10 Things to Do in Osaka During Summer
- Osaka Localized
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
When you think of traveling internationally during summer, you won’t readily think of visiting Japan. Rather, you’ll head over to places like Bali, Hawaii , Copacabana, the Bahamas, or the Maldives. However, Japan is just breathtaking in summer.
The country is teeming with vibrant festivals, lush landscapes, fireworks lighting the sky, and endless adventures from mountains to coastlines, perfect for families and friends.
Visiting Japan in summer is not the norm, unless it’s about cherry blossoms during spring, or the Japanese winter snow. Should you wish to experience this East Asian country in this sunny season, the best place to land is Osaka. What are the best things to do during summer here?
1. Indulge in Osaka’s Street Food Scene to Whet Your Appetite
Year-round, Osaka is a food paradise. It has to be, since it’s officially named “the kitchen of Japan.”
So, when visiting this destination during summer, ditch the fancy restaurants and save money for your other tours by trying delights from equally yummy snacks from street food stalls. Try authentic Japanese takoyaki balls, grilled squid, okonomiyaki, shaved ice, and so much more. Or, join a local foodie tour!
2. Treat Your Kids to Osaka Tennoji Zoo
Traveling with your kids? The perfect way to start your Osaka summer tour is to visit the Osaka Tennoji Zoo. If Singapore has the Night Safari, Osaka has this. It’s a rare opportunity to see animals whose lives are anchored in the nighttime.
3. Enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Today, a tour in Osaka would be very sad without visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Managed by Universal Studios theme parks, this magical place offers summer-rific events within and beyond. There are summer activities to enjoy in the other worlds around the park, plus the experiences like the Songkran Festival in Thailand.
4. Experience the ‘Three Great Summer Festivals of Osaka’
This July, brace yourself for not just one, but three summer festivals you can attend within Osaka. There’s the Tenjin Festival held in honor of the victims of calamities in Japan, with fireworks and parades, as well as processions. There’s the Aizen Matsuri, or the oldest summer festival in Japan, featuring Japanese women clad in Japanese costumes, plus more. Then, you may also catch Japan Day, a major event part of EXPO 2025.
ALSO READ: MUST-VISIT MARKETS IN OSAKA
5. Attend COMIC CITY Osaka
What else could kids be doing during summer vacation from school? To watch their favorite anime on TV, non-stop, right?
Well, bring this anime fever to life in Osaka as you witness the COMIC CITY event. This is the biggest manga and anime event in western Japan. As for what to see, get your admission tickets now to find out for yourself.
6. Bask in the Sun at Tokimeki Beach
Who says Japan is just about temples and shrines? Looking for beaches in Osaka? Visit Tokimeki Beach, boasting its vast white sands and clear water. You’ll forget about Phuket when you get here.
ALSO READ: MUST-VISIT GARDENS IN OSAKA
7. Continue Your Beach-Hopping at Sennan Marble Beach
Then, there’s also the Sennan Marble Beach dubbed as “the certified lovers’ sanctuary” in the Osaka Prefecture. Just don’t feel uncomfortable with the sights and sounds of planes taking off and landing, as the beach is near the Kansai International Airport, while you watch the sunset. Dramatic with a bit of action, isn’t it?
8. Retreat to Minoh Park
Tired of the full-day tour around Osaka? Take your summer retreat to the wondrous Minoh Park, which features a refreshing waterfall reachable via a fulfilling hike. Here, the waterfall acts like natural air-conditioning. Quite stunning.
ALSO READ: MUST-VISIT HISTORICAL LANDMARKS IN OSAKA
9. Relax at Nakanoshima Park
Be sure this is part of your Osaka summer itinerary. It’s the perfect way to end your day tour and perhaps even mingle with some of Osaka’s professionals who head over here to unwind after work hours.
10. Cruise Along and Catch Beer at Dotonbori District
Like a good ending to a movie, the best way to cap off your Osaka summer tour is by riding a cruise and drinking liquor while enjoying views of the Dotonbori District. Snap images of sights like the Dotonbori Glico Man Sign and Kani Douraku. Just heaven.
Osaka in summer offers a mixture of fun, historical, and cultural experiences. Let’s go! Have you booked your flight yet?
Want to discover more of Osaka with a local? Join our Osaka Free Walking Tour and experience Osaka’s rich food, culture, and history.
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