Ultimate Osaka Events Guide October 2025: Expo 2025 Highlights, Traditional Festivals & Cultural Experiences
Osaka, which I consider Japan's most vibrant and food-obsessed city, is one of my favorite destinations where you can experience authentic Japanese street food culture, infectious energy, and the warmest hospitality in the country. As someone who believes that food is the gateway to understanding culture, I find myself drawn to Osaka whenever I want to experience Japan's most genuine culinary traditions and spirited local atmosphere.
However, due to Osaka's incredible density of food establishments, hidden local eateries, comedy venues, and cultural nuances that differ significantly from Tokyo, knowing where to find the authentic experiences can be overwhelming for visitors. In fact, an Australian friend of mine visited Osaka but later complained, "I can't tell if the place I'm planning to visit is just a tourist trap or somewhere that locals actually love."
This shows that Osaka can be a challenging destination for foreign visitors to truly experience without insider knowledge of the local food and entertainment culture.
If you want to experience Osaka's legendary food scene and vibrant culture authentically and efficiently, I highly recommend having a knowledgeable local guide lead you to the hidden gems that only locals know.
For high-quality tours with local guides, I definitely recommend Magical Trip. In fact, we've been selected for TripAdvisor's Best of the Best for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025, which speaks volumes about their exceptional customer satisfaction.
If you want to enjoy exquisite Osaka local cuisine that's famous throughout Japan, consider joining the Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai, which takes you to shops beloved by locals. For those who enjoy drinking, we also recommend the Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba, where you can savor amazing local food and drinks together.
We also offer various other tours tailored to your needs, including efficient sightseeing tours of Osaka's attractions and private hire tours.
Let's explore Osaka to the fullest with local guides so you can return home completely satisfied!
Introduction
Osaka is Japan's second largest city after Tokyo. It serves as the economic and cultural center of the western region of Japan called West Japan. Osaka is famous for its unique culture and traditions, including its food culture. One of the things Osaka takes pride in is its passionate festivals filled with excitement.
The Danjiri Festival, held throughout various areas of Osaka in September and October, is also a festival beloved by locals and attracts many visitors from outside Osaka. This time, I will introduce the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival, which I look forward to every year among Osaka's Danjiri Festivals. I have compiled details about the festival and its highlights.
For those interested in traditional Japanese and Osaka festivals, please use this as a reference and visit the festival.
In October, Osaka continues to host the "Danjiri Festival" following September
The Danjiri Festival is famous for its powerful parades using land vehicles called Danjiri. In Osaka, Danjiri Festivals are held in various locations during autumn. The Danjiri Festival represents the traditions and culture of each town and is cherished as an annual enjoyment for townspeople, making it a very important festival.
In September and October, the particularly famous Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is held among Osaka's Danjiri Festivals. Even among the many famous festivals and events in Osaka, it has high recognition and attracts many spectators from across Japan and around the world. This Osaka Event October 2025 promises to be another spectacular celebration of traditional culture.
What is the "Danjiri Festival"?
The Danjiri Festival is traditionally held throughout Osaka and various parts of West Japan. It began as a festival praying for abundant harvests in agriculture and good catches in fishing, and continues as a grand traditional event in various locations today.
In Osaka's Danjiri Festival, hundreds to even 1,000 people pull luxurious wooden land vehicles with carved sculptures in spectacular parades. Land vehicles are presented by each town, and townspeople pull them with all their strength.
The methods of the Danjiri Festival and the forms of land vehicles have unique traditions and customs in each region. The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival held in Kishiwada, Osaka, has a 300-year history and is famous for its thrilling, fast-paced parades.
What are the differences from September's Danjiri?
The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is held every year in September and October. Between September and October, which areas within Kishiwada City present their land vehicles changes.
September
- Participating Areas: Kishiwada District, Haruki District
- Venue: In front of Kishiwada Station on the Nankai Line, Near Haruki Station on the Nankai Line
October
- Participating Areas: Higashi Kishiwada district, Minami Kamori district, Yamadaii district, Yamadai Minami district, Yamanao Minami district, Yamataki district
- Venue: Higashi Kishiwada station on the Nankai Line, Shimomatsu station, Kumeda station, etc.
September's Danjiri Festival features towns on the seaside of Kishiwada City presenting Danjiri for grand parades. The famous "Yarimawashi" (turning maneuver) introduced later is performed, making it such a grand festival that many people from across the country come to watch.
In October's Danjiri Festival, towns in the mountainside area of Kishiwada City present Danjiri for parades. Parades and ceremonies that showcase each town's traditions are held, creating a more community-focused atmosphere compared to September.
Both September and October festivals allow you to observe luxurious Danjiri and feel the lively, exciting atmosphere.
Schedule, Location, and Access for "Danjiri Festival"
September Festival
- Trial Run: September 7, September 12, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Eve Festival: September 13, 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Main Festival: September 14, 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Location: In front of Kishiwada station on the Nankai Line, Haruki station on the Nankai Line
- Access: Get off at Kishiwada station on the Nankai Line → 1-minute walk → Station front area
October Festival
- Trial Run: October 5, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Eve Festival: October 11, 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Main Festival: October 12, 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM ※Varies by district
- Location: Higashi Kishiwada station on the Nankai Line, Shimomatsu station, Kumeda station, etc.
- Access: Get off at Higashi Kishiwada station on the Nankai Line → Station front plaza
In 2025, the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival will be held on September 13-14 and October 11-12. There are also trial run days held as rehearsals, and parade viewing is possible on trial run days. Trial run days have fewer spectators, allowing for calm observation.
For September's Kishiwada Danjiri Festival, viewing at the area in front of Kishiwada Station on the Nankai Line is recommended. Many people gather in front of Kishiwada station to watch the brave parades.
October's Kishiwada Danjiri Festival features parades at various stations and towns within Kishiwada City. In front of Higashi Kishiwada station has well-maintained wide roads, making it a recommended spot where you can fully enjoy the thrilling Yarimawashi. This Osaka Event October 2025 will showcase the authentic spirit of traditional Japanese festivals.
For those who want to see each town's characteristics, touring 2-3 areas is also recommended.
The highlights of the "Kishiwada Danjiri Festival" that I eagerly await every year
The spectacular "Yarimawashi" - the festival's signature attraction
The biggest highlight of the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is the scene called Yarimawashi.
In the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival, luxurious land vehicles called Danjiri race through the town at full speed while being pulled by hundreds of people. Making sharp-angled turns without reducing speed is called "Yarimawashi."
The Yarimawashi, which involves turning corners at nearly right angles without losing momentum, is absolutely thrilling and has become synonymous with the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival.
When I first saw it, watching large Danjiri weighing over 4 tons being pulled by hundreds of people while dynamically turning was so nerve-wracking to watch. However, surrounded by the spirited calls of the people pulling the Danjiri, the sound of drums, and the cheers of spectators, my excitement gradually built up, and in the end, I found myself intoxicated by the festival's fervor along with everyone around me.
The beautifully carved and decorated "Danjiri"
Danjiri refers to special land vehicles used in Danjiri Festivals held throughout West Japan. They have wheels and are usually operated by people pulling them with ropes. The forms, decorations, and carvings differ by each region in West Japan, and even within Osaka, there are detailed characteristics unique to each town.
Kishiwada's Danjiri are mostly made from Japanese zelkova wood, with some weighing over 4 tons. They are also characterized by highly artistic, delicate carvings. Lions, vermillion birds, monkeys, dragons, and other animals and mythical creatures, as well as grass and flowers, and traditional warrior figures are carved.
Particularly, the lower section called "koshimawari" features carved scenes from mythology, making it very worth seeing.
When stationary, you can sometimes request to view them up close. If you have the opportunity, please take a close look.
At night, lanterns are lit, adding even more beauty
At night, many traditional lanterns are attached to the Danjiri. The softly glowing Danjiri with lanterns perform a night parade called Hiirei Eiko. Children ride on the nighttime Danjiri and play festival music with traditional instruments like Japanese drums.
The night parade is conducted at a very leisurely pace, different from the daytime when Yarimawashi is performed. Many food and game stalls also open along the roads. The nights of the Danjiri Festival are very mystical, and I love this time as well.
If you come to the Danjiri Festival, I also recommend staying until night.
This comprehensive guide to the Osaka Event October 2025 Danjiri Festival provides everything tourists need to experience this incredible traditional celebration that showcases the heart and soul of Osaka's cultural heritage.
The Thrilling "Narimono (Festival Music)" That Further Enlivens the Danjiri Festival
An essential element of the Danjiri Festival is the performance by traditional instruments called narimono. Traditional music played at Japanese festivals is generally called matsuri-bayashi. The matsuri-bayashi of Danjiri is specially called narimono. It's passionate music that symbolizes the Danjiri Festival, uplifting people's spirits.
Inside the Danjiri, a large taiko drum is suspended. The large taiko drum performers and people playing small drums and flutes ride inside, producing passionate sounds that guide the people pulling the Danjiri.
As mentioned earlier, at night, performances are held by children who have boarded the Danjiri. Please be sure to listen to the children's adorable and emotionally rich performances.
If You Visit Osaka in September, Enjoy Osaka's Traditional Cuisine Along with Traditional Festivals
When you visit Osaka in September and October to observe traditional festivals, make sure to thoroughly enjoy Osaka's famous cuisine as well.
This tour involves food walking in Shinsekai and Dotonbori with a guide who deeply loves Osaka. During the 3-hour tour, you'll taste 8 types of Osaka cuisine including takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
While food walking, learn about Osaka's profound food culture, also known as "the kitchen of the nation." The tour also visits nostalgic alleys and temples in Shinsekai. Learn about Osaka's history from the guide and experience the city's deep traditions.
For those who become interested in Osaka after seeing the Danjiri Festival, this should be an opportunity to know Osaka more deeply.
・Meeting point: In front of the exit of Imamiya Ebisu Station on the Nankai Koya Line
・Tour area: Shinsekai, Dotonbori
・Start times: 11:30, 16:30, 17:30
In 2025, Don't Miss the "Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival" Held in October!
Another absolutely unmissable Osaka Event October 2025 is the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival.
The Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is Osaka's largest fireworks festival that began in 1989. It's a big event that attracts 450,000 visitors annually and has been beloved as a summer tradition in Osaka, typically held every August.
Until October 13, 2025, the big event Japan International Exposition is being held in Osaka. Therefore, the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival will be held in October. By being held in autumn rather than the sweltering summer, you can comfortably enjoy the fireworks while feeling the cool night breeze.
<Information>
Date: October 18, 2025, 19:30-20:30
Access: Get off at JR Tozai Line "Mitejima" Station
Hanshin Electric Railway "Himejima" Station → Yodogawa riverbed from downstream of Shin-Midosuji/Shin-Yodogawa Bridge to National Route 2/Yodogawa Bridge
Admission: Free viewing (paid seats available)
Website: https://www.yodohanabi.com/
Spectacular Giant Fireworks That Fill Your Entire Field of Vision
At the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, fireworks are launched for a full hour.
What's particularly noteworthy are the spectacular shakudama that fill your field of vision. Shakudama are fireworks that reach approximately 300 meters in diameter when they open in the sky.
While the program differs each year, the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival launches luxurious shakudama that bloom like large flowers in the sky almost every year. Among fireworks, I especially love shakudama, and I look forward every year to the moment when giant shakudama bloom with thunderous sounds that shake your body.
In the past, there have been performances called "Shaku-dama simultaneous launch" where shakudama are fired in rapid succession, filling the sky with large fireworks and making the surroundings as bright as daytime.
It's such a spectacular and gorgeous sight that you'll never forget it even after the event ends.
Beautiful Starmine Synchronized with Music
Among the many types of fireworks launched, what has become synonymous with the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is Starmine Fireworks.
Starmine Fireworks refers to continuously fired fireworks and firework performances. The Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is a 1-hour fireworks festival, which is shorter compared to other fireworks festivals that last 1.5 to 2 hours. For this reason, it incorporates many speedy performances and Starmine Fireworks.
Beautiful Starmine Fireworks blooming wildly in the night sky are launched at a good tempo synchronized with music. The vigorous rapid-fire display is so captivating that you can't take your eyes off it for even a moment, providing plenty to see.
Exquisite Scenery Where Fireworks Illuminate Both the Night Sky and River Surface
The venue for the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is the riverbank and waters of the Yodogawa River that flows through Osaka City. The fireworks launched over the Yodogawa River, which symbolizes Osaka, are renowned for their beauty as they bloom in the night sky and reflect magnificently on the river surface. In recent years, the way fireworks reflect on the water surface has been pre-calculated and incorporated into the artistic presentation.
Taking advantage of the riverside environment, many underwater fireworks are also launched. Underwater fireworks are designed so that the fireworks explode in the water, creating semicircular displays on the river surface. The previously mentioned Starmine Fireworks, characterized by rapid continuous launches, also feature the highly popular "underwater starmine fireworks" that open in semicircles on the river surface every year.
At the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, please enjoy not only the fireworks in the sky but also the view of fireworks reflecting on the river.
Other Must-See Events to Enjoy in October 2025 Osaka
Hiraoka Shrine Autumn Festival
Shūgōsai is a festival held every autumn at Hiraoka Shrine in Hirakata City, Osaka. Beginning as a festival to celebrate the autumn harvest, it has become the most magnificent major event among autumn festivals held in Osaka. This spectacular Osaka Event October 2025 attracts visitors from across the region.
At Hiraoka Shrine's Shūgōsai, traditional Festival Cars called Taikodai are brought out by each district for a parade. A total of 23 Taikodai are carried by people from their respective districts and dedicated to the shrine.
What impressed me most was the gorgeous and magnificent splendor of the Taikodai with their red bases decorated with golden dragon ornaments. There are also impressive Taikodai standing 4 meters high, which march forward accompanied by people's loud calls and cheers.
This is a festival where you can feel the passion of local people and the lively, energetic atmosphere characteristic of Osaka. If you're interested in grand festivals enjoyed by local people, please check out Shūgōsai.
Information:
- Date: October 11, 12, 15, 2025 (scheduled)
- Access: JR Loop Line outbound from "Osaka" Station → Transfer at "Tsuruhashi" Station to Kintetsu Nara Line → Get off at "Hiraoka" Station → 3-minute walk → Hiraoka Shrine
- Admission: Free
- Website: http://www.hiraoka-jinja.org/special/shugosai.html
Halloween Events (Universal Studios Japan)
Source: Official website
At Universal Studios Japan, the world-famous theme park in Osaka, multiple Halloween events are held in October. During the day, cute Halloween events that children can enjoy are held, while at night, authentic horror events offering genuine scares take place. This thrilling Osaka Event October 2025 offers entertainment for all ages.
During the day, you can watch dance shows and dance battle events featuring cute Pokémon characters like Pikachu and Gengar. In the dance battles, spectators can join in and dance together. At night, zombies appear throughout the park, and horror events where you can dance with zombies are held.
When I visited, I was amazed by how authentic the zombie special effects makeup was, with movie-quality craftsmanship.
USJ's Halloween events are said to be among Japan's most authentic Halloween experiences. Halloween enthusiasts should definitely visit USJ.
Information:
- Date: September 4 - November 3, 2025
- Access: Osaka Station → JR Osaka Loop Line inbound → Nishikujo Station → JR Yumesaki Line → Universal City Station → 4-minute walk → USJ (approximately 30 minutes)
- Admission: Adults 8,600 yen~ Children 5,600 yen~ (One Day Pass, varies by season)
- Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp/events/fall-2025/hahaha-halloween-party-2025#hash-id-gdshahahahalloweenparty2025cf61-gdscontentfeaturesixswimlane
Sakai Matsuri
Source:Sakainoma
Sakai Matsuri is a festival that has been held in Sakai City, Osaka for over 50 years. On the festival day, various events including stage and street performances and parades are held throughout the city of Sakai. Many food trucks and food stalls are also set up. This vibrant Osaka Event October 2025 showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The biggest highlight of Sakai Matsuri is The Grand Parade held annually on the city's symbolic main street. The grand parade recreates 1,600 years of Sakai's history, with people dressed in traditional costumes from each era marching in procession.
There's also a performance where people dressed as samurai fire blank shots from Firearms that were introduced to Sakai from Portugal around the 16th century. Smoke billows up with thunderous sounds, creating a powerful spectacle.
Sakai is also famous for tea culture, and tea ceremony events are held in honor of the famous tea master Sen no Rikyū. It's a fun city-wide festival, so please stop by.
Information:
- Date: October 19, 2025
- Access: Get off at Nankai Line "Sakai" Station → Immediate walk
Get off at Nankai Line "Sakai-Higashi" → 4-minute walk → Throughout Sakai area
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/sakaimatsuri2024/
After Enjoying Daytime Events, Experience Bar Hopping with Locals at Night!
After enjoying daytime events in October Osaka, let's enjoy drinks and Osaka's nightlife in Namba. This tour visits three bars and izakaya recommended by local guides in Namba, known as Osaka's premier entertainment district.
Namba is located in the Minami area, Osaka's top drinking district, where all kinds of establishments gather, from traditional izakaya to cutting-edge bars. The tour first visits shops in the area called Ura-Namba, where retro izakaya gather.
Enjoy plenty of drinks and taste exquisite Osaka food as fulfilling as what you'd find in restaurants.
When moving from shop to shop, you'll walk through Namba's neon-lit streets. Enjoy the lively atmosphere characteristic of Osaka, where laughter can be heard from all directions on the streets.
Information:
- Meeting point: Right in front of Namba HIPS, 1-8-16 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Tour area: Namba, Dotonbori
- Start times: 18:00, 19:00
