Are you wondering where to go sightseeing in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe in winter?

In Japan, major illumination events will be held in various locations.

Starting with Umeda, Osaka, the center of Kansai, historic buildings and symbols in Kyoto and Kobe will be decorated with gorgeous colors for a limited period of time. This year, Kobe’s traditional festival, which is filled with the prayers and hopes of the citizens of Kobe, will also make a comeback. Please be sure to include it in your travel plans.

※All photos are for illustrative purposes only.

“Festival of the lights in OSAKA 2025” is a Major winter event that takes place in various locations throughout Osaka Prefecture!

「Midosuji Illumination 2025」April 9 (Wed)～December 31, 2025 (Wed)

Midosuji Illumination 2025 will illuminate Midosuji, the iconic street connecting Umeda, Shinsaibashi, and Namba, for a total length of 4 kilometers. This light path, spanning approximately 4 kilometers in length, is not only the japan’s longest but was also recognized as a world record in January 2015.

「OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance 2025」December 14 (Sat)～December 25, 2025 (Thu)

OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance 2025 provides a stunning light display along the waterfront of Nakanoshima, Osaka’s symbol as a water city. The Osaka City Central Public Hall, a designated Important Cultural Property, is a must-see with its stunning 3D mapping LED display!

「Area Program」Event schedule varies by facility and installations

Check the official website

Venue: The Midosuji area (Hanshin Intersection～Namba West Exit Intersection), Osaka City Central Public Hall～Nakanoshima Park, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, etc.

Date: November 14 (Fri)～December 25, 2025 (Thu)

The Umeda Sky Building, one of Umeda’s top attractions, is hosting a dazzling illumination event. In the first-floor plaza, a symbolic tree standing about 25 meters tall and adorned with approximately 130,000 LED lights has been unveiled. 

This year’s theme is ‘THE CIRCUS OF LIGHT ~ A Fantastical Circus Sparkling in the Night Sky~’. A dazzling and charming daytime circus, and a beautiful nighttime circus emerging from the darkness.

Original mugs, which were a big hit last year, also make great souvenirs.

Check the official website

Date: November 6 (Thu)～December 25, 2025 (Thu) *Partially excluded

The giant Christmas tree at the Knowledge Plaza in the North Building of Grand Front Osaka amazes visitors each year with its enchanting design. This year’s tree, titled “Infinity Wish Tree,” features an interior and exterior wrapped in mirrored materials, creating a dazzling display that changes depending on your angle and the moment. 

Stand in front of the triangular objects surrounding the tree, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a kaleidoscope! It’s also a fantastic photo spot.

The lighting show enhances the magical atmosphere with colors shifting between yellow, red, and blue, wrapping the space in an even more enchanting glow.

Venue: Grand Front Osaka North/South Building, Umekita Plaza, etc.

Lighting show: 16:00〜24:00 on Weekdays, 15:00〜24:00 on Weekends and Holidays *Every 15 mins (Last show at 23:45)

Date: November 6, 2025 (Thu)～february 28, 2026 (Sat) 

The “Umekita Area” illumination event, located north of JR Osaka Station, is a must-see. In addition to Grand Front Osaka, parts of the recently opened Grand Green Osaka and Umekita Park are adorned with approximately 250,000 LED lights. The elegant champagne gold glow creates a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.

Venue: Grand Front Umekita Plaza, Grand Green Osaka Umekita Park, etc.

Date: December 1 (Mon)～December 25, 2025 (Thu)

This year marks the sixth iteration of the event, themed “Five Hearts. Circulating Umeda”.

The main event, “HEART FES”, runs for two days from Saturday, December 13th to Sunday, December 14th. It features Christmas concerts, workshops, marching performances, and more across five areas of Umeda.

Additionally, “HEART SPOT” sees 47 facilities throughout Umeda joining forces to decorate the entire city with ‘hearts’ and “illuminations”.

Venue: Umeda area

Date: November 1, 2025 (Fri)～February 1, 2026 (Sun)

Osaka Castle’s Nishinomaru Garden lights up with approximately 3.5 million LEDs, set against the majestic backdrop of the castle keep. The illumination features motifs like shoguns, samurai, and helmets, showcasing Osaka’s history from the Sengoku period to the present.

It brings the memories of the Warring States period back to life on a breathtaking scale.The Lantern Corridor, layered with Japan’s unique aesthetic sensibility and history, makes its appearance. Countless lanterns stand in orderly rows, creating a fantastical and solemn path of light.

The Lantern Corridor, layered with Japan’s unique aesthetic sensibility and history, makes its appearance. Countless lanterns stand in orderly rows, creating a fantastical and solemn path of light.

Venue: Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden

Date: October 31, 2025 (Fri)～December 7, 2025 (Sun)

The moon admired by the people of Nijo-jo Castle during the Edo period. This autumn-only, nighttime-limited art exhibition revives its elegance through the fusion of light and traditional culture.

Check the official website

Venue: Nijo-jo Castle

Date: November 8 (Sat)～December 25, 2025 (Thu)

A special Christmas event takes place at the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, located at an elevation of approximately 400 meters. Enjoy breathtaking views of Kobe’s nightscape alongside the garden’s original decorated tower, making it a perfect photo spot!

Located just a short distance from Kobe’s city center and the Kitano Ijinkan area, it’s an ideal spot to combine with your Kobe sightseeing plans.

Venue: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway

➡Check here for details

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