Osaka Prefecture is alive with major events this year. Alongside the World Expo, one of Japan’s most famous fireworks festivals — Yodogawa Fireworks Festival — will light up the sky on October 18!
Traditionally held along the Yodo River every August, this year’s festival has been rescheduled to align with World Expo 2025. Ranked among the top 10 fireworks festivals in Kansai, it draws thousands who gather to see dazzling displays: synchronized fireworks set to music, massive grand finales, underwater illuminations over the river, and uniquely themed sequences.
Imagine working in a region that gives you easy access to not just one, but two of Japan’s ancient capitals during the day — Kyoto and Nara — and then returning to Japan’s third-largest city at night to enjoy a breathtaking event like Yodogawa Fireworks Festival.
About the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
The Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is truly a handmade event, organized and run entirely by dedicated local volunteers who love Osaka, the “city of water.” Funding comes solely from donations by local businesses, community groups, and residents.
Launched in 1989, the festival was born out of the long-running “Juso Dontokoi Festival” committee, with the aim of revitalizing the city. For 17 years, it was known as the Heisei Yodogawa Fireworks Festival before evolving in 2006 into the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, backed by support from all of Osaka.
True to its roots, the festival continues to thrive as a community-driven celebration. With residents contributing in countless ways, it has become a spark for energizing Osaka — aiming to deliver unforgettable experiences that bring people together year after year.
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival offers special viewing seats, but you can also enjoy the show from various places all around Osaka. Finding your own favorite fireworks viewing spot is one of the joys of the festival.
Why This Festival Matters (Beyond the Fireworks)
Community & Culture
Because it’s volunteer-driven, the festival captures the true spirit of Osaka. Expect to see many spectators in yukata — and we recommend you try one with your friends to really soak in the atmosphere!
Urban Access
Just a 10–20 minute walk from major Osaka stations, this is one of the easiest large-scale festivals in Japan to attend. No car required.
Festival Food
Arrive early to enjoy the yatai (food stalls) selling Osaka’s best-loved street foods — from yakisoba and yakitori to the local classic, takoyaki.
At ZenGroup, we often remind candidates: relocating to Kansai means more than a new workplace — it’s a lifestyle. Events like Yodogawa Taikai show the vibrant culture and everyday joy this region offers.
If you’re considering the move, explore more of our Exploring Kansai blog series, dedicated to showing the world that Japan has so much more to discover than just Tokyo.
