Located in Wakayama Prefecture, Mount Koya is an area surrounded by mountains reaching an elevation of 1,000 meters. It is renowned as a "religious city" with 117 temples lining its grounds. In commemoration of the 1,250th anniversary of the birth of Kukai, the monk who founded Mount Koya, related events are taking place in 2023.

One of these events is the special screening of the art film "LIFE® Inochi: Reliving the Experience of Birth" and the photo exhibition "Warmth I Remember," both held in the inner sanctuary of the prestigious temple, Kongobuji. The inner sanctuary is located at the center of the largest stone garden in Japan, called Banryutei, which is usually closed to the public.

With the concept of "The Connection between the Universe and Life," visitors can witness art installations utilizing cutting-edge technology amidst the magnificent nature and grand structures of Mount Koya.

Event Overview
・Date: May 14th to July 9th (*Not held on weekdays)
・Time slots: ① 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM / ② 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM / ③ 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM / ④ 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
・Admission: Free (*Separate admission fee required for Kongobuji Temple)

From June 2nd to August 8th, the 17th Umeda Tanabata Festival will take place at Umeda Sky Building, one of Osaka's landmarks. The festival will be adorned with luxurious and vibrant Tanabata decorations received from the renowned Sendai Tanabata Festival, one of the three major festivals in Tohoku. One of the highlights is the massive Tanabata decoration known as "fukinagashi," displayed on the giant arch at the entrance of Shin Umeda City. Additionally, various sizes of Tanabata decorations will be showcased in Tower East Lobby and the underground 1st floor "Showa Retro Shopping Street Takimimachi."

During the festival, visitors who dine at the restaurants in Takimimachi will receive Tanabata paper strips as gifts. These paper strips can be used to write wishes and hang them in Takimimachi. Other attractions include Sasabune lanterns, jazz live performances, and a children's traditional festival experience. Come and immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Sendai's Tanabata in Osaka.

Event Overview
・Date: June 2nd to August 8th

This exhibition showcases "Suzume," a film directed by Makoto Shinkai, the acclaimed anime director known for works like "Your Name" and "Weathering with You," which was released in 2022.

As expected from the exhibition of this highly anticipated film that surpassed 14 billion yen in box office revenue, the previously held exhibition in Tokyo received great acclaim. The exhibition will feature valuable production materials such as animation drawings, storyboards, and art backgrounds, as well as set-ups of memorable scenes and photo spots.

Original merchandise including posters and acrylic key folders will also be available for purchase, making it a must-visit for fans of the film and Makoto Shinkai's works.

Event Overview
・Date: June 22nd to July 16th
・Time: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
・Same-day Ticket Prices: Adults 1,300 yen, High School Students 900 yen, Junior High School Students 700 yen, Elementary School Students 500 yen
(*Subject to change)

Get ready for the perfect summer beer garden located on the 28th floor of the Tower Building, right next to Kansai International Airport. It's none other than the "Patio 28" beer salon at Hotel Kansai Airport.

Imagine this: an incredible rooftop area that sits approximately 130 meters above the ground, giving you the highest beer garden experience in all of Japan. And guess what? You'll have the most amazing view of the surrounding area, including a refreshing sea breeze and the thrill of watching planes take off and land. Talk about a one-of-a-kind location!

Now, let's talk about the good stuff. Of course, beer is the star here, but that's not all. You'll also have unlimited access to cocktails, soft drinks, and more. And the best part? The food menu is simply irresistible. From mouthwatering skewered cutlets and fresh salads to the delightful bagna cauda and juicy pork sauté, there's something to satisfy every craving. Eat to your heart's content!

Event Overview
・Event Period: June 23 - August 27, 2023 (Sun) *Limited to Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
・Hours: Fri & Sat 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM, Sun & public holidays 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
*Two-hour time limit
・Temporary Closure: August 11 - 13
・Admission Fee: Adults 6,000 yen, Elementary school students 2,500 yen, Toddlers (4-6 years old) 1,000 yen, Children under 3 years old Free

The Tenjin Festival held at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine in the Tenma area of Osaka City has been celebrated since 951 AD, just two years after the shrine's establishment. While the Tenjin Festival is held throughout Japan, the one at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is the most famous, known as one of the "Three Great Festivals of Japan" alongside Kyoto's Gion Festival and Tokyo's Kanda Festival.

The Tenjin Festival takes place annually from late June to late July. The highlight of the festival is on July 24th and 25th, known as the "Yoiyama" and "Honmiya," where fireworks and a grand procession of boats create the most exciting atmosphere. On July 7th, the "Tenmangu Tanabata Festival" is also held, where wishes are written on bamboo leaves and decorated.

The festival's grand finale features a spectacular display of dedicated fireworks, renowned as one of Kansai's famous summer traditions. With approximately 3,000 fireworks lighting up the sky and around 100 boats illuminated by flames, the scene is truly a sight to behold.

Special viewing areas are set up at locations such as Sakuranomiya Park and Osaka Waterfront Park, providing a relaxing setting for those who want to fully enjoy the fireworks. It is recommended to purchase seats in advance for a leisurely fireworks experience.

Event Overview:
Tenjin Festival
・Event Period: Late June to Late July

Dedication Fireworks at Tenjin Festival
・Date: July 25, 2023
・Time: From sunset until around 9:00 PM
・Admission: Free, reserved seating available for a fee

The Gion Festival is a traditional event with a history of over 1000 years and is known as one of the “Three Great Festivals of Japan.” It takes place throughout Kyoto city, centered around the Yasaka Shrine in the Gion district. Starting with the “Kippu-iri” ritual on July 1st and concluding with the “Eki-jinja-nagoshi-harae” on the 31st, the festival spans a month, turning the streets of Kyoto into a vibrant celebration of the Gion Festival.

One of the highlights of the Gion Festival is the magnificent “Yamaboko floats” lining the city. These floats are elaborately decorated structures resembling mountains and towers, parading through the streets of Kyoto, creating an impressive spectacle.

The main events are the “pre-festival” on the 17th and the “post-festival” on the 24th, during which outdoor stalls fill the outskirts of Kyoto, attracting tourists from both within Japan and abroad.

Event Overview
・Event Period: July 1st (Saturday) - July 31st (Monday), 2023
・Yamaboko Processions: Pre-festival on July 17th, Post-festival on July 24th
・Admission: Free, reserved seating available for Yamaboko Processions only

Aizen Festival (Tennoji Ward, Osaka City)

In the Tennoji area of Osaka, known for its concentration of temples, you'll find Aizen-do Katsuragi-in, located just a 3-minute walk from Osaka Metro's Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station. With a history dating back approximately 1,400 years, this temple, also known as "Aizen-san," is cherished by the local community.

The Aizen Festival held at Aizen-do is not only the earliest summer festival in Osaka but also a beloved event. In 2023, after a six-year hiatus, the festival will see the return of food stalls, providing a chance to enjoy festival-exclusive food and games. Additionally, a parade will take place in the surrounding area, including Tennoji Park, for the first time in five years.

Apart from the festivities, don't miss the special viewing of the main deity of Aizen-do, Aizen Myoo, and the main deity of the Tahoto Pagoda, Dai-Nichi-Daisho-Kongo.

Event Overview
・Event Period: June 30th (Friday) - July 2nd (Sunday), 2023
・Time: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
・Admission: Free

Located in Osaka's Suminoe Ward, Minato Nanko ATC is directly connected to Osaka Metro's Trade Center-mae Station. The Cat Goods EXPO, held at this event hall known for hosting art exhibitions and trade shows, is a cat-themed event that gathers a variety of cat-related items, allowing cat lovers to fully immerse themselves in their feline affection alongside family and friends.

During the two-day exhibition, the venue is filled with an array of cat goods, including accessories, pottery, miscellaneous items, and artwork, all inspired by cats. Each piece showcases the unique style and design of the participating artists.

Moreover, you can treat yourself to cute sweets and food menus shaped like cats, such as crepes and cookies, making them perfect as souvenirs as well.

Event Overview
・Event Period: July 1-2, 2023
・Time: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
・Venue: Osaka Minato Nanko ATC Hall C Hall
・Admission Fee: 700 yen (600 yen for advance tickets)

Get ready for the summer-exclusive event at Universal Studios Japan! After a long four-year wait, this event is back with a splash! It's a perfect summertime experience where everyone, adults and kids alike, can cool off and have a blast getting soaking wet in various stages and areas. And guess what? You can amp up the fun by grabbing the event-exclusive item, the Water Shooter, and engage in epic water fights with your friends and family.

But wait, there's more! The first-ever event at "Super Nintendo World" called "Super Mario Power-Up Summer" is a total game-changer. You'll get to meet iconic characters like Mario, Bowser, and Princess Peach, and together, you can unleash water battles in an area where water sprays from all directions. It's a dream come true for Mario fans!

Event Overview
・Event Dates: July 5 - August 24, 2023
・Special Viewing Area Admission Ticket: 1,300 - 1,800 yen *Varies depending on the date

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Get ready for an enchanting event at the captivating Izumisato Beach, located just a stone's throw away from Osaka's Kansai Airport. It's only a short 15-minute walk from Tarui Station on the Nankai Main Line. This is where you'll find the spectacular Izumisato Beach Lantern Fest, the biggest lantern event in all of Japan.

This festival embraces a fascinating Asian tradition of releasing lanterns into the sky as a prayer for good health and well-being. Picture this: over the course of two incredible days, a whopping 2,000 lanterns take flight, painting the sky with their mesmerizing glow. By purchasing a ticket that includes a lantern exchange voucher, you can join in on the magic by releasing your very own lantern filled with heartfelt wishes. But if you prefer to sit back and enjoy the spectacle, no worries! You can simply bask in the beauty of the lanterns gracefully drifting through the twilight sky while treating yourself to delicious food from the tempting array of stalls and immersing yourself in the rhythm of live music.

But wait, there's more! The festival goes above and beyond to ensure there's fun for everyone. Little ones will delight in the dedicated kids' area, while the gourmet spot is a haven for food enthusiasts. And to keep the energy high, DJs and performers will take the stage, infusing the event with an electrifying atmosphere through their sensational music.

Event Overview
・Event Dates: July 8-9, 2023
・Time: From 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM (with possible time changes).
・Admission: It's free to enter! However, lantern sets and reserved seating are available for purchase.

Enjoy an amazing getaway at the breathtaking Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden! This botanical paradise is nestled on Mount Rokko in Hyogo Prefecture, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. And guess what? It's just a quick 5-minute stroll from Shinkobe Station on the Kobe Municipal Subway. Once you arrive at Nunobiki Herb Garden Ropeway Station, hop on the ropeway, sit back, and enjoy a scenic 10-minute ride to this enchanting destination.

Now, let's talk about the SIKI Garden Summer Season, which takes place during the summer months. This is when the garden truly comes alive with the vibrant hues of early summer flowers, including the beloved hydrangeas.

Here there are more than 350 varieties of hydrangeas, such as the graceful mountain hydrangeas, the showy bigleaf hydrangeas, and the elegant European hydrangeas. But that's not all! Over 1,000 lilies will also grace the garden, featuring stunning varieties like tiger lilies, mountain lilies, and captivating chandelier lilies. It's a sight you won't want to miss!

And here's a special treat: as you explore the garden, take in the delightful fusion of these vibrant blossoms with the charming Western-style building, inspired by the picturesque architecture of southern Germany. It's a truly unique and picturesque experience that will transport you to another world.

Event Overview
・Event Dates: July 15 - August 15, 2023
・Admission Fee: Herb Garden & Ropeway Round-trip Fare - Adults (high school students and above): 1,800 yen, Children (7 years old and above): 900 yen
・Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
・Closed on Thursdays (every week)

Get ready for the sizzling Kushi Fest held at Maiko Park, a renowned resort spot in Hyogo Prefecture. Accessible within a 5-minute stroll from Maiko Station on the JR Yamate Line and Maiko Koen Station on the Sanyo Electric Railway.

Set against the backdrop of the iconic landmark of Hyogo Prefecture, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, this festival brings together a wide array of shops that specialize in "kushiyaki" or skewered dishes.

Kushiyaki refers to delectable dishes where ingredients like pork, beef, and seafood are skewered and grilled to perfection. In addition to the mouthwatering kushiyaki, you can also enjoy a variety of beverages and desserts. Take in the breathtaking view of the illuminated Akashi Kaikyo Bridge as you savor the best of the night.

But that's not all! The festival has a lot more to offer, with fashion events featuring children and lively music stages. There's something for everyone to enjoy!

Event Overview
・Event Dates: July 15-17, 2023.
・Time: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
・Admission: Free

Get ready for the "NAKED Summer Festival 2023", hosted by Naked, well-known for their awe-inspiring light shows. This year, they're going global, rolling out the red carpet for international visitors with information available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Set in the heart of Kyoto, the event takes place in the historic Nijo Castle, a UNESCO world heritage site, from July to August.

What's special? It's the incredible blend of cutting-edge projection mapping technology with the timeless beauty of Nijo Castle. You can explore and learn about its rich heritage, including key cultural sites like the Karakado Gate and the treasured Nijo Ninomaru Palace.

As night falls, watch out for one of Kyoto's largest projection-mapped fireworks displays - the eye-popping "Mapping Fireworks Festival."

Feeling adventurous? Try your hand at Naked's unique digital festival games, inspired by the bow and arrow. Or simply indulge in the local Kyoto-style shaved ice and a variety of refreshing alcoholic drinks. The festival vibes are contagious here!

Event Overview
・Event Dates: July 21 - August 20, 2023
・Time: 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
・Admission Fee: 600 yen

This much-loved local summer festival marks its 45th year in 2023. The Ashiya Summer Carnival is held on the beach of Ashiya, a famous upscale residential area in Hyogo Prefecture, and it's easily accessible by bus from the Hanshin Main Line's Ashiya Station.

The carnival is not just about the vendors; it also features a host of performances by professional artists and locals. The highlight of the event, a spectacular firework show, springs to life under the theme of "Cutting-edge entertainment soaking in flames, fireworks, and music - it's not summer without it!", showcasing a succession of fireworks powered by the latest technology.

While all the seats for viewing are ticketed, there's a range of options to suit everyone, from affordable general admission to couple's seats, and even premium arena seats that allow you to enjoy the fireworks up close.

Event Details
・Date: July 22, 2023
・Ticket prices: Ranging from 500 yen to 78,000 yen (Arena seats sold out)

Just a short three-minute walk from Sumiyoshi-Taisha Station on the Nankai Main Line, you'll find Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. Known as a powerful energy spot in Osaka, it hosts the Sumiyoshi Festival, revered as one of the "Big Three Osaka Festivals", alongside the Ikutama Summer Festival and Tenjin Festival.

The Sumiyoshi Festival, a tradition that blesses the entire city of Osaka, is sure to make you feel purified just by participating.

Every year, the surrounding area comes alive with vendors setting up stalls. On the final day, August 1st, a procession forms carrying the 'divine spirit' in a portable shrine, parading around the neighborhood.

Event Details
・Dates: July 30 - August 1, 2023
・Admission: Free

This summer, why not dive into a mix of festivals, food, and art events that are sure to blast away the heat? Whether it's traditional temples, spacious halls, or breezy locations overlooking the sea or airport, there's no shortage of fun events to explore.

*Please note that the information in this article is accurate as of June 2023. For the most up-to-date details, be sure to check the official websites.