Osaka in July 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
July in Osaka marks the true beginning of summer. Until mid-July, the rainy season (tsuyu) brings frequent precipitation, but once it ends, sunny days increase, temperatures rise rapidly, and the weather becomes hot and humid.
While Osaka is the second smallest prefecture in Japan by area, it's a major metropolis second only to Tokyo. Known as a gourmet city with many tourist attractions, Osaka is gaining worldwide attention as the host of the Osaka-Kansai Expo (EXPO 2025).
In July 2025, numerous shrine festivals and seasonal events take place throughout Osaka. This guide will introduce these highlights, along with basic information, dates, and access methods.
Experience the "Three Great Summer Festivals of Osaka" in July
Source:Official website
If you're visiting Osaka in July 2025, experiencing the "Three Great Summer Festivals of Osaka" is highly recommended. July in Osaka features these three historically significant festivals: the Tenjin Festival, Sumiyoshi Matsuri, and Aizen Matsuri.
Let's explore the highlights and attractions of each festival in detail.
A Local's Guide to the Three Great Summer Festivals of Osaka
Tenjin Festival
Source:Official website
The Tenjin Festival boasts over 1,000 years of history and was originally created to protect people from disasters. It's not only one of the "Three Great Summer Festivals of Osaka" but also recognized as one of "Japan's Three Great Festivals."
The Tenjin Festival features various events spanning about a month from late June to July 25th, offering opportunities to experience traditional Japanese culture. Here are the particular highlights:
The Grand Finale: 4,000 Fireworks Dedicated to the Deity
Source:Official website
The first highlight of the Tenjin Festival is the dedication fireworks (offered to the deity) that mark the festival's finale. Approximately 4,000 fireworks are launched from two locations: Kawasaki Park and Sakuranomiya Park.
The dedication fireworks occur simultaneously with the "Funatogyo" event, where about 100 boats leisurely proceed down the Okawa River. The combination of boat lights and fireworks spreading across the night sky creates a magical scene.
My recommended viewing spots for the fireworks are the north side of Sakuranomiya Bridge and around OAP Tower. This is perfect for tourists wanting to experience a quintessential Japanese summer tradition.
The Vibrant "Gal Mikoshi"
Source:Official website
The second highlight of the Tenjin Festival is the "Gal Mikoshi," where women carry a sacred palanquin (mikoshi) containing a deity.
During the Gal Mikoshi, women dressed in striking red and white costumes carry a 200kg mikoshi through Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street. Eighty women take turns in groups of twenty, shouting "Wasshoi! Wasshoi!" with bright smiles in an impressive display.
If you want to enjoy the lively atmosphere of a Japanese festival, the Gal Mikoshi is a must-see event.
The "Rikutogyo" Land Procession: A Historical Pageant of Strength and Beauty
Source:Official website
The third highlight of the Tenjin Festival is the "Rikutogyo" (Land Procession), where approximately 3,000 people in traditional costumes walk from Osaka Tenmangu to the boat landing. The purpose of Rikutogyo is to place the deity enshrined at Osaka Tenmangu in a portable shrine and pray for Osaka's prosperity.
A standout feature is watching the six performers (in groups of three) at the front of the procession powerfully beating drums as they advance. When seen up close, their powerful drumming resonates in your chest.
During Rikutogyo, you can observe various traditional Japanese costumes that have continued since ancient times, making you feel as though you've traveled back in time.
The "Funatogyo" River Procession: Over 100 Boats Gathering Together
Source:Osaka Tenmangu
The fourth highlight of the Tenjin Festival is the Funatogyo (River Procession), which takes place after the Rikutogyo, featuring about 100 boats leisurely crossing the Okawa River.
In Funatogyo, the main attraction is seeing various types of boats participating: drum boats, music boats, boats decorated with dolls and ornaments, and boats from companies and organizations, all centered around the boat carrying the sacred spirit.
My favorite way to view Funatogyo is from bridges or riverbanks during twilight and into the evening. The orange illumination from the boats beautifully reflects on the water's surface, creating a mystical atmosphere in combination with the sunset.
<Information>
Dates: July 24-25, 2025
Location & Access: Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and surrounding areas, approximately 15 minutes walk from Temmabashi Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://tenjin-matsuri.com/#:~:text=熱く太陽が照りつける大阪,交代しながら担ぎます。
Joining a Local Tour to Enjoy Sightseeing and Ask Locals About the Highlights of the Tenjin Festival
If you want to truly enjoy the Tenjin Festival, it's recommended to join a local tour. During the tour, you can visit famous places in Osaka such as local shrines and shopping streets in about 5 hours.
With a tour, you can not only hear detailed information about the festival's history and highlights from guides who are knowledgeable about Osaka and Japanese culture, but you can also directly ask questions to locals at various stops along the way.
An attractive point of the tour is that you can efficiently visit popular Osaka tourist spots such as museums where you can learn about traditional Japanese lifestyle and Osaka Castle. Another pleasant aspect is enjoying Osaka's famous local cuisine recommended by guides who know the area thoroughly during lunch.
For those who want to deeply understand the Tenjin Festival or efficiently explore Osaka, this tour is a must-check for your Osaka Event July 2025 itinerary.
- Meeting point: In front of Family Mart in Tenma-bashi Station (Osaka Metro, Tanimachi line)
- Tour area: Osaka, Around Tenma-bashi Station
- Start time: 10:00
Sumiyoshi Festival
Source:Official website
The Sumiyoshi Matsuri is a festival that has been held for over 1,000 years with the purpose of preventing epidemics and disasters.
The Sumiyoshi Matsuri, which concludes the "Three Great Summer Festivals of Osaka," is held annually from July 30 to August 1. Here are the main highlights of the festival.
Powerful! Osaka's Largest Scale "Mikoshi Togyo"
Source:Official website
The first highlight of the Sumiyoshi Matsuri is the "Mikoshi Togyo," where a mikoshi (portable shrine) carrying the deity enshrined at Sumiyoshi Taisha is carried by many people.
The Sumiyoshi Matsuri's mikoshi is characterized by its impressive size—weighing about 2 tons and measuring about 11 meters in length—making it the largest in Osaka. It is carried about 7 meters with a unique chant of "Bera, Bera." The moment when the mikoshi crosses the steep Sorihashi Bridge is particularly impressive.
If you want to experience the festival's energetic atmosphere during your Osaka Event July 2025 visit, why not walk alongside the Mikoshi Togyo?
"Mikoshi Arai Shinji" Conducted Prior to the Sumiyoshi Festival's Mikoshi Togyo
Source:Official website
The second highlight of the Sumiyoshi Matsuri is the "Mikoshi Arai Shinji" (Mikoshi Purification Ritual) performed before the Mikoshi Togyo. This important ceremony purifies the mikoshi and enhances the festival's sacredness. The mikoshi is carried from Sumiyoshi Taisha to Sumiyoshi Park, where the purification ritual takes place.
A distinctive feature of the Mikoshi Arai Shinji is the use of sacred seawater drawn from Osaka Bay early in the morning of the day. Since it's a sacred ceremony, observe quietly. This is recommended for those who want to see a special ceremony or are interested in traditional Japanese culture.
Elegant and Colorful Purification Ceremony "Nagoshi no Oharae Purification Ritual and Annual Festival"
Source:Official website
The third highlight of the Sumiyoshi Matsuri is the "Nagoshi no Oharae Purification Ritual" and the Annual Festival held at the Satsukiden (May Hall) within Sumiyoshi Taisha.
The Nagoshi no Oharae Purification Ritual is a traditional ceremony where people walk through a ring of miscanthus grass to purify themselves, with children dressed in colorful traditional costumes participating. After the ceremony, the Annual Festival, the most important festival of the year, is held.
My recommendation is the traditional Japanese dance performed during the Annual Festival. As opportunities to watch it up close for free are rare, I highly suggest experiencing this cultural performance during the Osaka Event July 2025 season.
<Information>
- Dates: July 27 - August 1, 2025
- Location & Access: Sumiyoshi Taisha & 3 minutes walk from Nankai Sumiyoshi Taisha Station
- Admission fee: None
- Website: https://www.sumiyoshitaisha.net/events/special.html
Aizen Matsuri
Aizen Matsuri is Japan's oldest summer festival with a history of approximately 1,400 years, dedicated to praying for health and happiness. It takes place annually from June 30th to July 2nd, marking the beginning of "Osaka's three major summer festivals."
Many women participate wearing "Yukata," a light summer kimono, which is why it's also called the "Yukata Festival." Here are the highlights of this popular Osaka event July 2025.
Main Event: "Hoekago Parade"
Source:Sankei News
The first highlight of Aizen Matsuri is the main event held on the first day, called the "Hoekago Parade." Young women dressed in yukata ride in boxes decorated with white cloth and flowers called Hoekago, and walk approximately 1.5 kilometers while spectators chant "Hoekago, Hoekago."
Another highlight is the ceremony called "Kago-age" that takes place after the Hoekago Parade reaches its destination at Aizendo, where the boxes carrying the women are lifted high. There are many spectators and the atmosphere is exciting, so please enjoy joining the local people in chanting along.
Volunteer Women Selected as "Aizen Musume" Each Year
Source:Official website
The second highlight of Aizen Matsuri is the "Aizen Musume" (Aizen Maidens) who play a vital role in enlivening the festival. About 10 Aizen Musume are selected each year through document screening and interviews, and they are responsible for courtesy visits, media responses, and participation in parades during the festival period.
The Aizen Musume in their beautiful yukata attire are symbolic figures passing down the festival traditions. If you want to see the elegant appearance of the Aizen Musume, please participate in events such as the Hoekago Parade during this Osaka event July 2025.
Special Viewing of the Usually Hidden "Aizen Myo-o" Statue
Source:Official website
The third highlight of Aizen Matsuri is the "Statue of Aizen Myo-o," a Buddhist statue that can be specially viewed during the Aizen Matsuri period. This statue can only be seen during Aizen Matsuri and the New Year period.
The Statue of Aizen Myo-o is characterized by three eyes, six arms, and red skin, and is believed to have the power to transform human desires into enlightenment. When I visited during New Year, I was overwhelmed by its powerful presence despite being only about 30cm tall.
Since this is a precious Buddhist statue that cannot be seen usually, please make sure to visit during this special Osaka event July 2025.
<Information>
- Dates: June 30 - July 2, 2025
- Location & Access: Shomanin Aizendo & 2 minutes walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.aizendo.com/festival.htm
"Japan Day," a Major Event of EXPO 2025, is Scheduled for July
Source:Nikkei
Japan's National Day at EXPO 2025, called "Japan Day," is scheduled to be held on July 3, 2025.
National Day is a special day established to honor and deepen understanding of the culture of each participating country and region. On National Days, events and special programs are held to introduce the culture of each country.
On Japan Day, there will be presentations of traditional Japanese crafts and performing arts, as well as opportunities to taste traditional Japanese sweets. If you visit Japan Day, you can enjoy Japanese culture in a single day, so please consider attending this special Osaka event July 2025.
Please note that since EXPO 2025 is a popular event attracting tourists from around the world, if you definitely want to visit, purchase tickets in advance and plan your trip accordingly.
Must-See Recommended Events to Enjoy in Osaka in July
In Osaka in July, besides the "Three Major Summer Festivals of Osaka" and EXPO 2025, there are many events where you can experience Japanese culture. Various events unique to the hot summer and shrine festivals are held, so please check them out.
Umeda Yukata Festival
Source:Official website
The Umeda Yukata Festival is a celebration held in Umeda, the center of Osaka, where people enjoy wearing yukata (summer kimono). This festival began in 2012 and offers opportunities to experience Japanese summer culture, such as the traditional "Bon Odori" dance where people form circles to dance together, and "Uchimizu," the practice of sprinkling water on the ground to cool the surroundings.
Bon Odori features simple choreography that can be enjoyed just by imitating the movements of people around you, making it accessible even for first-time foreign visitors. Additionally, during Uchimizu, water is sprinkled on the ground all at once while people call out together, allowing you to enjoy the experience with locals.
There are yukata rental shops in Umeda, so if you rent a yukata to participate in the Umeda Yukata Festival, you can experience Japanese summer more authentically.
<Information>
- Dates: July 1-31, 2025 *Main event dates: July 20-21 (based on 2024 information)
- Location & Access: Around Umeda Station & directly connected to Osaka Station/Osaka-Umeda Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://umeda-connect.jp/yukata/
Hatamono Shrine Tanabata Festival
Source:Katano Tourist Association
The Hatamono Shrine Tanabata Festival is held at Hatamono Shrine, the birthplace of the Tanabata legend, during the Tanabata period every year.
The Tanabata legend tells of Vega and Altair, who are separated by the Milky Way and can meet only once a year. It is believed that if you write your wish on a strip of paper (tanzaku) and hang it on bamboo during the Tanabata period, your wish will come true.
During the Tanabata Festival, about 30 bamboo trees are placed in the shrine grounds, decorated with tanzaku in five colors. You can actually write your wish on a tanzaku and hang it, so please write your wish and pray. At the festival, more than 80 food trucks line up, allowing you to enjoy Japanese street food.
This is the perfect event for those who want to participate in and experience traditional Japanese culture.
<Information>
- Dates: July 6-7, 2025 (based on 2024 information)
- Location & Access: Hatamono Shrine & 13-minute walk from Tsuda Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: http://hatamono.web.fc2.com/
Reiwa OSAKA Milky Way Legend
Source:Official website
The Reiwa OSAKA Milky Way Legend is an event where light spheres called "Inoriboshi" (prayer stars) containing wishes are released into the Okawa River on the night of July 7, known as Tanabata. It began in 2010 to revitalize Osaka as a city of water and is held annually around Tenmabashi Bridge.
The Reiwa OSAKA Milky Way Legend is recommended for those who want to spend a special and romantic evening. The sight of spheres of light floating on the water creates a fantastical atmosphere that calms the heart.
If you love photogenic scenery or are interested in events that blend tradition and modern culture, please consider participating in this Osaka Event July 2025.
<Information>
- Date: July 7, 2025
- Location & Access: Tenmabashi Bridge, Okawa River and surrounding areas & Immediately accessible from Tenmabashi Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://osaka-amanogawa.com/index.html
Ibaraki Shrine Summer Festival
Source:Official website
The Ibaraki Shrine Summer Festival is a festival that has continued for about 280 years, praying for the health and peace of the local area. Compared to the "Three Major Summer Festivals of Osaka," it has fewer tourists and is known as a festival where you can experience the local atmosphere.
The highlight is watching people of all ages, from children to adults, carrying portable shrines (mikoshi) and parading through town. Another highlight that lets you feel the energy of Japanese festivals is seeing children wearing distinctive tall red hats playing drums with their whole bodies.
When visiting the Ibaraki Shrine Summer Festival, be sure to check out the food stalls lined up on the shrine grounds. You can eat popular Japanese street food and enjoy interactions with locals. If you want to visit a lesser-known festival, the Ibaraki Shrine Summer Festival is recommended as a special Osaka Event July 2025.
<Information>
- Dates: July 13-14, 2025
- Location & Access: Ibaraki Shrine, about 10 minutes' walk from Ibarakishi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, about 15 minutes' walk from JR Ibaraki Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://ibarakijinja.or.jp/event/#cont07
Osaka Ceramics Festival
Source:Meiseigama
The Osaka Ceramics Festival is a celebration where handmade pottery created by dishware and ceramic artists with over 300 years of tradition is sold. This festival began when pottery merchants in the Kansai region held an event offering sample items at discounted prices, which eventually developed into a regularly held festival.
At the Osaka Ceramics Festival, visitors can purchase reasonably priced items ranging from everyday plates and cups to perfect Japanese souvenirs like wind chimes (small glass bells) and chopstick rests. The upcoming July 2025 Osaka event will be a perfect opportunity for tourists to experience authentic Japanese craftsmanship while building their collection of ceramics.
Additionally, there is a ceremony called "Chawan Kuyo" where damaged vessels are thanked for their service. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the Japanese culture of "treasuring objects," so please be sure to check it out when you visit Osaka in July 2025.
This event is perfect for those who want to buy traditional Japanese crafts.
<Information>
- Dates: July 21-23, 2024 (2024 information)
- Location & Access: Ikasuri Shrine and Pottery Shrine (branch shrine) & 3-minute walk from Hommachi Station exits 15 and 21
- Admission: Free
- Website: None
When visiting Osaka, enjoy not only events but also exquisite Osaka food!
When visiting Osaka as a tourist, enjoy not only events but also Osaka's unique delicious food. In Osaka, you can enjoy cuisine centered around "Okonomiyaki," which is a batter with vegetables and meat cooked on a grill, and "Takoyaki," which are spherical batter balls with octopus inside.
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
The first tour is the Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai. On this tour, you'll enjoy exquisite cuisine in Dotonbori and Shinsekai, the center of Osaka tourism, over approximately 3 hours. During your visit to the July 2025 Osaka event, this tour would be a perfect complement to your cultural experience.
The appealing point of the Osaka Local Foodie Tour is that you can visit restaurants introduced by guides who know the local food scene intimately, allowing you to enjoy meals at local restaurants that may not appear in guidebooks.
During the tour, guides will explain Japanese cuisine, culture, and the city, making sightseeing enjoyable while you learn.
This is perfect for food lovers, those who want to visit delicious restaurants with local guides, and those who want to enjoy Osaka cuisine in a limited time. The audience of tourists visiting for the July 2025 Osaka event will particularly appreciate this efficient way to experience local flavors.
- Meeting point: In front of the exit of Imamiya Ebisu Station, Nankai Koya Line
- Tour area: Dotonbori, Shinsekai
- Start times: 11:30, 16:30, 17:30
Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba
The second is the Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba. This is a night tour that takes you around drinking establishments in the Namba area, which has Osaka's largest entertainment district.
On the Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour, you'll enjoy bar hopping in areas such as "Ura Namba," a hidden spot that few tourists know about, and lively areas with about 20 restaurants lined up. It's great that you can eat your fill while drinking, as the establishments serve not only alcohol but also Japanese food.
Also, the tour fee includes all food and drink costs, so you don't have to worry about payments during the tour. This is perfect for those who want recommendations for drinks from guides or who want to compare different alcoholic beverages. For tourists attending the July 2025 Osaka event, this would be an excellent evening activity to round out your cultural experiences.
- Meeting point: Right in front of Namba HIPS
- Tour area: Around Namba, Dotonbori Area
- Start times: 18:00, 19:00
