Happy New Year, Osaka parents! Kicking off 2026, we've got some fantastic local-gem New Year events rather than the usual tourist hustle. Skip the massive crowds and check out the hands-on fun at the 初夢FESTA2026 in Kishiwada for traditional games, or head to Namba Palace Park for the なノにわ新春祭 for history and mochi-making!
Quick Picks
なノにわ新春祭
難波宮跡公園
Free mochi-pounding, calligraphy, and kite-making demonstrations!
ATCあそびマーレ
ATCビル
An indoor play paradise with bouncy castles and ball pits, perfect for escaping the winter chill.
なノにわ新春祭
難波宮跡公園
Features a giant Karuta game and free mochi-pounding experience on Sunday.
初夢FESTA2026
Kishiwada's WHATAWON is hosting a two-day festival with tons of hands-on New Year activities. Saturday includes mochi-pounding (with free zenzai after), a karaoke competition (paid entry), and a 'Fukumaki' candy/rice cake toss!
Why we picked it: It’s a hyper-local, hands-on New Year's festival with traditional games like giant Karuta that kids will love.
やきいもフェス IN HANSHIN
It's a massive baked sweet potato (yaki-imo) festival featuring advanced sweet potato desserts from all over Japan! Think yaki-imo ice cream, pastries, and every texture of roasted potato you can imagine.
Why we picked it: A quirky, seasonal food fair that turns a simple baked potato into an art form – perfect for adventurous eaters.
ATCあそびマーレ
If the weather turns, this is your go-to! It's one of Kansai's largest indoor play centers, packed with jungle gyms, huge ball pits (including a 'children's ball ocean'), and even a pony ride area. Guaranteed way to burn off that holiday sugar rush.
Why we picked it: It's always open over the New Year period and is a massive, contained space for kids to run wild.
Festival of Lights in Osaka (OSAKA Hikari no Kyoen)
The Midosuji illumination continues, turning the main avenue into a 4km long tunnel of light—great for a very magical, slightly chilly walk after dinner. The Nakanoshima area also has unique light art installations with food stalls nearby.
Why we picked it: The winter illumination is still going strong, offering a stunning backdrop for family photos.
Ukiyo-e Immersive Art Exhibition
This digital art exhibition brings Hokusai and Hiroshige's ukiyo-e prints to life with 3DCG and projection mapping. It's a cool, modern way to engage with traditional Japanese art without the quiet museum vibe.
Why we picked it: It's a high-tech, interactive art experience that's much cooler than a standard gallery visit for older kids.
りんくうプレミアム・アウトレット ドラゴンクエスト コラボイベント『JOIN THE QUEST！』
The Dragon Quest collaboration event is still running out at Rinku! If your teens are into gaming, this combines shopping with a real-life quest. It’s a bit of a trip out to the airport area, but worth it for DQ fans.
Why we picked it: A cool, active, gaming-related event that appeals to the slightly older, harder-to-please crowd.
空庭温泉 OSAKA BAY TOWER (New Year's Events)
This onsen theme park is open all weekend and has special New Year events like a Lion Dance and Magic Show, plus a fun 'New Year's Luck Gacha' to try! Great for a full family day out mixing relaxation and fun.
Why we picked it: They have New Year-specific entertainment like Lion Dances integrated into their regular fun attractions.
なノにわ新春祭
Celebrate the New Year with old Osaka culture! They're doing free mochi-pounding, calligraphy performances, and you can even try on Tenpyo-era costumes. Plus, there are kite-making booths since the area was famous for kiting.
Why we picked it: It’s a free, deep dive into Japanese New Year traditions right in the historical heart of Osaka.
初夢FESTA2026 (Day 2)
The second day at WHATAWON features a **Giant Karuta Tournament** for the kids/families and a Kendama championship for all ages. These are super fun, active ways to engage with Japanese culture!
Why we picked it: The giant Karuta tournament is a unique, high-energy twist on a classic Japanese card game.
初夢FESTA2026 (Day 1)
The second day continues the fun! Sunday features the **Giant Karuta Tournament** and a **Kendama championship**, both totally free to enter if you reserve a spot. Don't miss the 'Fukumaki' candy toss in the afternoon!
Why we picked it: It offers a fantastic, energetic cultural experience running across both weekend days.
VS PARK ららぽーとEXPOCITY店
This is the place for physically challenging, TV-show style games—think giant slingshots, crazy slides, and interactive sports. It's loud, active, and the best way to wear out your energetic kids before Monday.
Why we picked it: It’s a high-energy, modern activity centre perfect for burning off that holiday energy.
ATCあそびマーレ
The huge ball pit and dedicated toddler zones here mean you don't have to constantly worry about bigger kids knocking over the little ones. It's a safe and engaging environment for the under-5 crowd.
Why we picked it: It’s one of the best guaranteed indoor options when the weather might be iffy right after New Year's.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Osaka this weekend?
The best genuinely free option is the なノにわ新春祭 at 難波宮跡公園 on Sunday (Jan 4th), which includes free mochi-pounding and kite-making! Also, the 初夢FESTA2026 in Kishiwada has free activities like the candy toss and Fukumaki on both days.
Where can we go if it rains on Saturday?
Head straight to ATCあそびマーレ in Suminoe Ward. It’s a massive indoor play space with tons of attractions like huge ball pits and slides, perfect for burning off energy whatever the weather.
What's best for a toddler (under 5) this weekend?
The ATCあそびマーレ has designated toddler zones, but for a seasonal touch, check out the なノにわ新春祭 on Sunday (Jan 4th) at 難波宮跡公園, as they usually have open space for little ones to run around safely during quieter moments.