Things to do in Osaka in August

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Overview

August is a less popular time to visit Osaka. The weather is usually very warm, muggy, with temperatures ranging from 73—87°F (23—31°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Osaka during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, try traditional summer foods like kakigori and eel dishes, take a day trip to Nara Park, and more!

Osaka has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your August trip to Osaka. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to August. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Osaka in August. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout August, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Osaka in August

Top experiences in August
Visit the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan, and August is a great time to visit and witness traditional Shinto rituals and ceremonies. The shrine's unique architectural style and serene surroundings make it a peaceful retreat from the city, and you can explore the beautiful grounds and learn about the shrine's rich history. August is also the time for the annual Sumiyoshi Matsuri festival, featuring colorful processions, traditional performances, and lively celebrations.
Try traditional summer foods like kakigori and eel dishes
In August, you can indulge in traditional Japanese summer foods that are popular in Osaka. Kakigori, a shaved ice dessert topped with sweet syrups, is a refreshing treat to cool down from the summer heat. Additionally, eel dishes such as unagi donburi are considered a summer delicacy in Japan and are widely available in Osaka during this time. These dishes are not only delicious but also offer a unique culinary experience that is synonymous with the summer season in Japan.
Take a day trip to Nara Park
Nara Park is a beautiful and historic park located just a short train ride away from Osaka. In August, the park is a great place to visit as it's filled with lush greenery and beautiful deer roaming freely. You can visit iconic landmarks such as Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and enjoy a peaceful picnic in the park. August is also the perfect time to witness the annual Nara Tokae festival, where the park is illuminated by thousands of lanterns at night.
Attend a traditional tea ceremony
In August, you can participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Osaka and learn about the art of tea preparation and etiquette. The serene and tranquil atmosphere of the tea ceremony provides a peaceful escape from the summer heat and allows you to experience a quintessential aspect of Japanese culture. You can savor the delicate flavors of matcha and enjoy the serene ambiance of a traditional tea house, making it a truly unique and memorable experience.
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Explore the Minoo Park and Minoo Waterfall
Minoo Park is a scenic natural oasis located just outside of Osaka, and August is the perfect time to visit and enjoy the lush greenery and beautiful Minoo Waterfall. The park offers hiking trails that lead to the stunning waterfall, and you can take in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding forest. In August, the park is also known for its vibrant firefly displays at night, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere that is truly unique to the summer season.
Take a river cruise along the Okawa River
In August, you can take a leisurely river cruise along the Okawa River and enjoy the scenic views of Osaka from a different perspective. The river cruise offers a relaxing way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take in the sights of iconic landmarks such as Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building. You can choose from various cruise options, including daytime and evening cruises, and even enjoy a traditional Japanese meal on board.
Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
August is a great time to visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world. The aquarium is home to a diverse range of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and penguins. In addition to the regular exhibits, the aquarium often hosts special summer events and activities for visitors of all ages. It's a perfect way to escape the summer heat and learn about the wonders of the ocean.
Explore the Dotonbori district at night
Dotonbori is a bustling entertainment district in Osaka known for its vibrant nightlife, neon lights, and iconic street food. In August, the district comes alive with even more energy as locals and tourists alike flock to the area to enjoy the warm summer nights. You can sample local delicacies like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, stroll along the canal, and take in the lively atmosphere of this iconic area.
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Holidays in Osaka in August
August
  • Mountain Day (August 1112)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Osaka in August

Temperatures on an average day in Osaka in August

The average temperature in Osaka in August for a typical day ranges from a high of 87°F (31°C) to a low of 73°F (23°C). Some would describe it as very warm, muggy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Osaka, August, has days with highs of 87°F (31°C) and lows of 73°F (23°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 44°F (7°C) and lows of 32°F (-0°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Osaka in August based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in August
87°F
highs
73°F
lows

General weather summary

Very warm, muggy
Feels like
34%
Chance of rain
0.194 in
Amount
9.8 mph
Wind speed
79%
Humidity
13.5 hrs
Daylight length
5:17 AM
Sunrise
6:45 PM
Sunset
45%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in August
With an average high of 87°F (31°C) and a low of 73°F (23°C), it generally feels very warm, muggy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt
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Best attractions for Osaka in August

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Osaka has to offer for travelers in August, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Osaka that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Osaka for August.
Dotonbori
1. Dotonbori
4.4
(68008)
Neighborhoods
Lively entertainment district known for its soaring illuminated billboards, restaurants & theaters.
Universal Studios Japan
2. Universal Studios Japan
4.5
(115095)
Theme park
Water & Amusement Parks
This sprawling theme park dedicated to popular American movies features rides & live entertainment.
Osaka Castle
3. Osaka Castle
4.4
(69128)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Revered castle dating to 1597 & since rebuilt, featuring gardens & a museum with varied exhibits.
Osaka Castle Park
4. Osaka Castle Park
4.3
(39818)
Park
Nature & Parks
Vast green space offering gardens with cherry blossoms, athletic fields, open-air theaters & more.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
5. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
4.4
(42824)
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
One of the world's biggest aquariums, with exhibits ranging from Arctic to tropical marine life.
Shinsaibashisuji
6. Shinsaibashisuji
Neighborhoods
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Urban arcade with a wide variety of stores amid bright advertising signage & pedestrian crowds.
Kuchu Teien Observatory
7. Kuchu Teien Observatory
4.4
(11596)
Observation deck
Sights & Landmarks
Contemporary indoor/outdoor observation deck with panoramic city views, an eatery, cafe & gift shop.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
8. Kuromon Ichiba Market
4.1
(17080)
Market
Sights & Landmarks
Spacious market with vendors selling street food, fresh produce & shellfish, plus souvenirs.
Teppanyaki Minami
9. Teppanyaki Minami
4.2
(116)
Restaurant
Neighborhoods
Tsūtenkaku
10. Tsūtenkaku
4.0
(30622)
Observation deck
Sights & Landmarks
Famous for its neon lights, this landmark features an observation deck open to the public.
Abeno Harukas
11. Abeno Harukas
4.2
(47602)
Business park
Sights & Landmarks
Osaka's tallest building features an observation deck, a department store, an art museum & a hotel.
Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
12. Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
4.4
(8541)
Ferris wheel
Sights & Landmarks
This 112.5m Ferris wheel holds 480 passengers & offers panoramic views plus illumination shows.
Shinsekai Gate
13. Shinsekai Gate
Building
Sights & Landmarks
Hep Five Ferris wheel
14. Hep Five Ferris wheel
4.4
(4134)
Ferris wheel
Sights & Landmarks
Red 75-m. ferris wheel on the roof of HEP Five shopping complex, offering panoramic views.
Shitennoji
15. Shitennoji
4.3
(10294)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Restored Buddhist temple first built in 593 with a 5-story pagoda, statues & ponds with turtles.
Umeda Sky Building
16. Umeda Sky Building
4.3
(28957)
Cultural landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Connected skyscrapers with a rooftop garden observatory, plus a restaurant & lounge with city views.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Osaka?

Get inspired for your trip to Osaka with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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