city.

<Information>
Date: Until February 15, 2026
Access: Directly connected to Nankai Railway "Namba Station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://nambamarutto.com.e.arm.hp.transer.com/hikaritabi/?_gl=1*mw2c6t*_ga*MjAzNjI5OTk3LjE3Njc3NTIxMjE.*_ga_XMRP57R8XH*czE3Njc3NTIxMjEkbzEkZzAkdDE3Njc3NTIxMjEkajYwJGwwJGgw

Abeno Harukas: Sky Illumination

Source:Official X

At "Abeno Harukas," the second tallest skyscraper in Japan, an illumination event is being held where everything from the 1st floor to the observatory at 300 meters above ground is lit up.

The outdoor garden on the 16th floor, which is free to enter, has a gorgeous atmosphere with gold-themed lighting. Please take a memorable photo at the photo spot surrounded by lights.

The illumination at Abeno Harukas, which also houses various shops, restaurants, and an art museum, is recommended for those who want to enjoy many things in one place.

<Information>
Date: Until February 28, 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro "Tennoji Station"
Admission: There are both free and paid areas (Please check the website for details)
Website: https://www.abenoharukas-300.jp/news/index.php?archive=4

Kaiyukan Illumination

Source:FASHION PRESS

At the popular aquarium "Kaiyukan," you can enjoy pop-style illuminations. There are many cute displays that will make you smile, such as large whale sharks projected on walls and marine creature sculptures.

My recommendation is the lighting ceremony held daily at 17:00. The moment when the lights suddenly come on brings the venue together and lifts your spirits.

Since the illumination area is compactly arranged, this is also recommended for those who want to enjoy it in a short time or families with small children.

<Information>
Date: Until March 1, 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro Chuo Line "Osakako Station (Kaiyukan-mae)"
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.kaiyukan.com/seascape_namima/

Valentine-related events held at major department stores are a February tradition in Japan.

Here I have picked up three events. I will introduce the highlights of each in an easy-to-understand manner, so if you are a chocolate lover, please be sure to check them out. These are wonderful Osaka events in February 2026 for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Valentine Chocolate Expo 2026

Source:Official website

The "Valentine Chocolate Expo 2026" at Hankyu Umeda is a large-scale event featuring approximately 350 brands from Japan and abroad.

Special venues are also set up on the food floors on basement levels 1 and 2, enveloping visitors in sweet aromas.

My Recommended Points:
- An overwhelming selection that is one of the largest in Japan, befitting the name "Expo"
- Booths for enthusiasts to enjoy differences by cacao origin
- Valentine-limited sweets that can only be eaten at the venue

Recommended For:
- Those interested in unique chocolates from various genres
- Those who want to choose from as many options as possible

<Information>
Date: January 21 - February 14, 2026
Access: 3-minute walk from JR "Osaka Station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://website.hankyu-dept.co.jp/honten/h/valentine/

Amour du Chocolat 2026

Source:PR TIMES

At "Amour du Chocolat 2026" at the long-established department store Takashimaya, high-end lineups such as chocolates making their first appearance in Japan by popular chocolatiers are gaining popularity. Another attractive point is that you can have live experiences, such as demonstrations exclusive to the Osaka store.

My Recommended Points:
- A limited special collaboration box by six famous French chocolatiers
- Insta-worthy eat-in menu items such as bear shaved ice and long-tailed tit parfaits
- Live demonstrations of freshly baked chocolate sweets

Recommended For:
- Those seeking classic, high-end chocolates
- Those who want to enjoy the live experience of tasting freshly made treats on the spot

<Information>
Date: January 22 - February 14, 2026
Access: A short walk from Osaka Metro Midosuji Line "Namba Station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/osaka/amour/

Valentine Chocolat Collection 2026

Source:PR TIMES

"Valentine Chocolat Collection 2026," with its concept of a "Chocolate Amusement Park," is an exciting event with high entertainment value. Unique sweets such as collaborations with Japanese confectionery will also appear. This is the event I am personally most looking forward to.

My Recommended Points:
- A lineup of pop chocolates that look cute
- "Chocolate Parfait Expo" where you can taste colorful parfaits from popular brands
- "Pairing Bar" where you can enjoy chocolate and wine

Recommended For:
- Those who want to enjoy not just the chocolate itself but the event as a whole
- Families or groups of friends who want to have a lively good time

Date: January 17 - February 14, 2025
Access: 3-minute walk from JR "Tennoji Station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.d-kintetsu.co.jp/store/promo/2026valentine/

Osaka events

sena kanda

I'm Sena, a director at Magical Trip. I’ve been living in Tokyo since 2020, spending most of my time around Shibuya and Shinjuku. In 2024, I moved to Shinjuku, where I now enjoy bar hopping and relaxing coffee breaks at local cafés here I truly love!