Must-see Winter Illuminations in Osaka

Wintertime is just around the corner, which means one thing: the arrival of winter illuminations. No matter your age, you can delight in the joy of the twinkling, colorful lights that mark the arrival of the holiday season. 

Every city has its fair share of beautiful lights, but Osaka is hard to beat with its vast collection of unique illuminations. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more impressive spread from outdoor parks to indoor markets, museums, and gardens. If you find yourself in Osaka this winter, make sure you don’t miss a visit to these sights!

Arguably the most famous illumination in all of Osaka, Midosuji draws crowds from all around the world. It’s truly a sight to behold as Osaka’s main street becomes brightly lit with colorful decorations, extending over two miles (four kilometers) between Umeda and Namba Stations. In 2015, it even won a world record for having the largest number of illuminated trees on a singular street!

This annual illumination show at Hirakata Park will transport you to a different world! The theme for this year is Flowering Illumination, and it features a 42-foot (13-meter) Christmas tree adorned with elaborate flower illuminations, a light lantern square, and many other attractions! Be sure to visit the famous Hikari no Hana Tunnel, where you can walk through a tunnel surrounded by lights on all sides. And if you’re looking for peace and quiet, you can take a boat ride on the waters to marvel at all the beautiful lights surrounding you. (Admission fee required)

Osaka Castle is one of the city’s biggest attractions year-round, and wintertime is no exception. Colorful lights give the landmark a whole new dimension, with the futuristic art of neon installations combining with the ancient history of these grounds. It’s truly a unique way of learning about Osaka’s history and its warlords, dating back to the 16th century. Note that this is a ticketed event, and you’ll have to purchase your tickets on-site or online beforehand. 

Taking place in Expo’70 Commemorative Park—the site of the 1970 Japan World Expo—the Illumination Expo will showcase the park’s iconic Tower of Sun statue in a dazzling display of projected lights, as well as the famous Ferris wheel and several other areas. Ramen Expo is also expected to be taking place at the same time, so you can warm up by eating some ramen after enjoying the illuminations.

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is impressive in its own right, as the largest aquarium in Japan. It’s home to around 620 animal and plant species and boasts a water volume of over 11,000 tons. Every winter, the aquarium comes to life at night with beautiful ocean-themed light installations. Light displays and sculptures adorn the building exterior and grounds, delighting visitors with its playful artwork like jellyfish lanterns, whale shark illuminations, and many more!