July, right before the scorching heat sets in, is a vibrant time in the Kansai region. It’s when you can experience a plethora of events that truly capture the essence of summer – think beer gardens, festivals, fireworks, and enchanting flower events.
But what makes July extra special are the iconic festivals like the renowned Gion Matsuri and the dazzling Tenjin Festival. If you’re planning a summer trip to the Kansai area, we’ve got you covered with a delightful lineup of festivals and events that will make your journey even more memorable.
Koyasan: “LIFE Inochi” & “Warmth I Remember” Exhibition (Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture)
Located in Wakayama Prefecture, Mount Koya is an area surrounded by mountains reaching an elevation of 1,000 meters. It is renowned as a “religious city” with 117 temples lining its grounds. In commemoration of the 1,250th anniversary of the birth of Kukai, the monk who founded Mount Koya, related events are taking place in 2023.
One of these events is the special screening of the art film “LIFE® Inochi: Reliving the Experience of Birth” and the photo exhibition “Warmth I Remember,” both held in the inner sanctuary of the prestigious temple, Kongobuji. The inner sanctuary is located at the center of the largest stone garden in Japan, called Banryutei, which is usually closed to the public.
With the concept of “The Connection between the Universe and Life,” visitors can witness art installations utilizing cutting-edge technology amidst the magnificent nature and grand structures of Mount Koya.
Event Overview
・Date: May 14th to July 9th (*Not held on weekdays)
・Time slots: â‘ 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM / â‘¡ 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM / â‘¢ 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM / â‘£ 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
・Admission: Free (*Separate admission fee required for Kongobuji Temple)
17th Umeda Tanabata Festival (Kita Ward, Osaka City)
From June 2nd to August 8th, the 17th Umeda Tanabata Festival will take place at Umeda Sky Building, one of Osaka’s landmarks. The festival will be adorned with luxurious and vibrant Tanabata decorations received from the renowned Sendai Tanabata Festival, one of the three major festivals in Tohoku. One of the highlights is the massive Tanabata decoration known as “fukinagashi,” displayed on the giant arch at the entrance of Shin Umeda City. Additionally, various sizes of Tanabata decorations will be showcased in Tower East Lobby and the underground 1st floor “Showa Retro Shopping Street Takimimachi.”
During the festival, visitors who dine at the restaurants in Takimimachi will receive Tanabata p…
