Source: Canva
Osaka is constantly evolving, and 2026 brings a new collection of experiences for travellers who have already seen the neon streets of Dotonbori, visited Osaka Castle and sampled the city’s famous food scene.
From a greener new district beside Osaka Station to ancient kofun viewed from the sky, these experiences offer a look at contemporary Osaka as well as the traditions that continue to shape the wider prefecture. Some are newly opened, while others are special or expanded experiences that give established places a different perspective in 2026.
(1) Grand Green Osaka and Umekita Park: Discover a New Urban Osaka
(2) Time Out Market Osaka: Explore Contemporary Kansai Food
(3) CAPCOMIX: Engage with Japanese Gaming Culture
(4) VS.: Experience Art Through Technology
(5) Osaka Castle Yagura Special Opening: See the Castle from the Inside
(6) Osaka Sakai Balloon & Kofun Experiences: Discover Ancient Osaka from Above
(7) GRAVITATE OSAKA: Walk Above the Landscape
(8) Sakai Tea Culture: Experience the Way of Tea in Sen no Rikyu’s Hometown
(9) Konpeito Museum: Make Your Own Osaka-Flavoured Konpeito
(10) Sakai Knife-Making: Experience Osaka’s Culinary Craft
(1) Grand Green Osaka & Umekita Park: Discover a New Urban Osaka
Source: Grand Green Osaka
The area around Osaka Station has been transformed by Grand Green Osaka, a major new urban development that brings together offices, hotels, restaurants, cultural spaces and greenery. At its centre is Umekita Park, an expansive public space that opened in 2024 and has quickly become a new landmark in the Umeda area.
The park provides an unexpected contrast to the density of central Osaka, with lawns, waterfront areas, public art and spaces for events and workshops. It is also directly connected to Osaka Station, making it easy to incorporate into a day of shopping, dining and sightseeing around Umeda.
Location: 5-54 Ofukacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
Website
(2) Time Out Market Osaka: Explore Contemporary Kansai Food
Source: Time Out Market Osaka
Located within Grand Green Osaka, Time Out Market Osaka brings together food from some of the city's and Kansai's established chefs, local names and emerging talents under one roof.
The first Time Out Market in Asia, the 3,000-square-metre venue features 17 kitchens and two bars. The selection extends beyond classic Osaka dishes, offering contemporary international options such as Thai and Korean food concepts, making it more of a showcase of modern dining in Osaka than a traditional food hall.
Location: 5-54 Ofukacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan (Grand Green Osaka South Building B1F)
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm daily
Website
(3) CAPCOMIX: Engage with Japanese Gaming Culture
Source: Capcom
Osaka is home to Capcom, one of Japan's most recognisable game companies, and CAPCOMIX brings some of its gaming culture into a physical, interactive setting. Located at the Hoop commercial complex in Abeno, the attraction opened in 2026 as an experience-focused facility rather than a conventional arcade or merchandise shop.
The venue includes Crazy BANeT with CAPCOM ALL STARS, a large digital activity area, VR-X for original virtual-reality experiences and Chara Cap, a shop featuring game-character merchandise. For travellers interested in Japanese gaming, it provides an active way to engage with Capcom's characters through physical and digital experiences rather than simply browsing memorabilia.
Location: 1-2-30 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan 545-0052 (Hoop 3F)
Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun, P.H 11am - 9pm, Fri-Sat, Day before PH 11am - 10:45pm
Website
(4) VS.: Experience Art Through Technology
Source: VS.
Located within Grand Green Osaka, VS. explores the intersection of art, sound and technology through changing exhibitions and cultural projects. Instead of a conventional gallery format, the venue uses immersive audiovisual and mixed-reality techniques to create experiences that surround visitors with sound and imagery.
The 2026 programme featured Ryuichi Sakamoto & Tin Drum | KAGAMI+, an immersive solo performance using mixed-reality technology developed around Sakamoto's piano performance. As the programme changes over time, VS. is also an option for repeat visitors looking for contemporary cultural experiences that go beyond traditional museums and galleries.
Location: 5-54 Ofukacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm
Website
(5) Osaka Castle Yagura Special Opening: See the Castle from the Inside
Source: Osaka Castle Facebook
Osaka Castle is one of the city's most familiar sights, but the 2026 Yagura Special Opening provides access to areas that are normally closed to the public. During the autumn opening, visitors can enter the Tamon-yagura and Senkan-yagura, important cultural properties that formed part of the castle's defensive system.
The experience offers a closer look at the practical side of castle architecture, including spaces designed for surveillance and defence. At the Senkan-yagura, visitors can also try aiming a replica matchlock gun through a gunport. The 2026 autumn opening runs on weekends and public holidays from September 5 to November 29, with daily opening from September 19 to 27. Admission also includes Nishinomaru Garden, offering views towards the castle tower and surrounding moat.
Location: 1-1 Osaka Castle, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, 540-0002
Opening hours: 10:00am - 4:30pm
Website
(6) Osaka Sakai Balloon & Kofun Experiences: Discover Ancient Osaka from Above
Source: Osaka Sakai Balloon
South of Osaka City, Sakai is home to the Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun, a UNESCO World Heritage site comprising ancient burial mounds. One of the newer ways to appreciate this landscape is from the Osaka Sakai Balloon, which rises around 100 metres above the ground for views across the kofun and surrounding cityscape.
The aerial experience can be paired with ground-level visits to the kofun (ancient tombs) and the Mozu Tumulus Group Visitor Center. Special guided walks also introduce the history of the kofun, including access to Terayama Minamiyama Kofun, which is normally off-limits. A free shuttle service operating on selected days further connects the World Heritage area with other parts of Sakai.
Location: 2-chome Mozusekiun-cho, Daisen Park, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka 590-0802, Japan
Website
(7) GRAVITATE OSAKA: Walk Above the Landscape
Source: GRAVITATE OSAKA
In Ibaraki, north of central Osaka, GRAVITATE OSAKA offers a very different setting from the city's dense urban centre. Its main attraction is GODA Bridge, a 420-metre pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the landscape around Ibakita Dam. Simply walking across provides elevated views, while additional activities include bridge climbing, bungee jumping and bridge swings.
The experience makes it possible to combine outdoor scenery with a little adventure without travelling far from Osaka. Cafés, restaurants and shops within the park also make the area suitable for a longer visit. Travellers planning a visit from October 2026 should note that the attraction's shuttle bus service is suspended from October 1 until further notice, with regular Hankyu Bus routes available instead.
Location: 53-1 Seibo, Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture
Website
(8) Sakai Tea Culture: Experience the Way of Tea in Sen no Rikyu’s Hometown
Source: Sakai Risho no Mori
Sakai has a deep connection with Japanese tea culture and is closely associated with Sen no Rikyu, one of Japan's most influential tea masters. At Sakai Risho no Mori, visitors can learn more about the city's tea history while experiencing matcha and Japanese sweets in a traditional tea setting.
The standing tea ceremony allows visitors to enjoy Sakai matcha and Japanese sweets while seated on chairs. More formal tea-room experiences introduce tea-room etiquette and allow participants to prepare their own matcha under the guidance of a tea instructor. The experiences provide a closer understanding of the rituals and aesthetics surrounding Japanese tea rather than treating matcha simply as a drink.
Location: 2-1-1 Shukuincho Nishi Sakai Ward, Sakai City, 590-0958 Osaka, Japan
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (Chanoyu Workshop Facility)
Website
(9) Konpeito Museum: Make Your Own Osaka-Flavoured Konpeito
Source: Japan Travel by Navitime
Konpeito (金平糖) is a traditional Japanese sugar candy known for its colourful, star-like shape and distinctive uneven surface. Originally introduced to Japan from Portugal, the candy is made through a gradual process of coating a small sugar core with layers of sugar syrup. At the Konpeito Museum, visitors can learn about its history and production before making their own version in a 30-centimetre mini pot.
The workshop involves choosing colours and flavours and watching the candy gradually develop as it is made. For 2026, a special Osaka-themed menu offered pickled-ginger-flavoured konpeito with takoyaki seasoning to add after returning home. The special menu is available during selected periods, while the regular konpeito-making experience runs throughout the year at the Yao and Sakai museums.
Location: 12-148 Minamijimacho, Sakai Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, 590-0904
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm
Website
(10) Sakai Knife-Making: Experience Osaka’s Culinary Craft
Source: Wada Shoten
Sakai has a knife-making tradition dating back around 600 years, with specialised craftsmanship closely connected to the city's culinary history. Japanese knives are valued for their precision, and the relationship between knife craftsmanship and food preparation is an important part of Sakai's manufacturing culture.
Experience knife-making and sharpening techniques at Wada Shoten, a long-established knife maker.
Location: 1-1-1 Shinmeicho-higashi, Sakai Ward, Sakai , Osaka 590-0935, Japan
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (Closed on Sun)
Website
A Different Osaka for 2026
From new urban spaces and immersive attractions to Sakai’s food, tea and craft traditions, Osaka in 2026 offers plenty of reasons to explore beyond the familiar sights. These experiences reveal a city and prefecture where contemporary culture and longstanding traditions continue to evolve side by side.
*Opening dates, exhibitions, operating schedules and reservations may change. Check the official websites before visiting, particularly for seasonal or limited-time experiences.
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There is always something new to discover in Osaka, with fresh spaces, immersive experiences and local traditions waiting to be discovered. Here are 10 highlights for 2026, from contemporary art and Kansai food to ancient kofun, tea culture and traditional craftsmanship.