Things to Do in Osaka in January 2026

January in Osaka is crisp, festive, and full of contrasts. The New Year sets a reflective tone across the city, while bright illuminations, lively festivals, and indulgent winter sweets keep the atmosphere cheerful and warm. From centuries-old temple rituals to cutting-edge immersive art, Osaka in January offers a balance of tradition and modern entertainment that feels uniquely Kansai. Fewer crowds and clear winter skies also make it an excellent time to explore the city at a relaxed pace.

Below are some of the best events and seasonal experiences to enjoy in Osaka in January 2026, each offering a different lens into local culture, winter traditions, and contemporary fun.

Illuminage

Illuminage is one of Kansai’s most popular winter light-up events, transforming large outdoor spaces into glowing fantasy landscapes. Millions of LED lights create themed zones inspired by nature, seasonal motifs, and imaginative worlds, making it ideal for evening strolls and photography. January is a particularly good time to visit, as the colder air sharpens the colors and crowds are lighter after the New Year holidays.

Date: November 1, 2025 ~ February 1, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM ~ 10:00 PM

Location: 2 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan

Admission Fee: ¥1,000 ~ ¥2,000 

Website: https://illuminagegroup.com/

Kaiyukan Illumination “Namima”

Set against the iconic Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, this seaside illumination event brings gentle waves of light to the Tempozan Harbor Village. The name Namima reflects the rhythm of ocean waves, with blue and white lights designed to echo the surrounding bay. The illuminations pair beautifully with a winter walk along the waterfront, especially after visiting the aquarium itself.

Date: November 14, 2025 ~ March 1, 2026 

Location: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

Admission Fee: Free 

Website: https://www.kaiyukan.com/seascape_namima/

Sky Kotatsu Ferris Wheel

Winter meets whimsy on the Redhorse Osaka Wheel, which features seasonal kotatsu cabins and is also known as the Sky Kotatsu Ferris Wheel. A kotatsu (炬燵) is a traditional Japanese heated table with a blanket, and these special gondolas recreate that cozy experience in the sky. Wrapped in warmth while overlooking the Osaka skyline, this is a memorable way to enjoy the cold season without actually feeling cold.

Date: December 1, 2025 ~ February 28, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM ~ 8:00 PM; Weekends & holidays 11:00 AM ~ 9:00 PM

Location: 2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan 

Admission Fee: ¥1,600 ~ ¥2,600 

Website: https://osaka-wheel.com/

Universal Studios Japan – NO LIMIT! Countdown 2026

Ring in the New Year with one of Japan’s most energetic countdown celebrations. Universal Studios Japan hosts an all-night event filled with live entertainment, special parades, fireworks, and access to popular attractions. January 1 is spent riding thrill rides, enjoying exclusive shows, and celebrating the New Year in a uniquely cinematic way.

Date: December 31, 2025 ~ January 1, 2026

Time: December 31, 2025 7:00 PM ~ January 1, 2026 9:00 PM

Location: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan

Admission Fee: Party Pass required; starts around ¥16,900 (prices vary) 

Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/events/countdown-2026/no-limit-countdown-2026

Toka Ebisu Festival

Toka Ebisu (十日戎, festival praying for business prosperity) is one of Osaka’s most important traditional January events. Held at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, it draws merchants, entrepreneurs, and visitors hoping for success and good fortune in the year ahead. The shrine grounds buzz with food stalls, performances, and the cheerful sound of visitors clapping to call Ebisu, the god of commerce.

Date: January 9 ~ 11, 2026

Location: 1 Chome-6-10 Ebisunishi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0003, Japan

Admission Fee: Free

Website: https://www.imamiya-ebisu.jp/

Shitennō-ji Doyadoya Festival

Held at one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, the Shitennō-ji Doyadoya Festival is a powerful and visually striking event. Participants compete in ritual contests while chanting and moving energetically, symbolizing prayers for health and good harvests. The festival has deep historical roots and offers a rare chance to witness living tradition in an urban setting.

Date: January 14, 2026

Location: 1 Chome-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051, Japan

Admission Fee: Free

Website: https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/

Ukiyo-e Immersive Art

This immersive exhibition reimagines ukiyo-e (浮世絵, Edo-period woodblock prints and paintings) through large-scale digital projections, sound, and motion. Famous works by masters such as Hokusai and Hiroshige are brought to life, allowing visitors to step inside scenes of historical Japan. January is an excellent time to visit, as indoor cultural attractions provide a warm and enriching winter experience.

Date: January 17, 2026 ~ March 14, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM ~ 8:00 PM

Location: 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan

Admission Fee: ¥1,300 ~ ¥2,000

Website: https://www.ukiyoeimmersiveart.com/osaka

Valentine’s Chocolate Expo 2026

Osaka’s department stores go all out for Valentine’s season, and this chocolate expo held at Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store is one of the highlights. Featuring premium Japanese chocolatiers and international brands, the event showcases limited-edition sweets, artistic confections, and tasting opportunities. In Japan, Valentine’s Day is traditionally about gifting chocolate, making January the perfect time to explore and sample.

Date: January 21, 2026 ~ February 14, 2026

Location: 8-7 Kakudacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-8350

Admission Fee: Free

Website: https://website.hankyu-dept.co.jp/honten/h/valentine/

Strawberry Sweets Buffet 2026

Winter marks the peak of strawberry season in Japan, and this buffet celebrates the fruit in all its forms. Cakes, parfaits, tarts, and seasonal desserts are paired with savory items for balance. It is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity.

Date: January 10, 2026 ~ April 29, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM 

Location: 2 Chome-1-38 Higashinodamachi, Miyakojima Ward, Osaka, 534-0024, Japan

Admission Fee: ¥2,000 ~ ¥5,500 

Website: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/lorraine/reserve

January in Osaka blends quiet seasonal charm with bursts of color, flavor, and tradition. Whether you are warming up inside a Ferris wheel kotatsu, praying for prosperity at Toka Ebisu, or indulging in winter sweets, the city offers experiences that feel both comforting and exciting. With fewer tourists and a strong sense of renewal in the air, January 2026 is a wonderful time to discover Osaka from a fresh perspective and start the year with unforgettable memories.

Feature Photo Credit: Kingmaya Studio

Not sure where to start when making your own Osaka Wintertime adventure? Our team of Tailored Travel experts is more than ready to craft an itinerary created personally for you and all your interests, without all the stress and mess!