This fall, Universal Studios Japan's highly anticipated Halloween event returns! During the day, enjoy the lively "HaHaHa! Halloween Party," and at night, brace yourself for the terrifying "Halloween Horror Nights."

The highlight of the "HaHaHa! Halloween Party" is the "Pokémon Jumpin' Halloween Party," where DJ Pikachu, DJ Gengar, Mimikyu, and other Ghost-type Pokémon join the fun. Dance and sing along to DECO*27's music and remixes of Pokémon sounds in this interactive experience.

There are five more Halloween-themed activities during the day. For example, "My Melody & Kuromi’s Happy Halloween Greeting" features My Melody and Kuromi in exclusive USJ Halloween costumes for special meet-and-greet sessions.

Kids under elementary school age can join the "Trick-or-Treat in the Park" event (10 AM – 5 PM), where they can receive candy by saying "Trick-or-Treat!" to crew members wearing special pouches.

Event Details
・Venue: Universal Studios Japan
・Dates: September 5 – November 4, 2024
・Times: Vary by event
・Cost: Participation in the events is free, but USJ admission tickets are required (prices vary by date). Special viewing area tickets are available for 1,900 yen (same price for adults, children, and seniors).

HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling.
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2024 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© NintendoTM and © 2024 Sesame Workshop
© 2024 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
© 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. EJ4062103TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
©2024 Pokémon. ©1995-2024 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.
©CAPCOM
©Tatsuki Fujimoto/Shueisha, MAPPA
©2024 Universal Music LLC
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

After enjoying the lively "HaHaHa! Halloween Party" during the day, get ready for the spine-chilling nighttime Halloween events that turn Universal Studios Japan into a scream-filled spectacle.

One of the main attractions is "Street Zombies," where you'll join forces with the Blue Rose Squad, led by Captain Ado, who has the power to break curses through song. Together, you'll face off against hordes of zombies that rush in, shrieking and attacking guests for a truly terrifying experience.

Other nighttime events include "Zombie de Dance," where you can dance with zombies to thumping beats, and "Biohazard™: Night of Heroes," an intense outdoor horror attraction in collaboration with "Resident Evil." With eight thrilling events in total, the night promises plenty of scares and excitement. Due to the intense nature of these events, it’s advised that children in elementary school and younger avoid participation.

Event Details
・Venue: Universal Studios Japan
・Dates: September 6 – November 4, 2024
・Times: Vary by event (Check the official website approximately one week before your visit)
・Cost: Participation is free, but USJ admission tickets are required (prices vary by date). Some events may have special viewing area tickets. Preschool children are not recommended to participate, and elementary school children require parental consent.

HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling.
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2024 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© NintendoTM and © 2024 Sesame Workshop
© 2024 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
© 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD.　APPROVAL NO. EJ4062103TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
©2024 Pokémon. ©1995-2024 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.
©CAPCOM
©Tatsuki Fujimoto/Shueisha, MAPPA
©2024 Universal Music LLCTM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Disney Music & Fireworks is a spectacular entertainment show that synchronizes beloved Disney songs with dazzling fireworks. This year, the show highlights Frozen, celebrating its 10th anniversary, along with other timeless Disney music, all accompanied by breathtaking pyrotechnics.

The show is a marvel of cutting-edge technology, created by the first team in Japan to produce a musical fireworks display. They’ve developed CG simulations of the fireworks, perfectly syncing each of the 10,000+ musical notes with the fireworks. For 60 magical minutes, the fireworks dance, burst, and soar in perfect harmony with the music, creating an unforgettable experience.

The event kicks off on August 31, 2024, at Kirara Expo Memorial Park in Yamaguchi and will be held in five locations nationwide, including Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Osaka. Tickets for reserved seating must be purchased in advance, and there is no free viewing area.

Event Details
・Venue: Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
・Dates: September 21 & 23, 2024 (Rain or shine)
・Times: Gates open at 5 PM (tentative), show starts at 7:30 PM, ends at 9 PM (tentative)
・Cost: Adult reserved seating, including park admission, is 12,100 yen (Separate rates apply for children and students; see official website for details). Platinum reserved seating for adults, including park admission, is 44,000 yen (Separate rates apply for children and students; see official website for details).

・Sponsors: Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co., Ltd. / Disney★JCB Card
・Supervision: Disney Concerts
・Planning and Production: DRC
・Supporters: Yomiuri TV / FM802 / FM COCOLO / Universal Music
・Cooperation: Tokyo Disney Resort®
・Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. ©Disney

This annual event in Nara beautifully illuminates historic structures, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Tōdai-ji. The term "promenade" comes from the French word meaning "a walk" or "a walking path," and during this event, you can leisurely explore and experience the 1,300-year history of Nara.

The illuminated spots are part of the World Heritage site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara," located around Nara Park. These include Kasuga Taisha (First Torii Gate), Tōdai-ji (Great Buddha Hall, Central Gate Corridor, South Gate), Nara National Museum (Nara Buddha Sculpture Hall and Buddhist Art Research Center), Sarusawa Pond, Ukimi-do, Heijō Palace Site (First Daigokuden Hall, Suzaku Gate), and Yakushi-ji (East and West Pagodas). The soft glow of the lights creates a magical atmosphere, offering a different charm from daytime. A flashlight is recommended for those planning to visit multiple spots.

Event Details
・Venue: Various locations in Nara City
・Dates: July 20 – September 23, 2024
・Times: 7 PM – 10 PM (6 PM – 10 PM in September)

This local fireworks festival, which was a cherished annual event until 20 years ago, has been revived as the "Memories Fireworks Festival." Now in its third year since its revival, the Suito Kurawanka Fireworks Festival continues to capture the hearts of the community.

What makes this event special is that the number of fireworks launched corresponds to the number of children born in 2023 in Hirakata City, Takatsuki City, and Katano City. With a vision of transforming this festival into a century-old tradition that revitalizes the community, 5,087 fireworks will be launched in 2024, with an estimated 250,000 attendees expected.

The festival will take place at two locations: the Hirakata and Takatsuki areas of Yodogawa Riverside Park. Before the fireworks begin, both venues will host the Water City Music Festival with live performances, food trucks, and beverage stands. For an up-close experience, consider purchasing tickets for the paid viewing areas, which offer exclusive amenities like dedicated restrooms and food booths—expanded for 2024 to enhance convenience. There are also special "inbound seats" available for international visitors.

Event Details
・Venue: Yodogawa Riverside Park, Hirakata Area (tentative) and Takatsuki Area (tentative)
・Date: September 15, 2024
・Time: Noon – 8 PM (Fireworks at 7:30 PM)
・Cost: Paid viewing seats (Table seats: 36,000–45,000 yen (up to 6 people), Sheet seats: 30,000 yen (up to 6 people), Chair seats: 5,000 yen per seat, Inbound seats: 8,000 yen per seat (includes a special hand towel))

The traditional Kishiwada Danjiri Festival takes place in Kishiwada City, located in the southwestern part of Osaka Prefecture. The festival began in the mid-Edo period to pray for a bountiful harvest of the five staple grains and has a history of over 300 years.

"Danji​ri" refers to the festival floats, commonly known as yama​shi in Western Japan. There are about 22 unique danji​ri prepared by each town, each with distinct designs, intricate decorations, and carvings. Some of these floats weigh up to 4 tons. During the day, the floats are pulled with energetic shouts of "Soorya!" through the shopping streets and shrines, while at night, they are lit with lanterns and paraded slowly.

The highlight of the festival is the dramatic daytime danjiri float pull. Hundreds of participants pull these massive 4-ton floats with two ropes, creating an intense and thrilling spectacle. The most exciting moment is the "Yarimawashi," when the danji​ri make sharp turns at high speeds through intersections. Paid viewing seats are available, offering a close-up view of the Yarimawashi.

Event Details
・Venue: Various locations in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture
・Dates: September 14–15, 2024
・Times: September 8 & 13 (Test pulls): 2 PM – 4 PM; September 14 (Eve Festival): 6 AM – 10 PM; September 15 (Main Festival): 9 AM – 10 PM
・Admission: Varies by seat type; see the official website for details.

This fireworks festival takes place at Himeji Central Park, known for its safari park. The event runs for nearly two months, from July 13 to September 29, 2024, with fireworks launched on weekends, public holidays, and from August 13 to 15. Although the display lasts only about 7 minutes starting at 7:50 PM, it features an impressive 3,000 fireworks, the most in the park's history, including large 2.5-inch shells, starmines, and music-synchronized fireworks.

The music varies daily, featuring four themes: "Viral Hits on Social Media," "Summer Songs of the Heisei Era," "Summer Songs of the Reiwa Era," and "Popular Anime Theme Songs." With a different soundtrack each day, you can enjoy a new experience every time. The park's attractions, like roller coasters, are beautifully illuminated by the fireworks, creating a romantic atmosphere. The fireworks are launched near the "Castle of the Wind" area inside the amusement park. Please note that the "Mountain Top Area," where the Ferris wheel is located, will be off-limits from 7:30 PM onward for safety.

Event Details
・Venue: Himeji Central Park
・Dates: Weekends and holidays from July 13 to September 29, 2024, and August 13–15, 2024
・Time: 7:50 PM for approximately 7 minutes

Toyono Cosmos-no-Sato is a seasonal park that opens only during the cosmos blooming season. The 1-hectare park is filled with around one million cosmos flowers in full bloom. Visitors can stroll freely along the walking paths, surrounded by vibrant cosmos that grow as tall as an adult. The park also features benches for resting and enjoying light snacks, with food stalls available on-site.

The best time to see the cosmos is typically from late September to early October. Access is convenient, with a 5-minute walk from the "Myokenguchi" bus stop on the Hankyu Bus Higashi Nose Line (Route 126) from Hankyu "Ikeda" Station (West Exit), or a 15-minute walk from the "Yono" bus stop on the Hankyu Bus Kita Osaka Neopolis Line (Route 26).

Event Details
・Venue: Toyono Cosmos-no-Sato
・Dates: Mid-September to late October (Best viewing: September 20 – October 10)
・Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
・Admission: Adults 500 yen, Elementary and middle school students 300 yen

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the popular manga Detective Conan, a limited-time café will open in Osaka. The "Detective Conan 30th Anniversary Café" will be hosted at BOX cafe&space HEP FIVE from July 26 to September 29, 2024.

The café will feature a variety of luxurious menu items, such as the "30th Anniversary Chirashi Sushi" (1,990 yen) and the "30th Anniversary Cake" (1,890 yen), which includes an illustration pick drawn by the manga's creator, Gosho Aoyama. Fans will also love the "Kissa Poirot Ham Sandwich" (1,590 yen), inspired by the popular café in the series located in Beika 5-Chome. In addition to the food, the café will offer exclusive merchandise featuring new illustrations by Aoyama.

Event Details
・Venue: BOX cafe&space HEP FIVE (7th floor of HEP FIVE)
・Dates: July 26 – September 29, 2024
・Hours: 11:15 AM – 9:30 PM, 75-minute seating time, advance reservation required via the official website (715 yen reservation fee)

This garden terrace-style beer garden, located in the heart of Osaka's business district, offers a refreshing escape with its lush green surroundings. The food menu features four course options, including the "Herb Chicken & Thick-Cut Bacon BBQ Course (with all-you-can-drink)" for 5,000 yen, offering herb chicken, thick-cut bacon, and ajillo. There's also the "Beef Grill BBQ Course (with all-you-can-drink)" for 6,000 yen, which includes a trio of domestic beef loin, beef ribs, and herb chicken, along with ajillo. For a limited time, you can enjoy international flavors with the "World BBQ Course." From August 1 to September 22, the "Mexican Grill BBQ Course (with all-you-can-drink)" is available for 6,000 yen. This beer garden stands out with its extensive course menu.

The all-you-can-drink menu is equally impressive, featuring over 40 options, including "The Premium Malt's," "Suntory Draft Beer," classic highballs, and sours, making it a satisfying beer garden experience.

Event Details
・Venue: Suntory Building Rooftop
・Dates: April 26 – September 22, 2024
・Hours: 5 PM – 10:30 PM (May close or shorten hours in case of rain or bad weather)

The Kyoto City Government and the Kyoto International Manga and Anime Fair Executive Committee will be hosting the Kyoto International Manga and Anime Fair (KYO-MAF) 2024 on September 21 and 22, 2024. This comprehensive trade show aims to boost the content market in the Kansai region, with a focus on Kyoto, by supporting the creation of new businesses using manga, anime, and games, nurturing and providing job opportunities for creators, attracting tourists—including young people and foreigners—and enhancing Kyoto's reputation as a leading content city.

Event Details
・Main Venues: Miyako Messe Exhibition Center, Rohm Theatre Kyoto, Kyoto International Manga Museum
・Dates: September 21-22, 2024
・Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (4 PM on the 22nd)

September in Osaka and Kyoto is packed with powerful events, including the thrilling Kishiwada Danjiri Festival and various fireworks displays! In addition, there are plenty of unique experiences, such as the Detective Conan collaboration café and a lively Halloween event where you can sing and dance with Pikachu.

Although September in Kansai can still be quite hot, take advantage of these seasonal events and make the most of your time!

(Please note that the information in this article is current as of August 2024. Be sure to check official websites for the latest updates.)