Osaka is one of the best cities in Japan to celebrate **New Year’s Eve (カウントダウン) and Hatsumode (初詣, first shrine visit of the year)**. Whether you’re looking for **exciting countdown parties, fireworks, or traditional temple visits**, here’s your complete guide to celebrating **New Year in Osaka!**
Why Celebrate New Year in Osaka?
- 🎉 **Massive Countdown Parties:** Join **fireworks displays, concerts, and club events.**
- ⛩️ **Traditional Shrine & Temple Visits:** Experience **Hatsumode, Japan’s first prayer of the year.**
- 🎶 **Special New Year’s Events:** Enjoy **temple bell ringing, New Year’s sales, and seasonal street food.**
Best Countdown Events in Osaka
🌟 1. Universal Studios Japan Countdown Party – Best for Theme Park Fun 🎢
USJ’s **New Year’s Eve party** includes **live music, fireworks, and an all-night park pass.**
- 📍 Location: Universal Studios Japan
- 📅 Time: December 31, 7:00 PM – January 1, 2:00 AM
- 🎟️ Tickets: Limited availability (~¥14,000)
🌟 2. Abeno Harukas Countdown – Best for Sky-High Fireworks 🎇
Watch **New Year’s fireworks from Japan’s tallest building (300m high)** with a **360-degree night view.**
🌟 3. Osaka Castle Countdown – Best for Historic & Festive Vibes 🏯
Osaka Castle hosts **a countdown event with fireworks, light shows, and food stalls.**
🌟 4. Dotonbori Countdown – Best for Party Lovers 🎭
Thousands of people gather in **Dotonbori’s neon-lit streets** for a wild **New Year’s Eve street party.**
🌟 5. Umeda Sky Building Countdown – Best for Romantic Atmosphere 🌆
Enjoy a **quiet yet beautiful countdown experience** with a **stunning Osaka city skyline view.**
Best Hatsumode Shrines & Temples in Osaka
🌟 6. Sumiyoshi Taisha – Best for Traditional New Year Prayers ⛩️
Osaka’s most famous **Hatsumode shrine**, attracting over **2 million visitors** for **New Year blessings.**
🌟 7. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine – Best for Academic & Career Success 📚
A shrine known for **helping students and professionals** with their **New Year’s wishes.**
🌟 8. Shitennoji Temple – Best for Buddhist Traditions 🏯
One of Japan’s **oldest temples**, where you can experience **Buddhist New Year rituals.**
🌟 9. Tsuyunoten Shrine – Best for Love & Relationships 💖
Known as **Osaka’s matchmaking shrine**, perfect for **praying for love in the new year.**
🌟 10. Ikukunitama Shrine – Best for Family & Health Blessings 🏠
A quiet yet historic shrine **popular among families** for **health and happiness prayers.**
New Year’s Traditions in Osaka
- 🔔 **Joya no Kane (108 Bell Rings):** Temples ring bells **108 times** at midnight to cleanse past sins.
- 🍜 **Toshikoshi Soba:** Eating soba noodles **before midnight symbolizes longevity.**
- 🎁 **Fukubukuro (Lucky Bags):** Stores sell **mystery bags filled with discounted products.**
Tips for Celebrating New Year in Osaka
- 📅 **Book Tickets Early:** USJ countdown tickets and sky observatory passes **sell out quickly.**
- 🚆 **Check Last Train Schedules:** Some subway lines **run all night, but others stop early.**
- ⛩️ **Visit Shrines Early:** Popular shrines get **extremely crowded on January 1st.**
Conclusion
Osaka’s **New Year celebrations offer a perfect mix of modern parties and traditional experiences**. Whether you want to **dance all night, watch fireworks, or start the year with a shrine visit**, Osaka is an amazing place to **welcome 2025!**
