Summer in Osaka is full of energy and excitement, making it the perfect time for sightseeing and leisure. The city is packed with unique summer events, like the Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan's three major festivals, and "Summer Sonic," a must for music lovers. In 2025, there's even more to look forward to with the very first "JAPAN FIREWORKS EXPO," where top pyrotechnicians from across Japan will gather to show off their craft in celebration of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
This article introduces some of the best events happening in Osaka in June, July, and August 2025.
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What's the average temperature in Osaka in June, July, and August? What kind of clothing is recommended in summer?
| June | July | August | |
| 2022 | 24.4℃ | 28.4 ℃ | 29.5℃ |
| 2023 | 23.8℃ | 28.9 ℃ | 29.9℃ |
| 2024 | 23.9℃ | 29.6 ℃ | 30.4℃ |
*Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/index.html)
Because Osaka is in a basin, the summer heat can be particularly intense. From mid-June to early July, it’s the rainy season, with high humidity. Once the rainy season ends, temperatures rise sharply. In central areas of the city, due to the heat island effect, it’s not uncommon for the temperature to approach 40°C.
Extreme heat for several days in a row can take a serious toll on your body, so be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade to prevent heatstroke. If you start feeling unwell, don’t hesitate to ask those around you for help.
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For this time of year, light and breathable clothing is a must. Pair a short-sleeved top with shorts or a skirt made of airy fabric for maximum comfort. Since air conditioning indoors can sometimes feel chilly, it's a good idea to carry a light cardigan or scarf with you.
If you're heading to a fireworks display or festival, why not try renting a yukata (summer kimono)? Wearing traditional Japanese attire can really boost the festive mood and make your day even more memorable.
【[Ongoing–August】 JAPAN FIREWORKS EXPO
Held as part of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, "JAPAN FIREWORKS EXPO" is a special event aimed at showcasing the charm of Japanese fireworks, a traditional part of Japanese culture, to the world.
Fireworks festivals, which are a symbol of summer in Japan, have their own unique character and history and are deeply connected to local culture and daily life. This event is designed to highlight the cultural significance of these festivals and Japan's world-class fireworks technology on a global stage. Top pyrotechnicians from all over the country will gather in Osaka to put on breathtaking shows. A special performance is also scheduled for Wednesday, July 23.
- Dates: April 26 (Sat), May 31 (Sat), June 28 (Sat), July 21 (Mon), July 23 (Wed), August 23 (Sat), September 27 (Sat), October 8 (Wed), 2025
- Location: Around Yumeshima, Konohana Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture (Osaka-Kansai Expo venue area)
【June–July】Aizen Festival
Held from late June to early July at Aizendō Shōman'in, a temple said to have been built by Prince Shōtoku, this is Japan’s oldest summer festival. Locals affectionately call it "Aizen-san," and it marks the arrival of summer in Osaka.
One of the festival’s highlights is the "Hoekago Parade," where women known as "Aizen Musume" ride in decorative palanquins and parade through the city in vibrant attire. This tradition dates back to the Edo period when geisha would visit the temple dressed in their finest clothes. During the festival, the temple’s main deity, Aizen Myōō, is also displayed to the public.
- Dates: June 30 (Mon) - July 2(Wed), 2025
- Location: 5-36 Yūhigaokachō, Tennōji Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Access: 3-minute walk from Shitennōji-mae Yūhigaoka Station
【July】Tenjin Festival
Held at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, the Tenjin Festival is one of Japan’s three major festivals and a signature event of Osaka. The main events take place on the 24th ("Yoimiya") and the 25th ("Honmiya").
On the 24th, "Yoimiya," meaning the day before the main festival, a procession of priests and participants in traditional attire marches from Osaka Tenmangu Shrine to Hokonagashi Bridge in front of the Tenma Police Station. Traditional lion dances are also performed, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The grand finale on the evening of the 25th features around 100 boats gliding along the Okawa River, with approximately 3,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky.
On Wednesday the 23rd, a related event called "Tenjin Festival Gal Mikoshi" will be held in the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street. In this event, only women carry the mikoshi (portable shrine), and it’s a lively celebration aimed at revitalizing the local community and promoting Osaka's culture.
- Dates: July 24 (Thu), 25 (Fri), 2025
- Location: 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture (Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and surrounding areas)
- Access: 5-minute walk from Minami-Morimachi Station / 3-minute walk from Osaka Tenmangu Station
【July–August】Sumiyoshi Festival
Held at the historic Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine on Marine Day in July (July 21 in 2025) and from July 30 to August 1, this festival is dedicated to purification rituals aimed at warding off misfortune and praying for good health across Osaka. It’s also known by the nickname "Oharai" (purification).
The highlight of the festival is the "Nagoshi no harae Shinji," held on July 31, during which women and children dressed in vibrant traditional attire and pass through a large ring made of chigaya grass called a "Chinowa", while humming a waka poem.
- Dates: July 21 (Marine Day), July 30–August 1, 2025
- Location: 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka
- Access: 3-minute walk from Sumiyoshi Taisha Station / 5-minute walk from Sumiyoshi-Higashi Station
【August】SUMMER SONIC 2025
One of Japan’s biggest summer music festivals, SUMMER SONIC—aka "Summer Sonic" or just "SamaSoni"—takes place simultaneously in Tokyo and Osaka. Featuring top artists from around the world, the festival offers an incredible mix of genres, delicious food stalls, official merch shops, and more to enjoy beyond the music.
The Osaka venue hosts the festival over two days: August 16 (Sat) and 17 (Sun). The 2025 lineup includes Japanese mega-acts like Official HIGE DANDism, BABYMETAL, rising star HANA, and her producer CHANMINA. International stars such as Alicia Keys from the US, (G)I-DLE from Korea, and BUS from Thailand will also take the stage.
- Dates: August 16 (Sat), 17 (Sun), 2025
- Location: Senri Expo Park, Suita City, Osaka
- Access: Walk from Banpaku-Kinen-Koen Station or Koen-Higashiguchi Station
【Ongoing–October】Osaka Gourmet EXPO 2025
Hosted in Osaka Castle Park, this event blends gourmet food and entertainment, offering a full-on "Kuidaore" (eat-till-you-drop) Osaka experience.
From must-try local dishes like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, ramen, grilled meat, and gyoza to restaurants featured in gourmet guides and hidden gems beloved by locals, the food stalls change throughout the event, making every visit fresh and exciting.
In addition to mouthwatering eats, enjoy Osaka-style entertainment such as comedy shows, magic acts, and live music.
- Dates: April 12 (Sat) – October 13 (Mon, national holiday), 2025
- Location: Taiyo-no-Hiroba, Osaka Castle Park, 3 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Access: 4-minute walk from Osaka Castle Park Station / 7-minute walk from Osaka Business Park Station / 9-minute walk from Morinomiya Station
【August】Osaka Castle Festival 2025
A must-visit event for anyone fascinated by Japanese castles and history! Osaka Castle Festival offers an in-depth look at some of Japan’s most stunning castles and the historical figures connected to them.
Exclusive merchandise featuring castle motifs and famous samurai warriors makes for great souvenirs, and local mascot characters will be on-site to welcome visitors—a fun bonus for fans of regional culture!
The venue is Grand Front Osaka, directly connected to JR Osaka Station in the heart of Umeda, making it super convenient to access.
- Dates: August 9 (Sat) & 10 (Sun), 2025
- Location: B2F, North Building, Grand Front Osaka, 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Access: 5-minute walk from Osaka Station, Umeda Station, or Osaka-Umeda Station / 6-minute walk from Osaka-Umeda Station
【Ongoing–September】Immersive Museum OSAKA 2025
"Immersive Museum" is an exhibition that lets you step inside the world of paintings through a fully immersive art experience.
Now in its third installment since launching in 2023, the 2025 Osaka edition explores the theme "Impressionism and Ukiyo-e." The exhibition illustrates how iconic Japanese Ukiyo-e artists like Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige influenced the work of European masters like Van Gogh and Monet, known for their Impressionist and Post-Impressionist styles.
- Dates: May 31 (Sat) – September 5 (Fri), 2025
- Location: Dojima River Forum, 1-1-17 Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Osaka
- Access: 5-minute walk from Nakanoshima, Fukushima, or Shin-Fukushima Station / 15-minute walk from Osaka or Higobashi Station
【July】Sakai Dai-Uo Yoi-ichi (Sakai Giant Fish Night Market)
Held every year on July 31 at Ohama Park in Sakai-ku, Sakai City, this event boasts a rich 700-year history and is a beloved summer tradition in Sakai. Originating as a night market along the Ohama coast, it coincided with the Sumiyoshi Festival, when local fishermen offered their catch to the gods in a purification ritual. Over time, it evolved into the lively, fish-themed night market it is today.
The main highlight is the dramatic nighttime fish auction. The energetic calls of the auctioneers echo through the night as eager buyers jostle to snap up the fresh seafood, creating an atmosphere full of excitement. Dozens of food stalls line the area, making it a great place to soak in the lively, uniquely Sakai-style summer vibes.
- Date: Late July
- Location: 4-3-50 Ohama Kitamachi, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka (Ohama Park)
- Access: 10-minute walk from Sakai Station
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