
What to Do in Osaka & Kyoto in August: Discover the Best of Kansai This Summer
- Written by: Kaori Kimura
August marks peak summer in Japan’s Kansai region, bringing with it a wide range of powerful and one-of-a-kind seasonal events. From splash-filled water festivals and dazzling fireworks displays to high-tech summer shows and deeply rooted traditions, there’s something for every type of traveler.
One highlight you won't want to miss is Kyoto’s Gozan no Okuribi (Daimonji), a centuries-old event where giant bonfires light up the mountainsides.
Read on to explore the must-see summer events in Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond with LIVE JAPAN!
(*This article may contain affiliate links)
Theme Parks & Major Attractions
Beat the Heat at Universal Studios Japan: NO LIMIT! Summer Splash Parade (Osaka)

Get ready to get soaked at Universal Studios Japan’s wildly popular NO LIMIT! Summer Splash Parade! Beloved characters including Mario and friends, water-type Pokémon, Hello Kitty, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, Minions, and Sesame Street favorites parade through the park armed with water guns and buckets, drenching guests in good fun.
Expect water cannons, sprinklers, and playful props like inner tubes, umbrellas, and hula hoops. For the ultimate experience, step into the “360° Soaking Wet Zone” (1,700–2,100 yen depending on the date), where torrents of water pour from every direction and you're guaranteed to get completely drenched. Be sure to wear water-friendly clothing and bring a towel or poncho!
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2025 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© Nintendo
©2025 Pokémon. ©1995–2024 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
TM and © 2025 Sesame Workshop
© 2025 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
© 2025 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
- Dates: July 1 – August 31, 2025 (*subject to change; 360° Soaking Wet Zone available until August 20)
- Time: Starts around 11 AM, approx. 40 minutes
- Admission: Parade included with park entry (ticket prices vary by day); special zone requires additional ticket
- Official website
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Universal Studios Japanユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン
- Address 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka City, Osaka 554-0031
- Phone Number 0570-20-0606
・Hours: See official website
・Closed: Open daily
Pokémon Adventure Challenge in Osaka Station City & Umeda North Area (Umeda)

From July 1 to October 31, 2025, Pokémon fans can explore Osaka's bustling Umeda district with the special event “Pokémon Adventure Challenge in Osaka Station City & Umeda North Area.” Embark on a city-wide adventure as your favorite Pokémon characters appear throughout popular sightseeing spots!
Keep your eyes peeled for Pokémon hidden around Umeda, and don’t miss the paid puzzle-solving game “Mega Evolution Challenge.” Participants can choose a partner Pokémon, visit key checkpoints, solve clues, and earn a special prize upon completion.
- Venue: Osaka Station City & Umeda North Area
- Dates: July 1 – October 31, 2025
- Activities: Pokémon Photo Spot Trail (free); Puzzle Game “Mega Evolution Challenge” (1,900 yen; tickets on sale via Trip.com from June 18)
- Official website
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Address
3-1-3, Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 530-0001
View Map -
Nearest Station
Osaka Station (JR Kansai Main Line / JR Tokaido Line / JR Kyoto Line / JR Osaka Loop Line / JR Kobe Line / JR Takarazuka Line / JR Osaka East Line)
- Phone Number 06-6458-0212
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Address
3-1-3, Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 530-0001
Nijigen no Mori Summer Water Festival 2025: “Activate! Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!” (Awaji City, Hyogo)

At the anime-themed park Nijigen no Mori, located inside Hyogo Prefectural Awajishima Park, the popular “NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato” area is hosting a special summer event where you can dive into a splash-filled ninja experience!
In front of the iconic Hokage Rock, visitors can participate in an interactive ninja challenge to activate the “Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu.” Staff will guide participants through 44 hand signs required to unleash the jutsu. When performed successfully, a massive 50-liter burst of water erupts into the air, immersing everyone in a thrilling ninja moment.
Complete the challenge and receive a limited-edition Water Style sticker! Be sure to let the staff know if you want to join—and don’t forget a change of clothes, as you’ll definitely get wet.
- Venue: Nijigen no Mori (Awajishima Prefectural Park, Hyogo)
- Dates: July 12 – September 30, 2025
- Time: 10 AM – 10 PM (last entry at 8 PM)
- Admission: Free for the event; park admission ticket required separately
- Official website
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Nijigen no Moriニジゲンノモリ
- Address 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo 656-2301
Traditional Festivals & Fireworks Displays
Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival 2025 (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture)

First held in 1984, the Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival marks its 39th edition in 2025. Set along the shores of Otsu Port in Shiga Prefecture, this iconic summer event features fireworks launched over Lake Biwa, creating dazzling reflections across the water and sky.
With around 10,000 fireworks and roughly 300,000 spectators each year, it's one of the region’s largest displays. Prime viewing spots include the lakeside near Otsu Bay and Nagisa Park, just a 15-minute walk from JR Otsu Station or 5 minutes from Keihan Biwako-Hamaotsu Station.
- Venue: Offshore area of Otsu Port, Shiga Prefecture
- Date: August 8, 2025 (*Held in light rain; canceled in severe weather)
- Time: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Admission: 4,800 yen for lakeside green zone near Piazza Omi (other areas vary)
- Official website
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Waters off Otsu Port滋賀県営大津港沖水面一帯
- Address Otsu Port, Shiga Prefectural Government, 520-0047
Gozan no Okuribi (Daimonji Bonfire) 2025 (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)

Held annually on August 16, Kyoto’s Gozan no Okuribi is a traditional summer event marking the close of Obon, when ancestral spirits are believed to return to the afterlife. Giant bonfires are lit on five mountains surrounding the city, each forming a symbolic character or shape that appears to float in the night sky over the course of 30 minutes.
The sequence begins at 8 PM with 「大」 (Dai, meaning “great”) on Mt. Daimonji, followed by 「妙」 (Myō) and 「法」 (Hō) on nearby mountains—together forming 「妙法」 (Myōhō, “wondrous law”), referencing Buddhist scripture. Then comes the 「船形」 (Funagata, “boat shape”) on Mt. Funayama, symbolizing the vessel carrying spirits back to the other world. Next is the second 「大」 on Mt. Okitayama, known as 「左大文字」 (Hidari Daimonji, “left Dai”), and finally the 「鳥居形」 (Toriigata, “torii gate shape”) on Mt. Mandara, representing the spiritual gateway between worlds.
All five fire sites are registered as intangible folk cultural assets of Kyoto City and are visible from various vantage points throughout the city.
- Venue: Five mountain locations in Kyoto City (Sakyo Ward and surrounding areas)
- Date: August 16, 2025
- Time: From 8 PM (lit in sequence; may change based on weather)
- Admission: Free
- Official website
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Address
5 locations in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, 606-0000
View Map -
Nearest Station
Kitaoji Station (Karasuma Line)
- Phone Number 075-343-0548
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Address
5 locations in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, 606-0000
Dotonbori Lantern Festival 2025 (Minami Ward, Osaka City)

From July through August, Dotonbori comes alive with the glow of around 2,000 lanterns installed along the Tonbori Riverwalk, which stretches 800 meters from Fukari Bridge (Yotsubashisuji) to Nipponbashi (Sakaisuji). First launched in 1999 to energize the Minami area of Osaka, this summer tradition now includes a variety of personalized lanterns.

Among the glowing displays are lanterns bearing the names of local businesses, fan-created “oshi” lanterns dedicated to favorite idols, and uplifting messages like “Go Expo 2025 Kansai!” The shimmering lights reflected on the river, combined with neon from nearby storefronts, create a dazzling nighttime atmosphere. For a different view, hop on the Dotonbori sightseeing cruise (20 minutes with guide), which passes under nine bridges crossing the river.
- Venue: Tonbori Riverwalk (Fukari Bridge to Nipponbashi)
- Dates: July 1 – August 31, 2025
- Time: 7 PM – 2 AM
- Admission: Free
- Official website
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Tonbori River Walkとんぼりリバーウォーク
- Address Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 542-0071
Seasonal Flower Events
SIKI Garden Summer Season (Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture)

Held at the Rokko Morinone Museum in the mountains of Kobe, the SIKI Garden Summer Season celebrates early summer blooms in a cool alpine setting. With temperatures about 5°C (9°F) cooler than downtown, hydrangeas, roses, and lilies here bloom about a month later than in the city. The frequent rain and mist on Mt. Rokko give the flowers even more vibrant color.
Over 20 varieties and 350 hydrangea bushes, along with more than 1,000 lilies, fill the garden with color. Roses, planted to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings, also bloom in succession. Please note that bloom conditions may vary with the weather—check social media for updates.
- Venue: SIKI Garden – inside Rokko Morinone Museum
- Dates: June 21 – August 22, 2025
- Time: 10 AM – 5 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) (*August 13–15: 9 AM – 5 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM))
- Closed: Thursdays between June 26 and July 17, 2025
- Admission: Adults (junior high and up) – 1,500 yen; Children (ages 4–12) – 750 yen
- Official website
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Rokko Morinone MuseumROKKO森の音ミュージアム
- Address 4512-145 Kitarokko, Rokkosancho, Nada-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo 657-0101
England Hill Sunflower Operation 2025 (Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture)

From mid-July to late August, Awaji Farm Park England Hill (Awaji Farm Park England no Oka) bursts into bloom for its annual sunflower event, “England Hill Sunflower Operation 2025!” Throughout the spacious grounds, visitors can enjoy vibrant fields of sunflowers in full glory.
The main field features around 50,000 hybrid sunflowers, with peak bloom expected in mid-August. Sunflowers also brighten areas around the lake, the Monument Garden, and the central flowerbeds. Don’t miss the sunflower path where you can walk among the blossoms, scenic observation decks, heart-shaped displays, swings, and playful photo panels designed for fun snapshots.
- Venue: Awaji Farm Park England Hill
- Dates: Mid-July – Late August 2025 (*bloom times may vary by weather)
- Time: Weekdays 9:30 AM – 5 PM; Weekends/Holidays 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry 30 minutes before closing; hours may vary by season)
- Closed: Tuesdays (open on national holidays and during Golden Week)
- Admission: Adults (high school and up) – 1,200 yen; Children (ages 4 to junior high) – 400 yen
- Official website
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Awaji Farm Park England Hill淡路ファームパーク イングランドの丘
- Address 1401 Yagiyokami, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo 656-0443
Cruises, Food & Other Festivals
NAKED Summer Festival 2025 at World Heritage Site Nijo Castle (Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City)

This summer, the creative company NAKED returns with a cutting-edge light and art event at the World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle, in Kyoto. “NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2025: Summer Evening Lights” reimagines traditional Japanese summer culture (noryo) through modern installations, projecting seasonal motifs like uchiwa fans and summer flowers onto gates and corridors once walked by shoguns.
The festival also features food stalls offering shaved ice, soda, and other summer treats, creating a nostalgic yet modern matsuri atmosphere that’s perfect for a warm Kyoto night.
- Venue: Nijo Castle, Kyoto
- Dates: July 25 – August 24, 2025
- Time: 6:30 PM – 10 PM (last entry at 9:20 PM)
- Admission: Advance Tickets – Junior high and up: 1,400 yen (1,800 yen on Fridays, weekends & holidays); Elementary school: 600 yen (1,000 yen on peak days); Same-Day Tickets – Junior high and up: 1,800 yen (2,200 yen on peak days); Elementary school: 1,000 yen (1,400 yen on peak days)
- Official website
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Address
541 Nijojocho, Horikawa Nishiiri, Nijo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 604-8301
View Map -
Nearest Station
Nijojomae Station (Tozai Line)
- Phone Number 075-841-0096
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Address
541 Nijojocho, Horikawa Nishiiri, Nijo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 604-8301
Japan’s summer nights are filled with festive traditions and dazzling events, from Kyoto’s spiritual Gozan no Okuribi to the spectacular 2025 Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival. These celebrations offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage—while letting you enjoy the brightest moments of summer.
(Information is current as of July 2025. Please check official websites for the latest updates.)
Kaori Kimura is a Japanese travel writer with roughly 20 years of experience in editing and publishing travel guides. After graduating from university, she worked at a publishing company for about 10 years, specializing in travel guides. She has undertaken numerous assignments both internationally, including in places like Paris, France, and Taiwan, as well as domestically in areas such as Hokkaido and Kyushu. Following this, she lived in Guangzhou, China for about two years as an expatriate spouse and contributed to local media, writing on economics and travel guides. Upon returning to Japan, she gained experience in editing and writing for web media. A key strength of hers is her involvement in creating travel guide articles for both inbound and outbound tourism. She possesses the highest level (HSK-6) of the standardized Chinese language proficiency test, level 2 in Japan's French language test, and EIKEN Grade Pre-1.
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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