Are you wondering where to go sightseeing in Kansai 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.

「Midosuji Illumination 2024」November 3 (Sun)～December 31, 2024 (Tue)

「OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance 2024」December 14 (Sat)～December 25, 2024 (Wed)

「Area Program」Event schedule varies by facility and location

“Festival of the lights in OSAKA 2024” is a major winter event that takes place in various locations throughout Osaka Prefecture!

Midosuji Illumination 2024 will illuminate Midosuji, the symbolic street connecting Umeda, Shinsaibashi, and Namba, for a total length of 4 kilometers. 

OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance 2024 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!

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

Date: November 22 (Fri)～December 25, 2024 (Wed)

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, “Sparkle Fantasy: The World of The Nutcracker,” brings the enchanting story of The Nutcracker to life as the tree sparkles in harmony with Tchaikovsky’s music.

At the Kuchu Teien Observatory, the 40th-floor indoor observation area transforms into a forest of pink trees! Titled “Dreamin’ Girl Clara’s Another Story…,” the decorations are themed around an alternate dream experienced by Clara, the protagonist of The Nutcracker. Don’t miss the photo spots for capturing this magical setting!

Date: November 7 (Thu)～December 25, 2024 (Wed) *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 7, 2024 (Thu)～February 28, 2025 (Fri) 

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 (Sun)～December 25, 2024 (Wed)

The town of Umeda will be decorated and illuminated in the shape of hearts.

Messages of dreams and hopes from children will be displayed as giant artworks, stamp collecting will be held to make walking around the town fun, and the whole town will be filled with heartwarming hearts.

In addition, a special market called HEART MARCHE will be held. You may find bottle drinks and popular snacks such as menchi-katsu.

Venue: Umeda area

Date: November 15, 2024 (Fri)～February 16, 2025 (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.

A standout highlight is the life-sized “Illumination Ship,” inspired by the “Nanban Ships” that once arrived in Japan. This newly added attraction allows visitors to step inside a ship brought to life with dazzling lights.

Other attractions include the “Golden Passage Tunnel” and neon displays featuring Osaka dialect phrases like “Donai?” and “Nandeyanen.” These exhibits are bursting with Osaka’s unique charm!

Venue: Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden

Date: December 13, 2024 (Fri)～January 13, 2025 (Mon)

*Closed from December 31, 2024 to January 5, 2025

Experience the magic of Kyoto’s Heian Jingu Shrine, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, as its historic Japanese gardens merge with cutting-edge digital art!

“NAKED’s Garden of Japanese Lights at Heian Jingu Shrine” is an immersive art event held in the Higashi Shin’en and Naka Shin’en gardens. Highlights include projection mapping on the renowned Shobikan, smoke and light displays over the pond creating a mystical atmosphere, and digital artistry transforming the timeless gardens into an otherworldly spectacle.

Discover a new facet of Kyoto’s winter charm through this captivating event!

Venue: Heian Jingu Shrine

Date: November 9 (Sat)～December 25, 2024 (Wed)

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!

The event features a “Market” offering German crafts, ornaments, and advent calendars, as well as the “Germany Festival 2024 -Beer & Wine Fest-” where you can savor authentic German mulled wine and beef stew.

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

▼Check these articles▼

10 Delicious Gourmet Foods in Kobe! Local Specialties and Local Foods Recommended by Locals

First Time in Kobe. 21 Best Things to Do! Sightseeing, Spots, Dining, Model Course

Date: November 2, 2024 (Sat)～February 14, 2025 (Fri) *umie CENTER STREET until December 25

Against the backdrop of Kobe’s harbor nightscape, vibrant red rose sculptures add a touch of elegance! The large shopping complex umie in Kobe’s popular tourist spot, Kobe Harborland, also hosts a dazzling illumination event.

In front of the waterfront shopping mall MOSAIC, a striking red rose sculpture is displayed. Based on the theme “Present for…”, it symbolizes warm feelings of love and thoughtfulness, beautifully conveyed through the glowing lights and rose motifs.

At umie Center Street, a towering 6-meter Christmas tree adorned with red and gold ornaments makes a special appearance for the holiday season. The entire mall is transformed into a festive wonderland, illuminated by the warm glow of holiday lights.

All illuminations stay lit until 12:30 am. Enjoy the romantic nights of Kobe!

Venue: Kobe Harborland umie MOSAIC