Osaka in Winter : 7 Ways to Enjoy the Season

Winter in Osaka sees the city streets brightly illuminated, filled with a distinctive warmth and friendly atmosphere.

There are many events and delicious gourmet experiences only available in winter, allowing tourists to create special memories.

Whether you're a couple, a family, friends, or even traveling solo, why not spend the most enjoyable winter in Osaka?

7 Ways to Enjoy Winter in Osaka

1. Illuminations
   • Osaka Castle Illumination
   • Midosuji Illumination
2. Christmas Markets
   • Umeda Sky Building Christmas Market
   • Tennoji Christmas Market
3. Ice Skating
   • Umeda⭐︎Ice Rink
   • Naniwa Sports Center Ice Skating Rink
4. Amusement Park Events
   • Universal Studios Japan
   • Hirakata Park
5. Hot Springs
   • Spa World Hotel & Resort (Shinsekai)
   • Solaniwa Onsen　OSAKA BAY TOWER
6. Hatsumode
   • Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
   • Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
7. Food
   • Hotpot
   • Strawberry Picking
8. Summary

1. Illumination：Fantastical experience enveloped in the magic of light

When visiting Osaka in winter, the illuminations held throughout the city are an absolute must-see.
The entire city is enveloped in fantastical light, creating a romantic atmosphere unique to winter.
The following two spots are especially worth seeing.

Osaka Castle Illumination

Held annually in winter within Osaka Castle Park, the “Osaka Castle Illumination” is an event where you can enjoy gorgeous and beautiful light art against the backdrop of historic Osaka Castle.
The castle's majestic form combines with light tunnels and giant light installations to create a fantastical world.
Taking photos while viewing the illuminations or strolling through the historic grounds adds to the fun.
Osaka Castle Illumination Official Website

Midosuji Illumination

The world-record-breaking, large-scale illumination lighting up Midosuji Avenue, which runs north-south through central Osaka, is a must-see.
Simply walking along the street lined with beautifully decorated trees gives you the sensation of passing through a tunnel of light.
Midosuji Illumination Official Website

2. Christmas Market：Warm Your Heart This Winter with Adorable Goods

Experience the charm of a Christmas market reminiscent of winter in Europe—a must-visit event right here in Osaka.
This market, incorporating German traditions, offers warm beverages, crafts, and Christmas goods, letting you soak up the special holiday season atmosphere.

Umeda Sky Building Christmas Market

The Umeda Sky Building Christmas Market is one of Osaka's most famous events.
Around the beautiful, sparkling symbol tree, various foods, drinks, and goods are sold.
Inside the building, you can also enjoy a Christmas dinner for a special moment.
Umeda Sky Building Christmas Market Official Website

Tennoji Christmas Market

A Christmas market is also held at Tennoji Park, selling food, drinks, and original goods.
Music events and various performances take place within the market.
Why not enjoy the lively atmosphere with a hot drink in hand?
Tennoji Christmas Market Official Website

3. Ice Skating：A Refreshing Experience on the Icy Stage

Experience ice skating in Osaka—a pleasure best enjoyed during the cold winter months.
Several outdoor rinks and limited-time skating venues are available, perfect for a quick stop during your sightseeing.
Here are some recommended ice skating rinks.

Umeda⭐︎Ice Rink

This is a temporary outdoor skating spot set up in Grand Front Osaka's Umekita Plaza, right in the heart of the city.
At night, it's illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Located right near the station, it's easy to drop by for a quick experience.
Umeda⭐︎Ice Rink Official Website

Naniwa Sports Center Ice Skating Rink

This is a year-round skating rink with an international-standard size.
Being indoors means you can skate comfortably regardless of the winter cold.
Skating lessons are also held, making it enjoyable for everyone from beginners to advanced skaters.
Naniwa Sports Center Ice Skating Rink Official Website

4. Amusement Park Events：Experience Special Winter-Only Thrills

When it comes to amusement parks in Osaka, “Universal Studios Japan (USJ)” is world-renowned.
Beyond that, there are several other places where you can enjoy a fun time.
Special events are held during the winter season, so be sure to visit.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

Every winter, USJ holds a Christmas event.
Highlights include the lighting ceremony for the giant Christmas tree and the Christmas parade featuring the characters.
Even outside the event, attractions and shopping are plentiful, making for a dreamlike, fun-filled day.
Universal Studios Japan Official Website

Hirakata Park

When it comes to amusement parks in Osaka, besides USJ, there's also Hirakata Park.
From mid-December to early March, the Winter Carnival is held.
With an ice skating rink and snow play areas, both adults and children can play energetically.
Hirakata Park Official Website

5. Hot Springs：Relax and Soak in Warmness

During a winter trip to Osaka, relaxing in hot springs between sightseeing stops is one of the pleasures.
Especially on cold winter days, the warmth of the hot springs feels wonderfully soothing, gently easing the fatigue of travel.
Here are a few hot spring spots easily accessible from central Osaka.

Spa World Hotel & Resort (Shinsekai)

Located in the Shinsekai area, Spa World is a large-scale hot spring facility themed around hot springs from around the world.
Its appeal lies in the diverse baths you can enjoy, such as ancient Roman baths, Japanese mountain stream open-air baths, and Finnish saunas.
It also features pools for children and relaxation facilities, making it ideal for family trips.
Spa World Official Website

Sola Niwa Onsen　OSAKA BAY TOWER

6. Hatsumode：New Year's Prayers in Osaka

Hatsumode, the traditional Japanese New Year ritual of visiting shrines and temples, is one of the cultural experiences we highly recommend trying in Osaka.
At the start of the year, many people visit shrines and temples to pray for safety and happiness throughout the coming year.
Here are some popular hatsumode spots in Osaka.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is a popular spot for New Year's visits in Osaka.
This shrine, visited by over 2 million people annually, boasts a long history and is enveloped in a sacred atmosphere.
Come for your New Year's visit, pick up a protective charm or fortune slip, and pray for good fortune.
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine Official Website

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, known as the god of learning, is also a perfect place for hatsumode.
It's popular with students praying for exam success and academic achievement, making it well worth visiting as a New Year's event.
It also bustles with many food stalls.
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine Official Website

7. Food：Winter's Culinary Experiences in Osaka

Savoring gourmet delights amidst winter's chill is a highlight of any Osaka trip.
Especially, warm hot pot dishes and strawberry picking not only warm your body during the cold winter but also warm your heart.

Hotpot / nabe

Hotpot dishes are a winter staple.
In Osaka, you can enjoy various types of hot pot, such as “motsu nabe” (offal hot pot) and “tecchiri nabe” (blowfish hot pot).
Osaka's blowfish cuisine is particularly famous nationwide, and blowfish hot pot during winter is truly exquisite.

Strawberry picking

From winter into spring, strawberry picking is a popular activity.
At farms near Osaka, you can pick and eat perfectly ripe, sweet strawberries right from the field.
Some farms also offer sweets for sale and free drink bars, making them a great choice for those wanting to enjoy fresh fruit.

8. Summary

From the sparkling illuminations and bustling Christmas markets to traditional New Year's shrine visits and delicious cuisine, experiences await that will make you forget the winter chill.
We hope this article inspires you to create heartwarming memories in wintertime Osaka.

What are we?

We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
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