7 Osaka and Kyoto Events During Golden Week 2026

Golden Week Events in Osaka and Kyoto

In 2026, the Golden Week (GW) will span from April 29 to May 6. 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 seven noteworthy events that showcase local food, flowers, and culture.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Nakanoshima Festival in Osaka
• 2. Smartregi Presents Hungry Circus
• 3. Everyone's Favorite!! Pet Kingdom 2026
• 4. Osaka Expo Commemorative Park Poppy and Nemophila Festival
• 5. Kyoto American Food Festival 2026
• 6. Michigan Cruise on Lake Biwa
• 7. Awaji Flower Festival 2026

1. Nakanoshima Festival in Osaka

Nakanoshima Park. Photo by Pixta

Celebrating its 53rd year, the Nakanoshima Festival remains one of Japan’s largest civic celebrations.

The area in front of the historic Central Public Hall—a nationally designated Cultural Property—will be transformed into a relaxing plaza featuring local food stalls and lively stages for music and street performances.

Visitors can also enjoy the concurrent Nakanoshima Film Festival and a local flea market.

Event Details

Event Name: Nakanoshima Festival
Duration: May 3-5, 2026, 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

2. 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 2026, about 50 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 1 (Friday) - May 5 (Tuesday, Holiday) from 10:00 to 19:00
Location: Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: https://www.mbs.jp/harapeko/

3. Everyone's Favorite!! Pet Kingdom 2026

Since 2005, the Everyone's Favorite!! Pet Kingdom 2026 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 2026
Duration: May 2 - 3 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/

4. Osaka Expo Commemorative Park Poppy and Nemophila Festival

Photo by pixta

At Expo Commemorative Park, the Poppy and Nemophila Festival 2026 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 28 - April 29, 2026
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/

5. Kyoto American Food Festival 2026

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

Duration: April 25 - April 26, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Kyoto International Community House (Kokoka)
Admission Fee: Free
Official Website: https://603usa.com

6. 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 2026, 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 25 - May 6, 2026
Location: Otsu Port
Fare: Adults 3,600 yen, Children 1,800 yen (additional course meal fees of 8,000 yen or 10,000 yen apply for meal options)
Official Website: https://www.biwakokisen.co.jp/season_event/14193/

7. Awaji Flower Festival 2026

The Awaji Flower Festival 2026 will be held from March 20 to May 24, 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 2026 and an outdoor music festival called MAGICHOUR.

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

Duration: March 20 - May 24, 2026
Main Venues: Awaji Yumebutai, National Akashi Kaikyo Park, Sumoto City Downtown, Awaji Farm Park England Hill
Official Website: https://www.awajihanamatsuri.com/index.php

Events Continue After Golden Week in Kansai in 2026

Although Golden Week in 2026 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