Note: Please check the official websites for event details and the latest information.
Characteristics of Osaka in February
In February, the winter cold in Osaka starts to ease, but there are still chilly days. This month is rich with events like Valentine’s Day and Setsubun. Additionally, plum blossoms begin to bloom, heralding the arrival of spring.
Osaka Tourist Spots Unique to February
Recommended Chocolate Shops for Valentine’s Day
“L’eclat” (Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka)
“L’eclat,” located in Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka, is a chocolate boutique lined with beautiful chocolates. Especially during the Valentine’s season, they offer limited-edition bonbons and special chocolate boxes featuring motifs like flowers and hearts.
“Cacaotier Gokan” (Kitahama)
“Cacaotier Gokan,” a popular chocolate shop in Kitahama, also has a sweets salon on the second floor. Their “Cacao Sand,” which sandwiches ganache chocolate between sable cookies, and their various flavored bonbons are recommended as Valentine’s gifts.
“Chocolaterie Patisserie Solilte” (Nishi-ku)
“Chocolaterie Patisserie Solilte,” a small chocolate shop in Nishi-ku, mainly offers fresh cakes. For Valentine’s Day, presenting a special chocolate cake from here would be a wonderful idea.
Strawberry Sweets Buffet
“Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka”
From January to May, “Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka” hosts strawberry sweets buffets with different themes, such as “The Apprentice Witch’s Confectionery Workshop,” making it a unique experience.
“Conrad Osaka”
“Conrad Osaka” offers a stylish strawberry sweets buffet themed “Strawberry in Paris,” inspired by Paris. You can enjoy a photogenic space featuring the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Pyramid.
“Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka”
“Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka” hosts a fair themed “Strawberry Sweets Buffet ~ Little Red Riding Hood and Friends in the Forest~,” with sweets inspired by Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf.
“Hilton Osaka”
“Hilton Osaka” hosts the “Strawberry Dessert Buffet ~Welcome to the Princess Ball~,” featuring desserts themed around princesses from Andersen and Grimm fairy tales.
Illuminations Coloring the End of Winter
CITY LIGHT FANTASIA BY NAKED (Abeno Harukas)
At the observation deck of Abeno Harukas, “CITY LIGHT FANTASIA BY NAKED” combines projection mapping with night views. This creates a fantastical world where images of snow and crystals merge the night sky with the cityscape.
Osaka Castle Illumination
Around 3 million lights illuminate the Nishinomaru Garden with Osaka Castle’s main keep as the backdrop. This year’s theme is “Taisho Roman,” recreating the culture of the Taisho era through illuminations.
Namba Hikari Tabi
“Namba Hikari Tabi” illuminates areas such as Namba Parks and Namba CITY. The “Light Waterfall” is particularly impressive, shining beautifully to the accompaniment of music.
Special Events and Activities in February
Universal Studios Japan
At “Universal Studios Japan” (USJ), you can enjoy seasonal attractions and events even in February. A collaboration event with “Demon Slayer” is being held, featuring VR roller coasters and themed restaurants. Please check the official website for details.
Plum Grove in Osaka Castle Park
In Osaka Castle Park, the plum grove reaches its peak blooming season in February. Over 100 varieties of plum blossoms bloom, allowing you to feel the arrival of spring.
Traditional Setsubun Festival
At Naritasan Fudoson in Osaka, the Setsubun festival is held every year on February 3. The bean-throwing ceremony features appearances by NHK morning drama actors and famous figures from Kansai, creating a lively atmosphere. Please check the official website for details.
Skating Rinks in Osaka
“Umeda★Ice Rink Tsuruntsurun” (Umeda)
The “Umeda★Ice Rink Tsuruntsurun” appears in front of Grand Front Osaka in Umeda. At night, colorful illuminations light up the rink, creating a magical atmosphere.
Winter Carnival in Hirakata Park
At Hirakata Park, the “Winter Carnival” offers skating and snow play. On weekends and holidays, you can also enjoy the illumination event “Light Amusement Park.”
Learn More About Osaka
