Osaka in January 2027 — Festivals & Events

4 events in Osaka during January. Rooms near the biggest events go first, so book your stay as soon as your dates are set.

🎪 Matsuri Festivals

Toka Ebisu (Imamiya Ebisu, Osaka)

January 9-11, 2027

Toka Ebisu is the most important festival of Imamiya Ebisu Shrine in Naniwa Ward, held every year on January 9, 10 and 11. Worshippers come to pray for business prosperity to the call of 'Shobai hanjo de sasa motte koi', and fukumusume hand out fukuzasa, bamboo branches decorated with lucky charms. The Hoe-kago palanquin procession, which began with the geisha of Minami, is one of the festival's events.

Access: Imamiya-Ebisu Station (Nankai Koya Line)

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🗓 Dates filled in: Sat, Jan 9 → Sun, Jan 10 (1 night)

Doyadoya at Shitennoji Temple

January 14

Doyadoya is the closing ritual of Shitennoji's New Year Shushoe prayers, held every January 14 in front of the Rokujido hall and the Nio Gate. Men in red-and-white loincloths and headbands scramble for protective talismans blessed during the rite, a tradition that has run for over 300 years and now involves local high school students. On the same morning, a Tondoyaki bonfire burns New Year decorations and old talismans in front of the Nio Gate.

Access: Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station (Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line), about 5 minutes on foot

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Hatsu-Tenjin Baikasai at Osaka Tenmangu

January 24-25

Hatsu-Tenjin Baikasai is held on January 24 and 25 at Osaka Tenmangu from 9:00 to 17:00. January 25 is the day Sugawara no Michizane was exiled, and plum branches are offered to comfort his spirit, which gives the festival its name, Baikasai, meaning plum blossom festival. As the first monthly memorial day of the year, it is called Hatsu-Tenjin.

Access: Minami-morimachi Station (Osaka Metro Tanimachi or Sakaisuji Line) Exit 4 or Osaka Tenmangu Station (JR Tozai Line) Exit 7, then the second left off Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street and about 50 m further (walking time not stated)

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❄️ Winter & Illuminations

Umekita Winter Illumination (Grand Front Osaka)

November 4, 2026 – February 28, 2027 (lit nightly)

The Umekita winter illumination links Grand Front Osaka and Grand Green Osaka in the Umekita area and runs from November 4, 2026 to February 28, 2027. Grand Front Osaka says more than 500,000 bulbs are used, the most so far. A press release lists champagne-gold LEDs lit daily from 17:00 to 24:00.

Access: Grand Front Osaka and Grand Green Osaka in the Umekita area north of JR Osaka Station and Osaka Metro Umeda Station

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