2024 Osaka Christmas Market Nanten Building, Universal Studios, Kyoto Ruri River

Don't miss out on Christmas illuminations, Christmas markets, winter lightings and other seasonal events when you Travel to Osaka and Kyoto in winter 2024! The following is a summary of winter illumination information in Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Shiga, and Wakayama, such as Osaka's Feast of Lights, Osaka Universal Studios Osaka's light show, Kyoto Station Building's Christmas tree illuminations, etc. If you plan to spend Christmas in Kansai in 2024, it is recommended to take note of where to see the most romantic night view!

Basic knowledge about lighting events in the Kansai region

In the autumn and winter every year, there are two major events in the Kansai region that cannot be missed: the "maple leaf season" and the "Christmas lighting event". Among them, Kyoto and Nara are famous for their magnificent maple leaves, especially Kyoto's Arashiyama, Tofukuji Temple and Nara Park, which attract countless Tourists to enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery of autumn. As for Christmas lighting events, Kansai's lighting events are mainly concentrated in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo. Osaka's "Feast of Lights" is most popular in the Midosuji and Osaka Castle Park area; Kyoto Station will hold some romantic Christmas light exhibitions, bringing a warm winter atmosphere; Kobe in Hyogo is most popular for Rokko Mountain, where the colorful lights in the mountains and forests and the night view known as "Japan's New Three Major Night Views" are extremely dreamy. Most activities start in late November and last until around Christmas; if you plan to visit after Christmas or during New Year's Day, it is recommended to check in advance whether the lighting event you like is still being held to avoid missing it.

Osaka Light-up Event

【Osaka】Universal Studios Osaka "NO LIMIT! Christmas"



This year, Universal Studios Osaka once again launched a 30-meter-high giant Christmas tree, paired with the "NO LIMIT!" party tree with light and music performances, igniting the winter atmosphere of the entire Universal Studios and presenting everyone with a super-hot Christmas show full of light and music. Another highlight worth mentioning is the super popular event "Hogwarts TM·Magic Night ~Winter Magic~" which has been absent for 5 years and will also return strongly! This magical light show is not only an invitation for everyone to celebrate Christmas together, but also a perfect ending to the 10th anniversary celebration of the Harry Potter Park.

Universal Studios Osaka "NO LIMIT! Christmas"
・Date: November 20, 2024 (Wednesday) ~ January 5, 2025 (Sunday), from dark to 30 minutes before closing
・Time: from dark to 30 minutes before closing
・Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture
・Access: Get off at JR Universal Studios Station and arrive immediately
・Official website

[Osaka] Osaka Light Feast (Osaka Light Feast)



The most popular lighting event in Osaka in winter is the "Osaka Light Feast". The two highlights of this event are "Midosuji Light Show 2024" and "OSAKA Light Renaissance 2024", each with a different lighting theme, both are very exciting!

Midosuji Light Show 2024




Osaka's "Midosuji" is the city's main central avenue. From Umeda to Namba, the trees on both sides will be lit up with different colors at night. The 4-kilometer-long colorful avenue has a modern and colorful romantic atmosphere! For details, please visit the official website.

Midosuji Light Show 2024 (Midosuji Illumination 2024)
・Date: November 3 (Sunday) to December 31 (Tuesday), 2024
・Time: 17:00-22:00 (partially until 23:00)
・Lighting location: Midosuji (Hanshin Crossing to Namba West Exit Crossing)
・Access: Osaka Municipal Subway Midosuji Line "Yodoyabashi" to "Namba" stations

OSAKA Light Renaissance 2024




In addition to the colorful lights on Midosuji Avenue, the Osaka City Central Public Hall also transforms into a different scene when night falls. The colorful lights projected on the building inject new vitality into the originally elegant public hall. The bright color light show makes people stop and take a closer look. In addition, the beech trees at the entrance of the venue will also be wrapped with lights to create a 150-meter-long light tunnel for everyone, which is very dreamy! For details, please visit the official website.

OSAKA Light Renaissance 2024 (OSAKA光のルネサンス2024).
・Date: December 14 (Sat) ~ December 25 (Tuesday), 2024. The lighting time varies from place to place. Please check the official website for details.
・Location: Osaka City Hall ~ Nakanoshima Park
・Transportation: Get off at Yodoyabashi Station on the Osaka Municipal Subway Midosuji Line and walk for about 5 minutes.
・Official website

[Osaka] Tennoji Park "Christmas Market in Osaka"

The Christmas Market in Tennoji Park will be held from November 29 to December 25. During the period, there will be 24 stalls in the lawn square at the entrance of Tennoji Park in Osaka. The market is themed on Germany. In addition to the traditional Christmas drink - mulled wine, there are also a large number of German drinks and food. The log cabin made in Germany, together with the large and bright Christmas tree and lights, creates a lively and romantic Christmas atmosphere.




Christmas Market in Osaka (Christmas Market Kit in Osaka)
・Date: November 29 (Fri) to December 25 (Wed) 2024
・Time: 11:00-21:00 ※ Opening day on November 29 (Fri) starts at 16:00
・Address: 5-55 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture (TEN-SHIBA, lawn square in the park)
・Event website

【Umeda】Blue Sky Building Sky Garden "Dreamin' girl Clara's another story.. ~"

This Christmas, "Umeda Blue Sky Building" will take everyone into the dream world of the classic story "The Nutcracker Doll"! The biggest stage is the sky observatory on the 40th floor. The 173-meter-high sky garden is transformed into a pink Christmas tree forest. It is like walking into a huge snowflake crystal ball surrounded by pink gradients. The whole scene is like a dream. This Christmas tree forest presents completely different atmospheres during the day and at night. It is romantic during the day and shining at night. If you are not busy, it is recommended to reserve more time to take pictures of both views here.



In addition to the observatory, the highlights include the Christmas market on the first floor and the 25-meter-high Christmas tree in the center of the square. The Christmas tree covered with 130,000 LED lights integrates the latest digital control and network technology systems to produce complex lighting changes and colorful color effects. It is the largest LED projection light tree in Japan. In addition, the lights that change with the scene are combined with music to bring a story-filled light show. It is a wonderful experience that cannot be felt by just looking at photos. It is recommended that everyone come and experience it in person!




Sky Garden Xmas 2024~Dreamin 'girl Clara's another story.~ (~Story of the Dream of Kurara うひとつ~)
Event Period: November 22nd (Friday) to December 25th (Wednesday), 2024
The observation deck is open from 9:30 to 22:30 (last entry at 22:00)
Observatory fees: 2000 yen for adults, 500 yen for elementary school students and below, and free for children under 4 years old
Transportation: JR Tokaido Main Line Osaka Station, Midosuji Line Umeda Station
Official website: Umeda スカイビル

Wonder Christmas Marche Christmas Market
Event Period: November 22nd (Friday) to December 25th (Wednesday), 2024
Location: 1st floor square

Christmas tree lighting
Event Period: November 22nd (Friday) to December 25th (Wednesday), 2024
Location: 1st floor square
Time: 12:00~23:00
Event website: UMEDA SKY BUILDING Christmas 2024

【Umeda】"GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2024～Infinity Lights～"



Osaka Kita's Christmas event GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2024～Infinity Lights～ will be held from November 7 to December 25. The Umeda area, including GRAND FRONT OSAKA North Building, Umekita Square in front of JR Osaka Station, Keyaki Avenue, and the newly opened Grand Green Osaka, are all covered with champagne gold lights composed of about 250,000 LEDs, shining with dreamy lights. The most eye-catching one is the 10-meter-high "Infinity Wishing Tree" on the first floor of GRAND FRONT OSAKA North Building. The wishing tree is reflected by the mirror material and transforms into a kaleidoscope-like dreamy light. It will instantly change into different colors depending on the angle. It is one of the must-see attractions for Christmas in Osaka.




GRAND FRONT OSAKA "GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2024 ~Infinity Lights~".
・Date: November 7 (Thursday) to December 25 (Wednesday), 2024
・Time: Weekdays 16:00~24:00, Weekends 15:00~24:00
・Lighting location: JR Tokaido Main Line Osaka Station, GRAND FRONT OSAKA North Building, Umekita Square area
・Official website: グランフロントOSAKA

【Hirakata】Osaka Hirakata Park "Light Paradise"



The "Garden of Lights" in Hirakata Park, which has been very popular over the years, is back! This year, the theme of "Flowers" continues from last year. The entire park is decorated with dreamy elements such as flowers and butterflies, and it is dazzling! This year's highlights are not to be missed! There are 7 major lighting areas, the most eye-catching of which is the 13-meter-high "Tree of Flowers and Fairies" and the "Flower Fortune Telling Fountain" where you can press a button to start fortune-telling. These have been newly decorated and performed, and will definitely surprise you. In addition, new drinks have been launched this year, allowing you to enjoy delicious food while watching the lights! Of course, there are also various beautiful scenes suitable for checking in and taking photos, as well as gorgeous light show waiting for you to experience.




Hirakata Park "Light Paradise" (ひらかたパーク "光の遊園地").
・Date: November 2, 2024 (Sat) ~ April 6, 2025 (Sun)
・Time: 17:00 ~ 20:00
・Address: 1-1 Hirakata-koen-cho, Hirakata-shi, Osaka Prefecture
・Entrance fee: (ticket + shuttle bus): Adults 5,100 yen / Elementary school students 4,300 yen / Children under 2 years old 3,000 yen
・Access: Get off at Keihan Main Line "Hirakata Park Station" or Keihan Bus "Hirakata Park Exit" and walk about 10 minutes
・Official website

【Sakai City】Sakai・Green Museum Harvest Hill "Wonder Night Hill 2024"

The experience-based agricultural park "Green Museum Harvest Hill" in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, will hold the super gorgeous "Wonder Night Hill 2024" lighting event from November 1, 2024 to January 26, 2025! This is the largest light show in the southern Osaka area. As soon as you enter the park, you will be shocked by the world of pure white light in front of you! There is also an interactive device in the center of the welcome garden, which will unfold beautiful wings of light as you move, and it feels as romantic as entering a dreamland.



In addition, there are 12-meter-high Christmas trees, giant mammoths, animal robot lights, round glowing chairs and heart-shaped decorations in the park. There are so many check-in spots that you can become an Internet celebrity with just a casual photo! With so many highlights, it is definitely suitable for the whole family to enjoy together. Whether it is taking pictures or experiencing, it is guaranteed to let you spend a sparkling and unforgettable night!





Osaka Sakai Green Museum Harvest Hill "Wonder Night Hill 2024" (Sakai Green Museum Harvest Hill Wonder Night Hill 2024).
・Date: Specific dates between November 1, 2024 (Friday) and January 26, 2025 (Sunday). Please refer to the official website for details
・Business hours: 17:45-21:00 (last entry 20:30)
・Address: 2405-1 Hachigamineji, Minami-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
・Entrance fee: Adults 1,500 yen / Children (4 years old to junior high school students) 1,000 yen
・Official website

Kyoto Lighting Festival

Kyoto ILLUMIERE Synergy Hills



The "Kyoto ILLUMIERE" held by Ruri Kei Onsen Park is known as the largest illumination event in Kansai. With "Synesthesia" as the core theme, it uses high-tech light and shadow technology, combines music, art, and natural walking trails, and integrates the natural environment of the valley with dreamy lights. A total of about 10,000 light bulbs are used to decorate the park area, creating areas such as "Stardust Forest" and "Field of Light", showing an unprecedented sensory world.




KYOTO ILLUMIERE Synesthesia Hills (KYOTO イルミエール シナスタジアヒルズ)
・Business hours: 18:00 to 22:00 (last entry 21:30)
・Address: 1-14, Okouchi Hiroya, Sonobe-cho, Nantan-shi, Kyoto Prefecture, Ruri Kei Onsen for REST RESORT
・Entrance fee:
[Weekdays] Adults 1,000 yen, children (4 years old to elementary school students) 500 yen [Weekends and holidays] Adults 1,200 yen, children 600 yen [December 23-25] Adults 1,800 yen, children 900 yen ・Access: Get off at JR Sonobe Station and transfer to Free shuttle bus (about 30 minutes)
・Official website

【Kyoto】Kyoto Station Building Christmas Lights



As the gateway to Kyoto, Kyoto Station Building is a must-see for almost all travelers. During the Christmas lighting period, a huge Christmas tree will stand in the lobby of Kyoto Station, welcoming travelers from all over the world and Japan with a joyful Christmas atmosphere. In addition to the Christmas tree in the lobby, the stairs of the station are also a popular lighting attraction. There are different themed staircase lights throughout the year. During Christmas, they are also changed into seasonal colors. In addition to the different colored lights scattered throughout the station, it is worth stopping to appreciate and check in!

Kyoto Station Building Christmas Lights (京都駅ビルChristmasイルミネーション)
・Date: December 1, 2024 (Sunday) ~ December 25, 2024 (Wednesday)
・Lighting time: 15:00 ~ 22:00
・Lighting location: JR Shinkansen "Kyoto" station
・Access: Get off at Shinkansen, JR train "Kyoto" station and arrive immediately
・Official website

Hyogo Lighting Event

【Himeji】Himeji Otemae Street Light Show 2024




From Himeji Station all the way to Himeji Castle, a total of about 250,000 LED bulbs light up the entire area, filling the entire city with a festive atmosphere. Two new areas were added this year: Otemae Park and Karoyajiki Park, where interactive devices that change lighting effects with movement are set up, which is more interesting than the general light show that can only be viewed. Whether you check in with Himeji Castle as the background along the way, or interact with the beautiful lights with friends, it is a beautiful memory!

Himeji Otemae Street Light Show 2024 (Himeji Otemae Street Light Show 2024)
・Date: November 22, 2024 (Friday) ~ February 23, 2025 (Sunday)
・Time: 17:00 ~ 22:00 (weekends and holidays ~ 24:00)
・Lighting location: Otemae Street (the passage extending from Himeji Station to Himeji Castle)
・Event website

【Himeji】"Himeji Castle Castle History Kagami Water Moon"



This light show will be held at Himeji Castle's Sannomaru Square, lighting up the night sky from 17:45 to 21:15 every night from November 22 to December 11. Here you can see the scenery around Himeji Castle in the Edo period being gorgeously reproduced. One of the highlights is the beautiful scenery of Himeji Castle reflected on the water surface, which is imitated by the gorgeous kosode lights of the time. There are also various unique installations such as lighthouses covered with "kimono" patterns around, and the music specially created for this event makes the whole space dreamy and full of historical atmosphere.

Himeji Castle Castle History Kagami Water Moon
・Date: November 22 (Fri) to December 11 (Wed), 2024 (cancelled in case of bad weather)
・Time: 17:45-21:15
・Light-up location: Himeji Castle San-no-maru Square
・Fee: 1,000 yen per person for high school students and above (free for junior high school students and below)
・Event website

【Kobe】Mt. Rokko "Mori of Lights - Night Art Walk"



Kobe Rokko Mountain, one of the "New Three Night Views of Japan", also holds a lighting event in winter! The main venue of the "Light Forest ~ Night Art Walk" is located at the ROKKO Forest Sound Museum and Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden. Many night-limited art works are decorated with lights, allowing visitors to enjoy them while walking. The event has already started and will be held every weekend and holiday. It will be on display until November 24 (Sunday). Fans who are expected to go to Kobe to see the maple leaves may wish to put the attractions in their itinerary. In addition to the red leaves, the night view here is also worth seeing!




Mount Rokko "Forest of Light ~ Night Art Walk"

・Date: Weekends and holidays between September 25, 2024 (Sat) and November 24, 2024 (Sun)
・Lighting time: 17:00-20:00 (last admission 19:00)
・Lighting location: ROKKO Forest Sound Museum (4512-145 Kita Rokko, Rokkoyama-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Prefecture), Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden (4512-150 Kita-Rokko, Rokkoyama-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Prefecture)
・ひかりの木～夜の芸书～

Shiga Light-up Event

【Shiga】ROSA & BERRY Tawada "Surrounded by light, dance with light experience space ~ HIKARIUM"



The English-style garden "ROSA & BERRY Tawada" in Shiga Prefecture also held a super fun lighting event during Christmas - "HIKARIUM"! From October 12, 2024 to February 11, 2025, this place has become a light paradise full of interactive fun. Interactive projection mapping is set up in the garden, allowing everyone to personally "integrate" into the story world created by the lights; music performances driven by pressure sensing allow everyone to experience music with their feet. This is the largest natural light show in the Kansai region. Don't miss this rare opportunity and experience this feast of light together!




"An experience space where you can dance with light and be surrounded by light ~ HIKARIUM" (~Light wrapped, light wandering experience space ~ HIKARIUM (ヒカリウム)).
・Event venue: ROSA & BERRY Tawada (605-10 Tawada, Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture)
・Date: November 9, 2024 (Sat) ~ February 11, 2025 (Tue) ※ Closed on Tuesdays except December 24
・Time: 17:30 ~ 20:30 (starts earlier at 16:30 in December)
・Admission: Junior high school students and older 2,000 yen, children aged 4 and over 1,000 yen, children aged 4 and under free ※ Christmas special rates from December 23rd to 25th
・Official website

Wakayama Lighting Event

【Wakayama】Wakayama Yacht City "Light Carnival"



The "Festa Luce" at Wakayama Yacht City started on November 2 and will be held until February 24, 2025. This year's theme is "VIVID CHRISTMAS". As soon as you walk into the gate, it feels like you have come to a European street full of Christmas atmosphere! In the center of the square stands a huge Christmas tree over 16 meters high, shining with colorful colors, which is super spectacular. There are also gorgeous light shows, delicious food, good shopping, and Christmas markets in the venue. The whole space is filled with a full Christmas atmosphere. If you want a winter full of memories, you must come here for a walk!

Wakayama Yacht City "Carnival of Lights" (フェスタルーチェ)
・Date: November 2, 2024 (Sat) ~ February 24, 2025 (Mon) 17:00 ~ 21:00
※ Christmas market is only held on weekends and December 24 and 25, and ends after December 25
・Time: 17:00 ~ 21:00
・Address: Wakayama Marina City Port Yolopar, 1527 Momi, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture (inside Wakayama Yacht City Europa Port Park)
・Entrance fee: Adult 1,800 yen, children (3 years old to junior high school students) 1,000 yen
・Access: Get off at JR Wakayama Station, then take a bus for about 30 minutes
・Official website

【Wakayama】Keyaki Light Parade KEYAKI LIGHT PARADE




Wakayama KEYAKI LIGHT PARADE is a lighting event set up on a 2-kilometer-long road between JR Wakayama Station and Wakayama Castle. This keelac light avenue has been upgraded this year. The number of trees wrapped with lights has increased from 278 to 351, and the number of LED bulbs has increased by 250,000 compared to last year, reaching a total of 1 million. The lights are brighter and more stunning than ever before, and the scale is even known as the largest light avenue in Kansai. It is worth arranging an evening to take a walk here when Traveling by yourself.

Wakayama KEYAKI LIGHT PARADE
・Date: November 23, 2024 (Sat) - February 28, 2025 (Fri)
・Time: 17:00-23:00
・Location: Keyaki-dori Street (the passage that stretches from Wakayama Station to Wakayama Castle)
・Official website

After seeing the beautiful winter illuminations in Kansai, do you want to buy a flight right away? Kansai not only has many classical and beautiful historical and cultural landscapes to enjoy, but the streets are also colorful and fascinating in winter. If you are interested, you might as well take action now. It is still not too late to enjoy these dreamy illuminations!