Special Feature on Osaka Events to Enjoy in February 2026｜Plenty of Exciting Experiences Even in Winter!
January 23, 2026
Winter in Osaka is filled with warm-hearted events held all over the city alongside the bustling urban atmosphere, attracting travelers with its charm. Although the temperatures feel cold, there are many indoor exhibitions, gourmet events, and unique winter traditions to enjoy at a leisurely pace, making it an unmissable season for visitors.
In February 2026, Osaka offers a variety of events including collaborations with popular games, luxurious sweets fairs featuring seasonal fruits, exhibitions blending art and technology, enchanting aquarium experiences, and even a unique picnic using the Japanese-style "kotatsu".
This article introduces seven categories of notable events you can experience in Osaka in February. Be sure to discover winter-specific delights in Osaka.
1. Dragon Quest Collaboration Event "JOIN THE QUEST!"
At Rinku Premium Outlets, which has convenient access from Kansai International Airport, the popular game ‘Dragon Quest’ collaboration event ‘JOIN THE QUEST!’ will be held. This event is simultaneously held at 10 Premium Outlets nationwide, where monsters decorate the shopping area, giving you the feeling of stepping into an adventure world.
Inside the venue, familiar monsters and character objects from the game such as Slimes and Golems are installed as photo spots. Additionally, a “digital stamp rally where you search for monsters” is available: find all five designated monsters, scan the QR codes, collect digital stamps, and download the original wallpaper. If you show the completed screen at the information center, you will receive a limited edition sticker as a bonus.
During the event period, a popup store “Dragon Quest Dōguya at SQUARE ENIX POP UP STORE” selling official Square Enix goods will also open. Limited items and collaboration products are available, making it a must-see for Dragon Quest fans.
2. Strawberry Fair "TSUYA-ICHIGO FAIR" at Grand Front Osaka
At Umeda’s popular complex “Grand Front Osaka,” the strawberry-themed fair “Tsuya-Ichigo FAIR” will be held. Starting on January 15, 2026, “Strawberry Day,” continuing through February 28, 17 restaurants and cafes inside the building will participate, each offering creative strawberry menus.
The fair features a lineup that includes classic sweets like parfaits, crepes, and tarts made generously with sweet and tart strawberries, as well as savory dishes accented with strawberries and strawberry drinks. Many seasonal and fair-limited menus are available, allowing enjoyment from lunch, tea time, to dinner.
During cafe time, many strawberry desserts that combine rich aroma, sweetness, and beautiful visual appearance will be featured. It’s an event where you can thoroughly enjoy winter’s flavor of strawberries while strolling or cafe hopping.
Using the latest digital technology, the immersive digital art exhibition "Immersive Ukiyo-e Exhibition OSAKA" allows you to experience Japan’s traditional beauty of ukiyo-e at Grand Front Osaka. Works by ukiyo-e masters of the Edo period such as Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige, and Utagawa Kuniyoshi are expressed as 3DCG animations and projection-mapped 3D images. Through motion, color, and light effects, you can enjoy an immersive experience as if you have entered the world of ukiyo-e.
The exhibition includes not only digitalized artworks but also original ukiyo-e prints from the Edo period and replicas, accompanied by explanations of their history and culture. The layout is suitable for a wide range of ages from adults to children, allowing you to enjoy the fusion of Japanese tradition and contemporary art.
4. Aquarium Exhibition at AEON Mall Sakai Teppocho
The “Light-colored Goldfish Aquarium” will be held on the 3rd floor of AEON Hall at AEON Mall Sakai Teppomachi. Rare goldfish collected from all over Japan will swim illuminated by lights inside tanks, creating a colorful display space.
It provides enjoyment for children and adults alike and is also popular as a romantic date spot for couples. As an indoor event that can be enjoyed regardless of weather, it offers a healing moment perfect for the cold season.
A unique event “Kotatsu River Picnic” will be held on the river flowing through downtown Osaka, where you can enjoy a picnic while sitting in a “kotatsu.” This new type of activity merges the winter tradition of kotatsu with outdoor enjoyment and is drawing attention.
On a specially prepared small deck on a SUP (stand-up paddleboard), a kotatsu, table, sweets, and warm drinks are provided, creating a relaxing space where you can forget the cold. Spending time silently on the water while admiring the riverside scenery is exceptional.
The experience includes staff support and is equipped with cold-weather gear and blankets for safety. It’s an event highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a slightly special winter in Osaka.
6. Recommended Restaurants in Osaka
One of the joys of traveling is savoring local flavors between visiting events. Here are some noteworthy restaurants to visit in Osaka in February 2026.
Enjoy Seasonal Ingredients at a Famous Tempura Restaurant
Tempura fried with high-quality oil and skillful craftsmanship features a crispy texture and highlights the flavor of ingredients. You can enjoy course meals using seasonal seafood and vegetables throughout the year. The location is convenient for visits after sightseeing at the “Tsuya-Ichigo FAIR” or the “Immersive Ukiyo-e Exhibition.”
At this renowned restaurant where you can enjoy first-class teppanyaki grilled flamboyantly in front of you with carefully selected Black Wagyu and seasonal seafood, the refined flavors incorporating French techniques are its charm. The steak and course meals, where the flavors of ingredients chosen by the chef blend together, are highly satisfying and create a special moment. Teppanyaki Kiryu is conveniently located connected directly to JR Osaka Station, so you can stop by after the “Tsuya-Ichigo FAIR” or the “Immersive Ukiyo-e Exhibition” to enjoy authentic Wagyu teppanyaki.
Price: ¥17,000~ (Semi-Luxury)
Type: Authentic
Business Hours: 11:30~15:30, 17:30~21:00
Regular Holiday: None
Feature: Child-Friendly, Children’s menu, Easy Access from Station
A Moment to Feel the Season with Fine Japanese Cuisine
Enjoy authentic kaiseki meals that utilize seasonal ingredients from Osaka, served with carefully prepared broth and delicate presentation. The depth of Japanese cuisine can be felt in taste, aroma, and appearance. It also has excellent access connected directly to the station, making it easy to visit after sightseeing at the “Tsuya-Ichigo FAIR” or the “Immersive Ukiyo-e Exhibition.”
Price: ¥13,000~ (Mid-range)
Type: Authentic yet affordable
Business Hours: 11:30~15:00, 17:00~21:00
Regular Holiday: None
Feature: Child-Friendly, Children’s menu, Easy Access from Station
The eel, finished with Kanto-style steaming and grilling, is fluffy, tender, and has an aromatic flavor. You can enjoy authentic eel dishes such as kabayaki and hitsumabushi prepared with secret sauce. It is located inside a department store directly connected to the station, making it convenient to visit after the “Tsuya-Ichigo FAIR” or the “Immersive Ukiyo-e Exhibition.”
Price: ¥4,950~ (Affordable)
Type: Casual
Business Hours: 11:00~23:00
Regular Holiday: Irregular holidays
Feature: Children’s menu, English menu, Chinese (traditional) menu, Chinese (simplified) menu, Korean menu, Easy Access from Station
At this hidden sushi restaurant in Honmachi, you can enjoy an authentic sushi experience with the chef’s OMAKASE course featuring fresh seasonal fish and matured toppings they procure daily. The course offers a well-balanced combination of nigiri, appetizers, and small dishes that reveal both tradition and creativity in every dish. Its location is convenient for walking visits after experiencing the “Kotatsu River Picnic” at Higashiyokobori River.
Price: ¥16,500~ (Mid-range)
Type: Authentic yet affordable
Business Hours: 11:00~14:00, 18:00~23:00
Regular Holiday: Wednesday
Feature: English menu, Chinese (simplified) menu, Korean menu
Osaka in February 2026 is full of attractive events that can blow away the cold. In the city of Osaka, where games, art, food, tradition, and new experiences blend, why not make your winter trip even more special?
While exploring these special seasonal events, please experience the atmosphere of the city, interactions with locals, and the full sensory experience of Japanese winter in Osaka.
