12 Osaka Events During Golden Week 2025: Join the Fun!

Golden Week Events in Osaka and Kyoto

Photo by pixta
In 2025, the Golden Week (GW) will span from Saturday, April 26, to Monday, May 6. If you take leave on the four days of April 28, 30 and May 1, 2, you can enjoy a maximum of 11 consecutive holidays.

Various events will be held in the Kansai region, including Osaka and Kyoto, in line with the Golden Week holidays. In this article, we carefully select and introduce eight particularly noteworthy events. If there's an event that interests you, be sure to participate!

Also, for other recommended hidden gems in Kansai during Golden Week, please check out the articles below!

1. EXPO 2025 Osaka - Kansai Expo

From April 13 to October 13, 2025, the Osaka World Expo will be held for six months at Yumeshima in Osaka. With the theme of "Designing a Future Society Where Lives Shine," this international event is expected to attract millions of visitors from both Japan and around the world.

The venue, designed by architect Sou Fukimoto, will feature various themed areas such as "Green World," "Pavilion World," and "Water World," hosting future-oriented exhibitions, forums, and conferences.

Event Details

Event Name: EXPO 2025 Osaka・Kansai Expo
Duration: April 13, 2025 (Sunday) - October 13, 2025 (Monday)
Location: Yumeshima District, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Admission Fee: Varies by ticket type
Official Website: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/

2. Nakanoshima Festival in Osaka

Nakanoshima Park. Photo by Pixta

The Nakanoshima Festival, one of Japan's largest civic festivals, celebrates its 52nd edition this year. The theme for 2025 is "Osaka - Nakanoshima: Infinite Ways to Have Fun."

In front of the nationally designated important cultural property, the Central Public Hall, a relaxing plaza will be created, numerous food stalls will be set up, and stages will showcase singing, performances, and street performances, offering many highlights to enjoy.

At the same time, the Nakanoshima Film Festival and a flea market will also be held.

Event Details

Event Name: Nakanoshima Festival
Duration: May 3-5, 2025, from 10:00 to 16:00 (ends at 15:00 on the 5th)
Location: 1-chome Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka (Nakanoshima Park area)
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: http://nakanoshima.net/sp/mukete.html

3. Smartregi Presents Hungry Circus

Picture courtesy of PR Times

The Smaregi Presents Hungry Circus organized by Mainichi Broadcasting System is one of the top food festivals in Kansai, having attracted approximately 120,000 visitors in the past.

In 2025, about 40 gourmet vendors that Kansai locals find "really delicious" will gather. Additionally, there will be plenty of content for everyone to enjoy, including live performances by artists and workshops for both adults and children.

This year, the cloud POS register "Smaregi," provided by Smaregi Co., Ltd., is a special sponsor, and mobile ordering will also be available.

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Event Details

Event Name: Smaregi Presents Hungry Circus
Duration: May 2 (Friday) - May 6 (Tuesday, Holiday) from 10:00 to 19:00
Location: Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: https://www.mbs.jp/harapeko/

4. Everyone's Favorite!! Pet Kingdom 2025

Since 2005, the Everyone's Favorite!! Pet Kingdom 2025 event has been a wonderful opportunity to experience the joys of living with animals and share the happiness of cohabiting with them.

At the venue, there will be a display area featuring a diverse range of creatures, including not only dogs and cats but also small animals, reptiles, insects, ornamental fish, and birds. Additionally, there will be interaction spaces where attendees can engage with adorable animals, booths showcasing and allowing trials of the latest pet products, and a bargain outlet corner offering various projects to enrich life with pets.

One of the reasons for its popularity is that entry with pets is allowed, enabling attendees to enjoy the event alongside their beloved companions.

Event Details

Event Name: Everyone's Favorite!! Pet Kingdom 2025
Duration: May 3 (Saturday, Holiday) - May 4 (Sunday, Holiday) from 10:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Location: Kyocera Dome Osaka
Admission Fee: Advance Tickets - Adults (Middle School and up) 1,700 yen; Children (3 years to Elementary School) 900 yen / Day Tickets - Adults (Middle School and up) 2,100 yen; Children (3 years to Elementary School) 1,300 yen
Official Website: https://pet-oukoku.jp/

5. Osaka Expo Commemorative Park Poppy and Nemophila Festival

Photo by pixta

At Expo Commemorative Park, the "Poppy and Nemophila Festival 2025" will take place, featuring vibrant springtime poppies and nemophilas in full bloom.

The expansive park will be adorned with approximately 200,000 poppies and 36,000 nemophila plants, creating a breathtaking landscape.

How about spending a delightful springtime moment on the hill of flowers, where blooming spring flowers such as cornflowers and crimson clovers flourish?

Event Details

Event Name: Expo Commemorative Park Poppy and Nemophila Festival
Duration: March 29 (Saturday) - April 29 (Tuesday, Holiday) in 2025
Time: 9:30 to 17:00
Location: Expo Commemorative Park (Natural Cultural Garden, Flower Hill)
Admission Fee: Adults 260 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 80 yen (common admission fee for the Natural Cultural Garden and Japanese Garden)
Official Website: https://www.expo70-park.jp/event/69321/

6. Osaka Comicon 2025

Picture courtesy of Osaka Comicon Official Website

Comicon (Comic Convention) is one of the largest events in the world related to pop culture. Originating in the United States, it is held in both Osaka and Tokyo, Japan.

The Osaka Comicon 2025 will feature the much-anticipated Cosplay Collection for cosplay participants, along with the latest information on domestic and international films and comics, opportunities to mingle with celebrity actors, and displays of movie props and rare items, making for an exciting event.

Additionally, prestigious guests such as Mads Mikkelsen, known for his role in "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore," and Emily Rudd, who plays Nami in the live-action adaptation of "ONE PIECE," will also participate.

Event Details

Event Name: Osaka Comic Convention 2025 (Abbreviation: Osaka Comicon 2025)
Duration: May 2 (Friday) - May 4 (Sunday, Holiday) – Note that the opening hours vary by day.
Location: Intex Osaka
Admission Fee: General 4,400 yen, 18 years and under 1,000 yen, 15 years and under 500 yen
Official Website: https://osakacomiccon.jp/

7. Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival 2025

Picture courtesy of PR times

The Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival 2025 will take place concurrently with the Osaka Kansai Expo, themed "Social Impact," and will feature artworks from artists both domestically and internationally.

Aiming to develop Osaka into an "international art city," the exhibition will be held across various locations in Osaka and will be structured in six chapters.

Through diverse art forms such as paintings, sculptures, and installations, the festival will provide new discoveries and inspirations.

Event Details

Event Name: Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival 2025
Duration: April 11 (Friday) - October 13 (Monday) 2025
Location: Within the Osaka Kansai Expo venue / Osaka Bunka Kan Tenpozan / Osaka Kita Area / Nishinari Area / Semba Area / Osaka International Conference Center, etc.
Admission Fee: Varies by ticket type

8. OSAKA River Fantasy

Picture courtesy of OSAKA River Fantasy Management Office

The OSAKA River Fantasy is a limited-time event held to commemorate the Osaka Kansai Expo, themed around light and water.

Spanning three areas in Osaka (Hachikenyaham, Higashiyokobori River, and Nakanoshima GATE), the event will feature various attractions such as fountains, projection mapping, and LED visuals.

We also highly recommend enjoying a cruise that offers a unique perspective from the water!

Event Details

Event Name: OSAKA River Fantasy
Duration: March 20 (Thursday, Holiday) 2025 - around February 2026
Location: Hachikenyaham Area / Higashiyokobori River Area / Nakanoshima GATE Area
Fee: Varies depending on the event and cruise
Official Website: https://osaka-river-fantasy.jp/

9. Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art: "Monet: Water Lilies" Exhibition

The Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art is known for hosting numerous unique exhibitions.

During the Golden Week of 2025, an exhibition titled "Monet: Water Lilies" will be held. This is a great opportunity to view around 50 pieces, including 7 works that will be making their debut in Japan by the Impressionist painter Claude Monet.

Due to a reservation priority system, it is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance if you plan to visit during GW!

The image above is an illustration from the Tokyo exhibition. / Picture courtesy of PRtimes

Event Details

Exhibition Name: Monet: Water Lilies
Duration: March 7, 2025 - June 8, 2025
Location: Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art, Main Hall, North and South Corridors, 1st Floor
Admission Fee: General 2,300 yen, University and Junior High School Students 1,700 yen, Elementary School Students 1,000 yen
Official Website: https://kyotocity-kyocera.museum/exhibition/20250307-20250608

10. Kyoto American Food Festival 2025

Past event: Kyoto American Food Festival / Picture courtesy of PR times

Known as Japan's premier American food event, the Kyoto American Food Festival will be held again in 2025 at the Kyoto International Community House.

At this food festival, you can enjoy authentic American casual cuisine, with food trucks and vendor stalls offering hearty American favorites such as hamburgers, fried chicken, and hot dogs.

The venue is located near popular tourist attractions like Heian Shrine and Nanzenji Temple, making it an excellent opportunity to combine sightseeing with your dining experience.

Event Details

Event Name: 17th Kyoto American Food Festival 2025
Duration: April 26 (Saturday) - April 27 (Sunday) 2025
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Kyoto International Community House (Kokoka)
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: https://603usa.com

11. Michigan Cruise on Lake Biwa

Photo by Pixta

The Michigan Cruise offers a delightful cruising experience around Lake Biwa, allowing you to enjoy gourmet food and stunning views—a popular activity in the area.

During the Golden Week of 2025, in addition to the regular cruises, a special night cruise will be available. This 90-minute night cruise offers breathtaking sunsets over Lake Biwa, along with a music performance by the Michigan Passport. There is also a course meal option, making it a recommended romantic experience for couples or spouses during Golden Week.

Additionally, Lake Biwa is home to popular spots such as the Biwako Terrace, making it a great idea to explore the area while you’re there. To make a cruise reservation, click here! (Japanese booking site)

Event Details

Event Name: Michigan Night Cruise
Duration: April 26 - May 6, 2025
Location: Otsu Port
Fare: Adults 3,400 yen, Children 1,700 yen (additional course meal fees of 6,000 yen, 8,000 yen, or 10,000 yen apply for meal options)
Official Website: https://www.biwakokisen.co.jp/season_event/14193/

12. 【Hyogo】Awaji Flower and Greenery Fair 2025

Picture courtesy of Umizora Film Festival 2025 Official Website

The "Awaji Flower and Greenery Fair 2025" will be held from March through Golden Week, showcasing the beautiful Awaji Island.

The main venues include Awaji Yumebutai, Akashi Coastal Park, Sumoto City center, and Awaji Farm Park England Hill. This festival features a variety of events across the island, including a beach movie viewing event called the Umizora Film Festival 2025, an outdoor music festival called MAGICHOUR, and the SHIMA SWEETS Garden, which will highlight desserts made with local Awaji Island ingredients.

Moreover, popular spots like the Awaji Farm Park England Hill will showcase approximately 100,000 nemophilas in full bloom, providing various enjoyable experiences.

Event details are diverse, including different dates and admission fees; for more information, please check the official website of the Awaji Flower and Greenery Fair 2025.

Picture courtesy of PRtimes

Event Details

Event Name: Awaji Flower and Greenery Fair 2025
Duration: March 20 (Thursday, Holiday) - April 27 (Sunday)
Main Venues: Awaji Yumebutai, National Akashi Kaikyo Park, Sumoto City Downtown, Awaji Farm Park England Hill
Official Website: https://www.awajihanamatsuri.com/index.php?tt=k

Events Continue After Golden Week in Kansai in 2025!

Although Golden Week in 2025 lasts until May 6, exciting events will continue in Kansai, including the Aoi Matsuri held in Kyoto on May 15.

Make sure to enjoy the beautiful spring in 2025 based on this article!

Main image by Pixta