Osaka's calendar is filled with matsuri, or festivals, which occur throughout the year. The city is known for its great performing-arts history, and most companies perform year-round. Sports, especially baseball and Japan's J-league professional soccer, are also popular in Osaka. The major Kabuki, Bunraku and Noh theaters schedule so many performances that we don't cover them in detail. Check local entertainment guides or ask your hotel's concierge about performances while you're in town.

For detailed information about upcoming events in the Osaka area, contact the Osaka City Tourist Information Service. Phone 6643-2125 or 6305-3311. http://www.tourism.city.osaka.jp/en. You may also contact the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau. Phone 542-0081. http://www.octb.jp.

To call the Osaka phone numbers listed in this calendar from outside Japan, you must first dial your country's international access code, then Japan's country code, 81, then Osaka's city code, 6.

Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.

July, 2008

1, 2 Jul—Aizen Matsuri. This festival, also called the Yukata Festival, is the first of Osaka's three big summer events. Women from all walks of life go to worship the god Aizen Myo-o, who is said to bring popularity to them. Aizendo Branch of Shitennoji Temple, 5-3 Yuhigaoka-cho, Tennoji-ku. For information, call 6779-5800. Concludes 2 Jul

21 Jul—Ocean Day. Public holiday.

24, 25 Jul—Tenjin Matsuri. Probably Osaka's biggest festival, it's been happening for more than 1,000 years and originated from a traditional purification ceremony. It's also one of the world's largest festivals held on and in a river. More than 100 boats, 1 million spectators and a massive fireworks display in the evening. Okawa River and Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku. For information, call 6353-0025.

31 Jul—Sumiyoshi Matsuri. In the last of the summer festivals, women and small children in traditional dress pass through a large ring as part of a purification ritual. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku. For information, call 6672-0753. Continues through 1 Aug

Early-Late July—Osaka Castle Takigi-Noh. Outdoor performances of Noh theater combine chanting, dance and musical accompaniment. They are illuminated by a bonfire and set against the background of the 400-year-old Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden, Osakajo 2-ban, Chuo-ku. For information and tickets, call 6941-1717. Continues through late August

Throughout July—Concert. Symphony Hall is home to frequent performances by the Osaka Symphoniker, Kansai Philharmonic and the Century Orchestra Osaka, as well as other local and international orchestras. 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku. For information and tickets, call 6453-6000. http://www.asahi.co.jp/symphony. Continues through late June 2009

Throughout July—Soccer. Cerezo Osaka, one of the city's two J-league soccer clubs, plays home games at Nagai Stadium, 1-1 Nagai-koen, Higashi-sumiyoshi-ku. For schedule information, call 6609-3710. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on game days. http://www.cerezo.co.jp. Season continues through mid November

Throughout July—Soccer. Gamba Osaka, one of the city's two J-league soccer clubs, plays home games at Expo '70 Commemorative Stadium, 3-3 Senri Banpaku Koen, Suita City. For schedule information, call 6875-8111. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on game days. http://www.gamba-osaka.net. Season continues through mid November

Throughout July—Professional Baseball. The Orix Buffaloes play home games at the Osaka Dome, 3-2-1 Chiyozaki, Naka, Nishi-ku. For schedule information, call 6586-0106. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium. http://www.buffaloes.co.jp. Continues through late September

August, 2008

1 Aug—Sumiyoshi Matsuri. In the last of the summer festivals, women and small children in traditional dress pass through a large ring as part of a purification ritual. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku. For information, call 6672-0753. Final day

Early August—Fireworks. One of the world's premier pyrotechnic shows, the Heisei Yodo River Fireworks display features more than 16,000 fireworks launched from two sites. Near Juso Ohashi in Yodogawa-ku. For information, call 6307-7765. http://www.yodohanabi.com.

Early August—Osaka Takigi-Noh. This staple of Osaka's summer cultural life presents a Noh play with accompanying flute and drum music. Ikutama Shrine, 13-9 Ikutama-cho, Tennoji-ku. For information, call 6771-0002.

Throughout August—Professional Baseball. The Orix Buffaloes play home games at the Osaka Dome, 3-2-1 Chiyozaki, Naka, Nishi-ku. For schedule information, call 6586-0106. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium. http://www.buffaloes.co.jp. Continues through late September

Throughout August—Soccer. Gamba Osaka, one of the city's two J-league soccer clubs, plays home games at Expo '70 Commemorative Stadium, 3-3 Senri Banpaku Koen, Suita City. For schedule information, call 6875-8111. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on game days. http://www.gamba-osaka.net. Season continues through mid November

Throughout August—Soccer. Cerezo Osaka, one of the city's two J-league soccer clubs, plays home games at Nagai Stadium, 1-1 Nagai-koen, Higashi-sumiyoshi-ku. For schedule information, call 6609-3710. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on game days. http://www.cerezo.co.jp. Season continues through mid November

Throughout August—Concert. Symphony Hall is home to frequent performances by the Osaka Symphoniker, Kansai Philharmonic and the Century Orchestra Osaka, as well as other local and international orchestras. 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku. For information and tickets, call 6453-6000. http://www.asahi.co.jp/symphony. Continues through late June 2009

Throughout August—Osaka Castle Takigi-Noh. Outdoor performances of Noh theater combine chanting, dance and musical accompaniment. They are illuminated by a bonfire and set against the background of the 400-year-old Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden, Osakajo 2-ban, Chuo-ku. For information and tickets, call 6941-1717. Concludes late August

September, 2008

14, 15 Sep—Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri. Nearly three dozen large floats race through the streets at perilous speeds. Every year, participants and spectators alike are injured in the chaos, but it's been a tradition for more than 300 years. In Kishiwada City, south of Osaka.

18 Sep—Respect for the Aged Day. Public holiday.

23 Sep—Autumnal Equinox. Public holiday.

Throughout September—Soccer. Gamba Osaka, one of the city's two J-league soccer clubs, plays home games at Expo '70 Commemorative Stadium, 3-3 Senri Banpaku Koen, Suita City. For schedule information, call 6875-8111. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on game days. http://www.gamba-osaka.net. Season continues through mid November

Throughout September—Professional Baseball. The Orix Buffaloes play home games at the Osaka Dome, 3-2-1 Chiyozaki, Naka, Nishi-ku. For schedule information, call 6586-0106. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium. http://www.buffaloes.co.jp. Concludes late September

Throughout September—Concert. Symphony Hall is home to frequent performances by the Osaka Symphoniker, Kansai Philharmonic and the Century Orchestra Osaka, as well as other local and international orchestras. 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku. For information and tickets, call 6453-6000. http://www.asahi.co.jp/symphony. Continues through late June 2009

Throughout September—Soccer. Cerezo Osaka, one of the city's two J-league soccer clubs, plays home games at Nagai Stadium, 1-1 Nagai-koen, Higashi-sumiyoshi-ku. For schedule information, call 6609-3710. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on game days. http://www.cerezo.co.jp. Season continues through mid November

October, 2008

12 Oct—Midosuji Parade. Osaka's largest autumn event features floats, marching bands, flag corps and other units from Japan and throughout Asia. The parade runs down Midosuji Boulevard. For information, call 6942-2007.

13 Oct—Health and Sports Day. Public holiday.

Throughout October—Soccer. Gamba Osaka, one of the city's two J-league soccer clubs, plays home games at Expo '70 Commemorative Stadium, 3-3 Senri Banpaku Koen, Suita City. For schedule information, call 6875-8111. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on game days. http://www.gamba-osaka.net. Season continues through mid November

Throughout October—Soccer. Cerezo Osaka, one of the city's two J-league soccer clubs, plays home games at Nagai Stadium, 1-1 Nagai-koen, Higashi-sumiyoshi-ku. For schedule information, call 6609-3710. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on game days. http://www.cerezo.co.jp. Season continues through mid November

Throughout October—Concert. Symphony Hall is home to frequent performances by the Osaka Symphoniker, Kansai Philharmonic and the Century Orchestra Osaka, as well as other local and international orchestras. 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku. For information and tickets, call 6453-6000. http://www.asahi.co.jp/symphony. Continues through late June 2009

November, 2008

3 Nov—Culture Day. Public holiday.

3 Nov—Shitennoji Wasso. The highlight of this festival is a big parade of people dressed as the heroes of yesteryear. Shitennoji Temple, 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku. For information, call 6771-0066.

23 Nov—Labor Thanksgiving Day. Public holiday.

Early-Mid November—Soccer. Cerezo Osaka, one of the city's two J-league soccer clubs, plays home games at Nagai Stadium, 1-1 Nagai-koen, Higashi-sumiyoshi-ku. For schedule information, call 6609-3710. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on game days. http://www.cerezo.co.jp. Season concludes mid November

Early-Mid November—Soccer. Gamba Osaka, one of the city's two J-league soccer clubs, plays home games at Expo '70 Commemorative Stadium, 3-3 Senri Banpaku Koen, Suita City. For schedule information, call 6875-8111. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on game days. http://www.gamba-osaka.net. Season concludes mid November

Throughout November—Concert. Symphony Hall is home to frequent performances by the Osaka Symphoniker, Kansai Philharmonic and the Century Orchestra Osaka, as well as other local and international orchestras. 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku. For information and tickets, call 6453-6000. http://www.asahi.co.jp/symphony. Continues through late June 2009

December, 2008

23 Dec—Emperor's Birthday. Public holiday.

Throughout December—Concert. Symphony Hall is home to frequent performances by the Osaka Symphoniker, Kansai Philharmonic and the Century Orchestra Osaka, as well as other local and international orchestras. 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku. For information and tickets, call 6453-6000. http://www.asahi.co.jp/symphony. Continues through late June 2009

January, 2009

1 Jan-New Year's Day. Public holiday.

9-11 Jan—Toka-Ebisu Matsuri. A merchants' festival during which participants pray for prosperity in business. Visitors receive bamboo, which is believed to bring luck. Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, 1-6-10 Ebisu Nishi, Naniwa-ku. For information, call 6643-0150.

12 Jan—Coming-of-Age Day. Public holiday. On this holiday, called Seijin-no-hi, young people who turned 20 during the preceding year are honored.

14 Jan—Doya-Doya Matsuri. Held on the last day of a Buddhist memorial service in which people pray for abundant crops and peace throughout the year. The festival features teams of loincloth-clad men who vie for a good-luck charm and shout "Doya-Doya" as they compete. Shitennoji Temple, 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku. Phone 6771-0066.

25 Jan—International Women's Marathon. This major running event attracts both Japanese and foreign participants. The route starts and ends at Nagai Athletic Sports Stadium, and goes past Osaka Castle Park and along Midosuji Boulevard. For information, call 6343-4922. http://www.ktv.co.jp/marathon/english.

Late January—Plum Blossoms. Plum blossoms emerge around Osaka. Particularly popular displays are at Temmangu Shrine (2-1-8 Temmabashi, Kita-ku, phone 6353-0025) and Osaka Castle Park (Osakajo 2-ban, Chuo-ku, phone 6941-1717). Continues through mid March

Throughout January—Concert. Symphony Hall is home to frequent performances by the Osaka Symphoniker, Kansai Philharmonic and the Century Orchestra Osaka, as well as other local and international orchestras. 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku. For information and tickets, call 6453-6000. http://www.asahi.co.jp/symphony. Continues through late June

February, 2009

11 Feb-National Foundation Day. Public holiday.

Throughout February—Plum Blossoms. Plum blossoms emerge around Osaka. Particularly popular displays are at Temmangu Shrine (2-1-8 Temmabashi, Kita-ku, phone 6353-0025) and Osaka Castle Park (Osakajo 2-ban, Chuo-ku, phone 6941-1717). Continues through mid March

Throughout February—Concert. Symphony Hall is home to frequent performances by the Osaka Symphoniker, Kansai Philharmonic and the Century Orchestra Osaka, as well as other local and international orchestras. 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku. For information and tickets, call 6453-6000. http://www.asahi.co.jp/symphony. Continues through late June

March, 2009

14-28 Mar—Grand Sumo Tournament. Professional, trainee and amateur sumo wrestlers compete in this national six-tournament series. Osaka Municipal Gymnasium, 3-4-36 Nanbanaka. For information and tickets (in Japanese), call 03-3622-1100 or 03-3622-3300. http://www.sumo.or.jp.

20 Mar—Vernal Equinox. Public holiday.

Early-Mid March—Plum Blossoms. Plum blossoms emerge around Osaka. Particularly popular displays are at Temmangu Shrine (2-1-8 Temmabashi, Kita-ku, phone 6353-0025) and Osaka Castle Park (Osakajo 2-ban, Chuo-ku, phone 6941-1717). Concludes mid March

Early-Late March—Soccer. Cerezo Osaka, one of the city's two J-league soccer clubs, plays home games at Nagai Stadium, 1-1 Nagai-koen, Higashi-sumiyoshi-ku. For schedule information, call 6609-3710. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on game days. http://www.cerezo.co.jp. Season continues through mid November

Late March—Professional Baseball. The Orix Buffaloes play home games at the Osaka Dome, 3-2-1 Chiyozaki, Naka, Nishi-ku. For schedule information, call 6586-0106. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium. http://www.buffaloes.co.jp. Continues through late September

Throughout March—Concert. Symphony Hall is home to frequent performances by the Osaka Symphoniker, Kansai Philharmonic and the Century Orchestra Osaka, as well as other local and international orchestras. 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku. For information and tickets, call 6453-6000. http://www.asahi.co.jp/symphony. Continues through late June

April, 2009

29 Apr-Greenery Day. Public holiday. Midori no Hi begins Golden Week, a series of four national holidays held in seven days.

Throughout April—Concert. Symphony Hall is home to frequent performances by the Osaka Symphoniker, Kansai Philharmonic and the Century Orchestra Osaka, as well as other local and international orchestras. 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku. For information and tickets, call 6453-6000. http://www.asahi.co.jp/symphony. Continues through late June

Throughout April—Soccer. Cerezo Osaka, one of the city's two J-league soccer clubs, plays home games at Nagai Stadium, 1-1 Nagai-koen, Higashi-sumiyoshi-ku. For schedule information, call 6609-3710. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on game days. http://www.cerezo.co.jp. Season continues through mid November

Throughout April—Professional Baseball. The Orix Buffaloes play home games at the Osaka Dome, 3-2-1 Chiyozaki, Naka, Nishi-ku. For schedule information, call 6586-0106. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium. http://www.buffaloes.co.jp. Continues through late September

May, 2009

3 May-Constitution Day. Public holiday. Part of Golden Week.

4 May-Nation's Holiday. Public holiday.

Throughout May—Soccer. Cerezo Osaka, one of the city's two J-league soccer clubs, plays home games at Nagai Stadium, 1-1 Nagai-koen, Higashi-sumiyoshi-ku. For schedule information, call 6609-3710. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on game days. http://www.cerezo.co.jp. Season continues through mid November

Throughout May—Concert. Symphony Hall is home to frequent performances by the Osaka Symphoniker, Kansai Philharmonic and the Century Orchestra Osaka, as well as other local and international orchestras. 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku. For information and tickets, call 6453-6000. http://www.asahi.co.jp/symphony. Continues through late June

Throughout May—Professional Baseball. The Orix Buffaloes play home games at the Osaka Dome, 3-2-1 Chiyozaki, Naka, Nishi-ku. For schedule information, call 6586-0106. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium. http://www.buffaloes.co.jp. Continues through late September

June, 2009

Throughout June—Concert. Symphony Hall is home to frequent performances by the Osaka Symphoniker, Kansai Philharmonic and the Century Orchestra Osaka, as well as other local and international orchestras. 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku. For information and tickets, call 6453-6000. http://www.asahi.co.jp/symphony. Concludes late June

Throughout June—Soccer. Cerezo Osaka, one of the city's two J-league soccer clubs, plays home games at Nagai Stadium, 1-1 Nagai-koen, Higashi-sumiyoshi-ku. For schedule information, call 6609-3710. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on game days. http://www.cerezo.co.jp. Season continues through mid November

Throughout June—Professional Baseball. The Orix Buffaloes play home games at the Osaka Dome, 3-2-1 Chiyozaki, Naka, Nishi-ku. For schedule information, call 6586-0106. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium. http://www.buffaloes.co.jp. Continues through late September