Osaka Things to do in May
Want to explore Osaka before the Spring’s end, May is one of the busiest and perfect months to visit Japan. When various events and festivals are held throughout Japan.
And with this article, let me share with you some of the best things to do in Osaka in May.
What is May in Osaka like?
May in Osaka has warm and sunny weather with the average temperature range between 15C and 24C and with some rainfall. It is also the last chance to see the cherry blossom in some areas of Osaka. Some late-blooming cherry blossoms bloom from the end of April to early May.
Japan’s longest holiday or Golden Week is in May, one of the reasons why May is called one of the busiest months in Japan. Golden Week is held between the end of April and the beginning of May where there are four national holidays held in one week. Because of the nice warm weather in May, many outdoor activities are held. However, Japan’s rainy season also starts between the end of May and July depending on the area. This rainy season is called Tsuyu (梅雨) which literally means “Plum Rain” because it is also the ripening season of Plums.
In this article, I would like to share some things to do in Osaka in May. Where you can experience unique Japanese culture, from traditional customs to contemporary trends.
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1. Visit Katsuoji Temple/Temple of Winning Luck
Osaka has many historical temples that are visited by many tourists in addition to its unique design that is full of ancient history. Where they have their own rituals, ceremonies, events, and festivals. Visit Katsuoji Temple known as the temple of winning luck. Apart from the very beautiful and cozy place where there is a relaxing view you can really enjoy the beauty of nature that gives positive energy.
People also come here and pray for good fortune and success in all aspects of life. The temple is also known for its Daruma or Katchi-Daruma, a Japanese traditional doll where you can make your own daruma to make a wish.
Official website: https://katsuo-ji-temple.or.jp/
2. Visit Garden and Parks
One of the most recommended things to do in May is go to the Parks and Gardens because this is also the time to get in touch with nature. There are many large parks with beautiful gardens in Osaka such as the famous Osaka Castle Park and Expo Park where many events are held. Here are some other places to visit with great views, activities, and events to enjoy.
Nagai Botanical Garden– Nagai Park is one of the most famous botanical gardens in Osaka with an area of 24.2 hectares. Various events are held here and different seasonal flowers can be seen. You can also enjoy and experience the Teamlab Botanical Garden here which will give a unique relaxing vibe.
Tsurumi Ryokuchi- Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park is one of the historic parks in Osaka Prefecture where various major events are held such as the “International Flower and Greenery Expo in 1990. Now many facilities have been built in the park where many events and festivals are held. Many festivals of seasonal flowers are often held here.
3. Have Fun at Universal Studio Japan
A visit to the popular tourist destination Universal Studio Japan should not be missing from the list of things to do in Osaka when visiting. Besides the many fun activities, there are also many events in May that everyone is sure to enjoy. Every time is the best time to visit Universal Studio Japan it never runs out of exciting events in every season.
<< Book your Universal Studios Japan tickets here!!>>
For more information about Universal Studio Japan and events, check out the following articles!
▶Best Things to Do at Universal Studios Japan
▶Universal Studios Japan Event Schedule 2024
4. Nemophila Festival at Maishima Seaside Park
Nemophila flowers known as baby blue eyes are quite spectacular flowers that usually bloom from early April to May. The Nemophila Festival is an annual event at Maishima Seaside Park in Osaka, one of the most visited places to witness the beauty of nemophila flowers.
Access | 35 minutes from Nishikujo Station by (BUS) to Maishima Sport Island. |
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Official Website | https://seasidepark.maishima.com/nemophila/ |
For more information about the Nemophila Flowers, Check out the following articles.
▶10 Best Places to See Nemophila in Japan
▶Nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park 2024
5. Visit Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium
The Kaiyukan Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Japan located in Osaka with over 600 marine mammals to be seen including the famous whale sharks, dolphins, sea lions, penguins, otters, and many more. The whole family will surely enjoy especially with kids and you can also enjoy seeing these amazing creatures even at night.
Apart from aquariums, many activities can be enjoyed here, there is the Tempozan Harbor Village an amusement and entertainment complex, there is also a shopping center, a cruise ship, and other rides.
For more information about this Kaiyukan Aquarium, check out the following article!
6. Visit Osaka’s Historical Museums
There are many large museums in Osaka where various exhibit events are held and many foreign tourists visit to learn about the culture and history of Japan, especially Osaka Prefecture. In visiting museums in addition to a lot of knowledge you will also be fascinated by Japan’s skill in maintaining the beauty of ancient equipment and will be amazed by modern technologies.
For more information about the Museum in Osaka, Check out the following articles.
7. Visit Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building is one of the beautiful places if you want to explore Osaka City, besides the many events held here in May there are also various activities that the whole family and friends can enjoy, it is near Umeda Station right next to Osaka Station, one of Osaka’s famous and major train stations so it is easy to get to.
Here you can enjoy the Umeda Sky Building Observatory deck called Kuchu Teien where you can see the spectacular view of Osaka City and many more exciting activities at the top of the building.
8. Try the Extreme Adventure at Abeno Harukas
Abeno Harukas is the tallest building in Japan and one of the tourist destinations in Osaka. The building features a variety of activities to enjoy, shops, restaurants, events, exhibitions, and the famous observatory deck 300 meters from the ground at the top of the building you can see the entire view of Osaka and you can also try the thrilling adventure called “EDGE the Harukas”
The Edge Harukas is an attraction at the top of the building where there is a 60cm wide and 20m long deck placed on the top of the glass outside, here you can stand, walk, or look straight down to see the stunning 360 views without obstruction.
Access | 1 minute walk from Tennoji Station. |
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For more information about the Abeno Harukas in Osaka, Check out the following articles.
▶Abeno Harukas: a High-Rise Complex in Osaka
9. Experience Spring Rose Festival at Expo 70′ Commemorative Park
Rose is one of the seasonal flowers in May and the Expo Park is one that holds an annual rose festival from early May. The park is known as a tourist destination where many events and exhibitions are held. Visit the park, experience the flower festival and enjoy other park activities.
Access | 6 minutes walk from Bampakukinenkoen Station. |
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Official Website | https://www.expo70-park.jp/ |
For more information about the Expo Park in Osaka, Check out the following articles.
▶Osaka Expo Park: One of Osaka’s Most Attractive Parks
10. Enjoy Colorful Tulips at Sakai Green Museum Harvest Hill
The Sakai Green Museum Harvest Hill is one of the best places to visit in Osaka in May. There are many events and activities to be enjoyed by the whole family there are amusement, gardens, a zoo, fruit picking, and hands-on activities such as bread-making and many more.
You can enjoy the “The Spring Harvest “event from the 9th of March to the 26th of May 2024 with almost 70,000 colorful tulips.
Access | About 39 minutes from Izumigaoka Station via (Semboku Rapid Railway) to Toga-Mikita Station then take a bus to Mikedaii 5 station then walk 13 minutes to Harvest Hill. |
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Official Website | https://farm.or.jp/ |
In addition, things to do in Osaka in May are to try and experience various sweet buffets and afternoon teas offered at hotels, restaurants, and cafes. A great experience for the delicious sweets that are only offered for a limited time depending on the season. Sit back and relax after a tiring day exploring Osaka.
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Thank you for reading, Hope this article helps and gives you some good ideas about things to do in Osaka in May. If you would like to know more travel information about Osaka you can check the following articles below.
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Written by
Greetings to all mommies I am a supermom from Philippines. Previously, I worked and lived in Dubai for seven years, until 2015 the year I moved in Japan. Currently, I am happily settled here with my Japanese husband and our 7 months old baby. I could only describe my almost 6 years of living here as a roller coaster ride more so, after I gave birth to my son. Japan had changed me in ways unimaginable. It has influence my lifestyle, my perceptions and beliefs. I was able to witness firsthand the pros and cons of living in the country. From their language, culture and ethnicity, the people, place and in work. Those years were enough to give me quite personal and memorable experiences which I would be more than delighted to share with you.