Until April 11! OSAKA River Fantasy: Cruises, Events, and Access

OSAKA River Fantasy: A Spring Event Until April 11, 2025

Picture courtesy of OSAKA River Fantasy Management Office
OSAKA River Fantasy is a limited-time event themed around light and water, held to commemorate the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo.

Set in three areas of Osaka, a variety of content such as fountains and projection mapping will be displayed, allowing you to experience a magical world that illuminates the nights of Osaka.

In this article, we will introduce the charms of OSAKA River Fantasy in detail, from event information to cruise details and recommended ways to enjoy the experience!

OSAKA River Fantasy Takes Place in 3 Locations

OSAKA River Fantasy will be held in the following three areas.

1. Hakkenyahama Area
2. Higashiyokobori River Area
3. Nakanoshima GATE Area

Now, let’s check the details of the events happening in each of the three areas below!

1. Hakkenyahama Area: Water and Light Water Show

Picture courtesy of OSAKA River Fantasy Management Office
Along the banks of the right side of the Okawa River, an impressive fountain show will be held!

A large fountain, spanning approximately 100 meters, releases a colorful display of light synchronized with music, creating a magical space. The massive scale of the fountain show captivates with its water displays that change in tune with the music. At night, it is illuminated, enveloping the area in an even more enchanting atmosphere.

Picture courtesy of OSAKA River Fantasy Management Office
Venue Location:
Riverbank on the right side of the Okawa

Schedule:
- From March 20, 2025 (Thursday, national holiday) to April 11, 2025 (Friday): 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
- From April 12, 2025 (Saturday) to around February 2026: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Showtimes: Starts at 00 and 30 minutes past each hour (approximately 5 minutes per performance)
*On March 20 (Thursday, national holiday), the opening ceremony will start at 7:30 PM

Nearest Station / Access:
Immediately from Exit 2 of Tenmabashi Station on the Keihan Main Line and Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line.

2. Higashiyokobori River Area: Waterside Projection Mapping

Picture courtesy of OSAKA River Fantasy Management Office
Using the bridge piers and bridges of the Hanshin Expressway as screens, projection mapping and lighting will be conducted. Over a length of approximately 650 meters, you can enjoy a magical space production.

One of the unique charms of this area is the ability to enjoy a cruise and experience the enchanting atmosphere from the water!

Picture courtesy of OSAKA River Fantasy Management Office
Venue Location:
Between Komabashi and Hommachibashi on the Higashiyokobori River

Schedule:
- From March 20, 2025 (Thursday, national holiday) to March 31, 2025 (Monday): 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Constant performances)
- From April 1, 2025 (Tuesday) to around February 2026: Sunset - 10:00 PM (Constant performances)
*The start time of the performance varies according to the sunset time.

Nearest Station / Access:
- Approximately a 5-minute walk from Sakaisuji-Honmachi Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line and Chuo Line
- Approximately a 3-minute walk from Kitahama Station on the Keihan Main Line and Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line.

3. Nakanoshima GATE Area: LED Vision Performance

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Across from the Nakanoshima GATE South Pier, which serves as the gateway to the Water Corridor from the Expo site, a LED vision installation welcomes domestic and international tourists with hospitality messages and information about Osaka's attractions.

This large LED vision also plays a role as a landmark, connecting the Expo site with the city.

Enjoy the light displays harmonized with the scenery while strolling along the waterside.

Venue Location:
Across from Nakanoshima GATE South Pier

Schedule:
Scheduled to start in early April 2025

Nearest Station / Access:
- Walking distance from Tamagawa Station on the Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line
- Walking distance from Noda Station on the JR Line
- Walking distance from Awaza Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line and Sennichimae Line.

Recommended: Cruises! Routes, Prices, Duration, and Boarding Points

To fully enjoy the OSAKA River Fantasy, a cruise experience is highly recommended.

By moving along the water on a boat, you can immerse yourself in a fantastical world of water and light, a dynamic experience that cannot be felt from land.

1. Hakkenyahama, Higashiyokobori River, and Dotonbori Night Cruise (50 minutes)

Picture courtesy of OSAKA River Fantasy Management Office
- Route: Hakkenyahama Area → Higashiyokobori River Area → Dotonbori
- Included Areas: "Water and Light Water Show," "Waterside Projection Mapping"
- Start Date: March 20, 2025 (Thursday, national holiday) onward
- Operating Times: Two daily departures (9:20 AM and 8:30 PM)
- Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
- Boarding Fees (including tax): Adults: 5,000 yen, Children: 3,000 yen
- Boarding Points:
1. Departing from Minatomachi Pier, arriving at Hakkenyahama Pier
2. Departing from Hakkenyahama Pier, arriving at Minatomachi Pier
Cruise Reservations: Please check the official website for more information.

2. Hakkenyahama Area Round Trip Night Cruise (20 minutes)

Picture courtesy of OSAKA River Fantasy Management Office
- Route: Hakkenyahama Area Round Trip
- Included Areas: "Water and Light Water Show"
- Start Date: April 11, 2025 (Friday) onward
- Operating Days: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Operating Times: 6 departures per day (6:30 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM)
- Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
- Boarding Fees (including tax): Adults: 2,000 yen, Children: 1,000 yen
- Boarding Point: Departing from and arriving at Hakkenyahama Pier
- Cruise Reservations: Please check the official website for more information.

3. Higashiyokobori River Area Round Trip Night Cruise (20 minutes)

Picture courtesy of OSAKA River Fantasy Management Office
- Included Area: Higashiyokobori River Area Round Trip
- Content: "Waterside Projection Mapping"
- Start Date: From March 20, 2025 (Thursday, national holiday)
- Operating Days: Every Wednesday to Sunday
- Operating Times: 6 departures per day (7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM, 9:30 PM)
- Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
- Boarding Fees (including tax): Adults: 3,500 yen, Children: 2,500 yen
- Boarding Point: Departing from and arriving at Hommachi Bridge Pier
- Cruise Reservations: Please check the official website for more information.

Other: Popular Cruise Experiences in Osaka!

Photo by AC/Imagery
The classic and Instagram-worthy Dotonbori Cruise, along with seasonal options like the Cherry Blossom Viewing Cruise in spring and the historical Osaka Castle Cruise, makes Osaka offer a wide variety of popular cruise experiences beyond the OSAKA River Fantasy.

One particularly recommended option is the Dotonbori Pirates Cruise offered by Pirates of Osaka.

This classic course allows you to enjoy the vibrant streets of Dotonbori from the water on a 20-minute cruise. You can also take commemorative photos in front of the iconic Glico sign, making it perfect for creating memories of your Osaka trip. The fare is 1,500 yen per person, and cancellations are free up to the day before.

Other cruise plans can also be easily booked on activity reservation sites like “kkday.” Be sure to experience the charm of Osaka as a water city through its cruises!

Recommended Enjoyment for Families and Couples

OSAKA River Fantasy is an event that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Enjoyment for Families

For families, the fountain show in the Hakkenyahama Area is sure to delight the children.

Taking a cruise together as a family is also recommended for making special memories. Don’t forget to take commemorative photos in each area!

Enjoyment for Couples

For couples, the projection mapping and lighting create a perfect romantic evening ambiance.

Enjoying a night cruise is also a wonderful choice. It’s also recommended to dine at a waterside restaurant before or after the event!

Experience OSAKA River Fantasy, a Festival of Light and Water

Picture courtesy of OSAKA River Fantasy Management Office
OSAKA River Fantasy is set to be a major event representing Osaka in 2025. The fantastical space woven from water and light is sure to provide unforgettable emotions to all who visit.

We also recommend taking a cruise to further enjoy the festival of light and water.

Be sure to take this opportunity to visit Osaka and experience the charm of OSAKA River Fantasy!

Main image courtesy of OSAKA River Fantasy Management Office