Get ready for a vibrant mid-February weekend in Osaka! Families can dive into the closing days of the massive Osaka Auto Messe, catch the start of the intense Osaka Theater Festival, or enjoy gorgeous seasonal illuminations across the city. Don't miss the last chance for some serious chocolate shopping downtown!
See our top picks
Plum Blossoms at Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park
A gorgeous, free walk among 100 varieties of plum blossoms.
Klimt Alive Osaka Exhibition
Near Fukushima Station
Immerse the family in massive, surrounding digital art.
Kaiyukan Illumination
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
See the aquarium lit up with cute marine creature projections at 5 PM.
· February 14
10OSAKA THEATER FESTIVAL 2026 : The festival kicks off today with original works centered around the theme of 'Connection.' It’s a great chance to see emerging Kansai theatre talent at the historic HEP HALL.This is the opening day of the festival, running through the 23rd.
FREE : February is peak season for the plum blossoms here! Take a lovely family walk through the grove featuring over 100 varieties, with the beautiful Osaka Castle as the backdrop.This is the height of the plum viewing season, offering a beautiful, free outdoor activity.
KLIMT ALIVE OSAKA EXHIBITION : Immerse yourselves in Gustav Klimt's famous art through massive 360-degree screens and classical music. This is a wonderful indoor activity for art-curious families.It's a highly immersive, indoor art experience running all weekend.
SKY KOTATSU FERRIS WHEEL 2025-2026 : Take a 18-minute ride on this unique Ferris wheel where your cabin is equipped with a kotatsu—a heated table! Perfect for cozy city views.The heated cabin is a fun novelty activity available all weekend.
: The exterior of the Kaiyukan aquarium is lit up with cute, pop-style marine displays, including giant whale shark projections. The lighting ceremony happens right at 5 PM.A magical way to end a day at the aquarium, visible right after the 5 PM lighting ceremony.
VALENTINE CHOCOLATE EXPO 2026FREE : This is the absolute final day for this massive chocolate event featuring around 350 Japanese and international brands. Grab those last-minute Valentine’s sweets!It is the very last day of the expo.
FREE : Takashimaya hosts its high-end chocolate event today is its last day. Look out for exclusive demonstrations if you arrive early enough.This is the closing day for this premium chocolatier showcase.
OOSAKA IMPORTANT DAY CELEBRATION BANQUET PLAN : If you are planning an early graduation or entrance celebration with family, the Imperial Hotel is offering a private course meal package that includes special pricing for children aged 4-12.This plan specifically references early 2026 celebrations and lists child pricing, making it relevant for families planning ahead.
NAMBA HIKARI TABI (LIGHT JOURNEY) AT NAMBA PARKSFREE : Explore the unique rooftop garden filled with tunnels of light and flower trees made from recycled materials. This is a free, fun evening activity in Namba.The light journey ends today, so it's the last chance to catch this display.
DECORATED POTATO SALAD : Okay, this one is technically a food item, but the potato salad is decorated *like a cake*. Grab this savory treat for a fun picnic side or surprise dinner party appetizer!It's an unusual, slightly absurd food item that looks like a cake but is potato salad—fun for kids to point out.
· February 15
3OSAKA AUTO MESSE 2026 : This is the final day of Osaka's huge auto show, focusing heavily on customized cars and tuning culture. If your older kids love vehicles, this is the last chance to check it out.It's the last day for this major, high-energy automotive event.
GRAND FRONT OSAKA: CHAMPAGNE GOLD ILLUMINATION IN UMEKITAFREE : Walk through UMEKITA where over 100 trees are twinkling with champagne gold lights. The display has expanded this year into the new Grand Green Osaka park area.It’s a massive, romantic, and completely free light display downtown.
HITOHATA X SENJU DANCE COMPANY SPECIAL PERFORMANCE 2026 : This is the final day to catch the striking digital art and dance collaboration. It looks like a unique, high-concept show perfect for families with teens.It’s the final performance day for this contemporary show.
Also On· anytime this weekend
5: Experience a unique projection mapping show displayed on the river bridges, viewed from a cozy, heated four-person raft. A very novel way to spend an evening.It's an atmospheric evening experience that is still running this weekend.
: Head slightly north to Hirakata Park for one of the Keihan Line's largest illumination events. They feature rose-themed lights and over 20 illuminated night rides.A classic amusement park combined with a beautiful winter light show.
: Check out the elegant Japanese-style illuminations on the rooftop garden of Kansai's largest hot spring theme park. Great atmosphere for a relaxing evening stroll.A unique, beautiful light display held over the expansive onsen complex.
FREE : Enjoy gorgeous lighting displays throughout the entire Abeno Harukas skyscraper. The 16th-floor outdoor garden is free to access and offers great views.A spectacular, large-scale illumination event you can enjoy for free from the garden level.
: Check out this exhibition focusing on Surrealism's influence across everyday media like advertising and design. Kids get a discounted entry fee.It's a major cultural exhibition running through the weekend with clear child pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Osaka this weekend?
The best free option this weekend is enjoying the Plum Blossoms at Osaka Castle Park, which should be in full bloom. Additionally, the evening Grand Front Osaka: Champagne Gold Illumination in UMEKITA and the Namba Hikari Tabi light display are also free to view.
Are there any big events ending this weekend?
Yes! Saturday, February 14th, is the final day for both the Valentine Chocolate Expo 2026 at Hankyu Umeda and the Amour du Chocolat 2026 at Takashimaya, plus the Namba Hikari Tabi light-up. Sunday is the final day for the Osaka Auto Messe 2026.
What is there to do on Sunday, February 15th?
Sunday is perfect for catching the final moments of the Osaka Auto Messe 2026, seeing the final performance of the HITOHATA X Senju Dance Company Special Performance 2026, or enjoying the city illuminations like the Sky Kotatsu Ferris Wheel and Grand Front Osaka lights.