Swissôtel Nankai Osaka - Luxury hotel - Seasonal Events, Festivals and Celebrations

Events and festivals in Japan are aplenty, with celebrations deeply embedded into the country’s culture. From religious festivals to fireworks displays, musical concerts to winter illuminations, explore to match your interests – immerse yourself in local culture as you take part in Osaka events and festivals.

As a hotel in Namba, the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka provides ease of access to various modes of transportation within the city and nearby towns. Plan your stay in Osaka and conveniently make your way to these events and festivals!

 

WINTER: DECEMBER – FEBRUARY

The turn of winter in Osaka initiates the flicker of lights and holiday cheer, with various Winter Illuminations commencing in and around the city. The famous Namba Hikaritabi and Midosuji Illuminations, both visible from your hotel room in Namba, is a must-add to your bucket list when visiting during the winter.

Namba Hikaritabi – early November to February

An annual event spanning across six spots near Nankai’s Namba station, discover thousands of lights and installations spread across Namba Parks, Namba SkyO, Namba Carnival Mall, Namba Parks Street and the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka. The Nankai Building’s façade serves as your gateway to the Hikaritabi journey, a stone’s throw away from the hotel’s entrance.

During your stay at the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, request for a South view facing room to enjoy the Namba Parks Illumination from your room window.

For more details, click here.

 

Festival of the Lights in Osaka – early November to December

An annual festival in Osaka, the Festival of the Lights is composed of two main programmes involving the historical Midosuji Avenue and the Nakanoshima area of Osaka – the Midosuji Illuminations and the Osaka Hikari-Renaissance.

Midosuji Illuminations

Right outside the hotel, take a walk down the iconic Midosuji Avenue decorated in bright lights for the annual Midosuji Illuminations. The avenue is a 4 kilometer stretch from Namba to Umeda, lined with gingko trees in a sea of sparkling lights during the winter season. After a full day of shopping in Namba, explore Osaka’s equivalent to Champs-Élysées as it glows in a beautiful array of colours.

During your stay at the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, request for a North view facing room to enjoy the Midosuji Illuminations from your room window.

 

Osaka Hikari-Renaissance

An art festival of light displayed across Nakanoshima, the symbolic waterway of the city, the Osaka Hikari-Renaissance features a light projection mapping display set against the Osaka City Central Public Hall’s façade. Walk around and discover various light exhibitions covering the pathways along Nakanoshima River and Nakanoshima Street, or take a break in an illuminated bench which also serves as an Instagrammable spot!

For more details on The Festival of the Lights in Osaka, click here.

 

Other upcoming Osaka Events and Festivals in Winter:

February 9 – 11: Toka Ebisu Festival

 

SPRING: MARCH – MAY

One of the best seasons in Japan, March marks the annual sumo tournament at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium (otherwise known as the Edion Arena Osaka), a mere 210 metres away from the hotel. Happening around mid to late March, the Spring Basho is an unforgettable experience which displays traditional Japanese culture through an athletic spectacle.

Visitors also look forward to Cherry Blossom Season, where they can experience a Hanami party – a picnic underneath Cherry Blossom Trees. Here are some of the popular spots for cherry blossom viewing or Hanami parties:

Osaka Castle Park

Considered as one of the most popular spots for Hanami parties, the park around the castle is filled with more than 3,000 cherry trees. Its annual light-up event in the evening also makes for the perfect photos, with an array of colourful lights set with the Osaka Castle serving as backdrop. Its wide lawns, lush scenery and cafés within the park serves as an ideal cherry blossom venue for all ages.

How to get there (Approximately 33 minutes): From the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, take the Midosuji Subway Line Namba Station (M20) towards Shin-Osaka or Senri-Chuo and alight at Hommachi Station (M18), 2 stations away. Take Chuo Subway Line towards Gakken-Nara-Tomigaoka, and alight at Morinomiya Station (C19), 3 stations away.

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park

A large public park previously known as the venue for the 1970 World Exhibition, this commemorative park is another popular spot with over 5,000 cherry trees. During the sakura season, pop-up shops and restaurants are set up around its massive lawn areas and illuminations are held at night in various sections of the park. Its barbecue spots, pedal boats, museums and nature trails have made the park popular for families, keeping everyone entertained.

How to get there (Approximately 1 hour): From the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, take the Midosuji Subway Line Namba Station (M20) towards Senri-Chuo and alight at Senri-Chuo Station (M08), 12 stations away. Take the Osaka Monorail towards Kadoma-shi, and alight at Bampaku-kinen-koen Station (Station No. 17), 2 stations away.

 

Other upcoming Osaka Events and Festivals in Spring:

SUMMER: JUNE – AUGUST

Immerse yourself in local tradition when you visit Osaka in the summer, with festivals lined up both in the city and surrounding points of interest. Take the opportunity to wear a local Yukata, or watch the night sky light up with fireworks during summer festivals in Osaka.

 

Tenjin Matsuri – July 24 to 25

Considered to be the biggest festival of Osaka City, the Tenjin Matsuri takes place annually and is one of the three greatest festivals in Japan. Various festivities include processions, dances, drum performances and a display of danjiri festival floats.

How to get there (Approximately 20 minutes): From the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, take the Sakaisuji Subway Line Nippombashi Station (K17) towards Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome and alight at Minami-morimachi Station (K13), 4 stations away.

 

Gion Matsuri – July

The festival of Yasaka shrine is the country’s biggest celebration, featuring a grand procession of floats which take place every 17^th and 24^th of July in Kyoto. Popular amongst locals and tourists, Kyoto’s downtown area is closed to vehicular traffic for three days leading up to the procession as streets are lined with various stalls offering local delights. The festival is traditionally sponsored by kimono merchants, which have led to its attendees to wear yukatas and kimonos as they enjoy the festivities.

How to get there (Approximately 1 hour): From the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, take the Sakaisuji Subway Line Nippombashi Station (K17) towards Takatsukishi (HK72) and alight at Awaji Station (HK63), 8 stations away. Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line and alight at the last station, Kyoto-Kawaramachi (HK86).

 

Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival – early August

Started in 1989 and popular among the locals, make your way to the festival early to reserve a decent spot to view the fireworks display. From the train station on your way to the venue, the streets are lined up with stalls offering unique Japanese festival food, along with local treats such as takoyaki, yakisoba and karaage, or cool off with kakigori (flavoured shaved ice). There are also reserved seats with options to include a bento picnic box and chilled drinks, for those who wish to be guaranteed a spectacular view.

How to get there (Approximately 19 minutes): From the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, take the Midosuji Subway Line Namba Station (M20) towards Senri-Chuo (M08) and alight at Nishinakajima-Minamigata Station (M14), 6 stations away.

 

Summer Sonic – 3^rd weekend of August

Happening in Maishima Sonic Park, Summer Sonic Osaka is one of the country’s biggest music festivals with both local and international performers. The festival began in 2000 and has had a star-studded lineup over the years, with acts to include Zedd, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, Coldplay, The Chainsmokers, BLACKPINK and Avril Lavigne.

How to get there (Approximately 1 hour): From the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, take the Hanshin-Namba Line Osaka-Namba Station (HS41) towards Amagasaki (HS09) and alight at Nishikujo Station (HS45), 4 stations away. Exit the station and proceed to the adjacent bus stop for Bus 81, heading to Maishima Sports Island.

*Shuttle buses may also be made available from Nishikujo at the discretion of the event organisers.

 

Other upcoming Osaka Events and Festivals in Summer:

June 30 – July 2: Aizen Festival at Shi-Tennoji Temple

July 30 – Aug 1: Sumiyoshi Matsuri

 

FALL: SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER

The yellow and orange hues take centerstage on your visit to Osaka in autumn, with the peak of the season happening in mid-November.

 

Minoh Park

An 8.8 hectare park which rewards you with the cascading 33-meter Minoo Falls at the end of the trail, the entire area is filled with autumn leaves in golden hues. Bring a bento box and enjoy a picnic with friends and family, or take a seat in one of the benches and engage in light reading. This must-visit location in Osaka’s Mino City is lined with shops selling fried maple leaves right by the park entrance – make sure to try it out or bring home as a souvenir!

How to get there (Approximately 1.5 hours): From the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, take the Midosuji Subway Line Namba Station (M20) towards Shin-Osaka or Senri-Chuo and alight at Umeda Station (M16), 4 stations away. Board the Hankyu Takarazuka Main Line and alight at Ishibashi Handai-Mae Station (HK48), 10 stations away. Take the Hankyu-Mino Line and alight at the last station, Minoh (HK59), 3 stations away.

 

Arashiyama, Kyoto

A famous sightseeing spot easily accessible from Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, the changing of the seasons provide a different atmosphere which entices visitors to keep coming back year round. Take the Sagano Romantic Train to conveniently enjoy breathtaking views, or go on a mini-adventure by taking a boat ride from Kameoka.

 

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway

Another spot accessible from Osaka, head to Hyogo and be in awe with scenic vistas of autumn leaves from 500 maple trees and 100 wild cherry trees, with an observation plaza at an altitude of about 400 metres. Take a moment, enjoy a picnic, or make your way around Japan’s largest herb garden.

 

Other upcoming Osaka Events and Festivals in Fall:

Early October: Osaka Kitchenware Street Festival

Oct 16 – 17: Goryo Jinja Shrine Autumn Festival

Early November: Shitennoji Wasso Festival