The Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park at Nijigen no Mori, an anime-themed park in Awaji Island Park, Hyogo, invites you to experience the thrilling athletic attraction, Appare! Sengoku Adventure! This winter, join the exciting event, Winter Siege of Bubble Shogun, and enjoy a heart-pounding adventure in a unique seasonal setting!

At the goal of the Samurai Commander Course, an 8-meter-high turret sprays foam resembling snow, creating a magical winter atmosphere as you tackle the challenging athletic course. This year, intermediate and advanced courses feature puzzle panels where participants can solve riddles to earn a special Nijigen no Mori exclusive certificate.

ⓒYoshito Usui / Futabasha / Shin-Ei Animation / TV Asahi / ADK
ⓒYoshito Usui / Futabasha / Shin-Ei Animation / TV Asahi / ADK 1993–2024

Universal Studios Japan presents a thrilling event based on the popular mystery manga, Case Closed. Guests can immerse themselves in three unique attractions that put them right in the middle of an investigation alongside Conan and his friends.

Detective Conan: The Escape Prologue of the Afterimage
Navigate a fully interactive escape room adventure. Use your wits and physical clues to uncover key items and solve the mystery while escaping from a locked space.
・Dates: January 31–June 30, 2025
・Venue: Stage 18
・Format: Real Escape Game

Detective Conan × Story Ride Targeted Thrill Vehicle (Thrill Coaster)
Board a high-speed roller coaster and race through the park skies while tackling a life-threatening challenge—defuse a bomb onboard with the help of Conan and Heiji!
・Dates: January 31–June 30, 2025 (closed February 5–24 for maintenance)
・Venue: Hollywood Dream – The Ride
・Format: Story Ride

Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Tiny Blossom Restaurant, solving mysteries while indulging in a delicious meal.
・Dates: January 31–June 1, 2025 (dates subject to change)
・Venue: Lombard’s Landing
・Format: Entertainment Restaurant
・Tickets: On sale now (details on the official website).

Calligraphy by Shishu
(C) Keigo Higashino / Shueisha
Original Work by Gosho Aoyama, "Detective Conan" (serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday, Shogakukan)
(C) 2025 Gosho Aoyama / Detective Conan Production Committee
(C) SCRAP
HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements (C) & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights (C) J.K. Rowling.
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & (C) 2024 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
(C) Nintendo
TM & (C) Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
TM & (C) Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Located just a 5-minute walk from Keihan Railway's Hirakata-koen Station, Hirakata Park hosts its annual illumination event from November 2024 to April 2025.

This year’s theme, Flowering Illumination, features seven enchanting areas, including the Flower and Fairy Tree with a stunning 13-meter-tall floral tree, the Lantern Plaza, and the interactive Flower Fortune Fountain, where lights and music change based on your fortune. Other highlights include the Butterfly Garden, a photo spot where you can "transform" into a butterfly.

At night, over 20 attractions, including the popular Sky Walker Ferris wheel, are beautifully lit, offering breathtaking views of the illuminated park and Osaka’s night skyline.

Wakakusa Yamayaki, held annually on the fourth Saturday of January, is a traditional event marking early spring in the ancient capital of Nara. The event takes place on Mount Wakakusa, a 342-meter-tall hill and symbol of Nara Park.

The festivities begin at 6:15 PM with a spectacular fireworks display. At around 6:30 PM, approximately 300 firefighters light torches from a large bonfire at the mountain's base. On the sound of conch shells and trumpets, the torches ignite 33 hectares of grassland, creating a breathtaking scene as the flames illuminate the crisp winter sky.

The fiery spectacle can be seen even from a distance, but for an immersive experience, watch the event from the mountain’s base. Popular nearby viewing spots include Ukigumo Enchi and Kasugano Enchi, offering excellent views amid Nara’s serene landscape.

The most intense flames last about 30 minutes before gradually subsiding, with the fire completely extinguished within an hour. Afternoon events at Mount Wakakusa include special performances and ceremonies, such as a fire brigade departure ceremony, dedication performances, and even unique competitions like flying "giant deer crackers." This stunning traditional event is a must-see in Nara.

Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Osaka’s most historic shrines, has been a site of worship since the Kamakura period (1185–1333) and is dedicated to Ebisu, the god of prosperity and commerce, affectionately called "Ebe-ssan" in Osaka. The shrine opens its gates at 10 PM on December 31, drawing large crowds for Hatsumode. So many visitors come that temporary express train stops are added at Sumiyoshi Taisha Station on the Nankai Railway. For a more relaxed visit, it’s best to plan your trip after January 4.

On January 7, the shrine hosts the traditional White Horse Ritual (Aouma Shinji). During this ceremony, the sacred horse "Shirayuki-go" visits each of the main halls before galloping through the shrine grounds. It is believed that seeing a white horse at the start of the year wards off evil spirits and ensures health and safety for the year ahead.

During the White Horse Ritual, limited-edition Takekoma Mamori charms and goshuin (stamps) featuring the white horse are available, both highly sought-after items that often sell out quickly.

The Toka Ebisu Grand Festival at Kyoto Ebisu Shrine is one of Japan’s three major Ebisu festivals, held over five days surrounding January 10, the birthday of the god Ebisu.

Throughout the festival, visitors can purchase kiccho-sasa (lucky bamboo branches) for 3,500 yen, along with auspicious charms such as daiho (treasure pouches), fukutawara (lucky rice bales), fukumizumi (lucky scoops), fukutai (lucky sea breams), fukukumade (lucky rakes), and takarabune (treasure boats), each priced at 1,500 yen. Other items like ofuda (talismans), omamori (charms), and koban (gold coin replicas) are also available. On January 11, visitors can receive fukuzasa directly from maiko (apprentice geisha), a special highlight of the festival.

At the shrine’s Kaguraden, ritual performances such as the Shofuku Maguro (Blessing of Tuna) are held throughout the event. Additionally, actresses from Toei Uzumasa Movie Village visit the shrine in decorative palanquins adorned with pine, bamboo, and plum motifs. They then tour local department stores, shops, and banks, distributing lucky bamboo while celebrating Kyoto’s early spring.

Dedicated to Ebisu, the god of prosperity, Nishinomiya Shrine in Hyogo is known as the head shrine for Ebisu worship across Japan. It draws many visitors praying for the success of their businesses, especially during the renowned Toka Ebisu Festival, held from January 9–11, 2025.

The festivities begin on January 8 with a lively tuna dedication ceremony at the local wholesale market, accompanied by enthusiastic chants from participants. On January 9, the Yoimiya Ebisu includes the Kentoushiki (Hot Water Offering Ceremony) performed by geisha from Arima Onsen and the Yoimiya-sai (Evening Shrine Ceremony). The highlight, the Toka Ebisu Grand Festival, starts at 4 AM on January 10, offering a unique experience steeped in tradition.

After the Toka Ebisu Grand Festival, at 6 AM, the front gate (Akamon) opens for the thrilling Kaimon Shinto Fukuo Selection ceremony. Visitors waiting outside the gate dash 230 meters toward the main hall in a race to become the year’s Fukuo (Lucky Man).

The first three to reach the main hall are officially recognized as the year’s Fukuo. They are awarded a certificate, a sacred statue, additional prizes, and a special happi coat as symbols of their fortune. This lively tradition is a must-see highlight of the festival!

After the Fukuo recognition ceremony, the three lucky men perform a ceremonial kagami-biraki (sake barrel opening) and share omiki (sacred sake) with visitors. Additionally, the first 5,000 visitors receive a free Kaimon Shinto Sanpai no Sho certificate as a keepsake.

The expansive shrine grounds come alive with around 500 stalls, including the famous kiccho shops and other vendors, creating a festive atmosphere. Whether you're visiting for Hatsumode or to experience the unique events of Toka Ebisu, this festival is well worth your time.

Located in southeastern Nara’s Mitsue Village, Mount Miune is renowned for its enchanting rime ice (muhyo) that forms on tree branches during the peak winter months of January to March.

To celebrate this natural wonder, the local tourism association hosts the Mount Miune Rime Ice Festival, centered at the Mitsue Youth Travel Village. The event includes mountain-opening ceremonies, complimentary offerings, and concludes with a cleanup campaign on the final day.

On festival days, a special bus service (Muhyo-go) runs directly from Kintetsu Osaka Line's Haibara Station to Mitsue Youth Travel Village (fare: adults 1,600 yen, children 800 yen one-way, advance reservation required), making access convenient for visitors.

From prosperity-focused traditions like Toka Ebisu and Toka Ebisu Grand Festival to the dramatic Wakakusa Yamayaki, where an entire mountain lights up the night sky, Kansai is brimming with dynamic and exciting events. Make sure to bundle up and enjoy the festivities!

(Note: The information in this article is accurate as of December 2024. Please check official websites for the latest updates.)