10 of Osaka’s best winter illuminations 2023

Osaka’s winter scenery is absolutely captivating! And not because the city is covered in a layer of enchanting white snow…It’s a rare occasion to see snow in the city. No, the city dazzles and shines with bright colorful light displays along the boulevards and iconic buildings. It makes for beautiful photos and lasting memories. Anyone can enjoy the winter illuminations, young or old. Have fun with the kids or take in the displays with that special someone on a romantic evening out.

Here’s a list of 10 of the best locations in Osaka to see the winter illuminations, all within walking distance of public transit. Enjoy your wintertime in the city!

Osaka Midosuji Winter Illumination

Midosuji is the main boulevard that connects Osaka’s two major hubs, Umeda in the North and Namba in the South. The illuminations start a few blocks south of Umeda and stretch for almost 4 kilometers and they transform the urban scenery into a magical wonderland of lights. It would take about 40–50 minutes to walk the whole length, but because there are a handful of subway stations along the way, you can always hop back on the train if your feet get tired. Plus, you’re never more than a 5-minute walk from a restaurant or cafe, so you always have somewhere nearby to relax and recharge.

Approximately 1,000 ginkgo trees line the sidewalks and medians of this central boulevard and turn a beautiful golden hue in late autumn. Then the trees are covered from top to bottom with dazzling multicolored LED lights as winter approaches. The street actually set a world record for having the most illuminated trees on one street in 2015. Countless hotels, temples, and corporate buildings are located on the street, many with their own seasonal displays that will catch your eye and capture your heart.

Osaka Hikari Renaissance, Nakanoshima

The annual Osaka Hikari Renaissance light displays brighten the walkways of Nakanoshima Park and nearby buildings. This gorgeous urban green space is located on a large centrally located island in the city boasting numerous bridges, which are beautifully lit at night. This year’s Nakanoshima display includes a fun illuminated statue of the Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku (in front of City Hall), whimsical light tunnels, and a larger than life snowman. Osaka City Central Public Hall is the canvas for a bold and captivating projection mapping show set to music that culminates in a sea of bubbles flooding the air overhead.

A selection of stalls are set up near the public hall where you can grab a plate of hot sausages and hot drinks. Plus the “R” Riverside Grill & Beer Garden and Garb Weeks restaurants, which are located right inside the park are open as usual. Why not grab dinner and drinks so you can enjoy the winter lights a little bit longer.

Osaka Castle Illuminage 2023–2024

Millions of lights and specially designed light sculptures fill the Nishinomaru Garden area of Osaka Castle creating a majestic light playground that you can walk through. This special event features 3 main themes. The historical area illustrates centuries of history including historical figures and important landmarks. Another includes interactive light objects like colorful glowing seesaws that will make you feel like a kid again. Other scenes of famous locations in Osaka give you a chance to see the sites all in lights.

Osaka Castle stands tall in the background and is especially majestic when it’s lit after dark. Tickets to the Osaka Castle Illuminage display may be purchased same-day at Nishinomaru Garden or in advance from the official website.

Namba Hikari Tabi, Namba Parks

As if Namba Parks weren’t beautiful enough already… Winter months in this amazingly landscaped shopping mall and its multi-tiered rooftop gardens are worth exploring day or night. Multiple areas of the shopping complex and surrounding area are lit with dazzling nature themes. You won’t want to miss the 18 meters of blue lights that cascade down the architectural masterpiece that is the canyon area and resembles a waterfall of light.

This year’s illumination features two new areas, the new pedestrian plaza in front of Nankai Building and the new hotel area, south of the Namba Parks shopping mall. Interactive lights react to visitors walking nearby and augmented reality experiences that project underwater creatures swimming through the air with rented glasses.

Osaka Christmas Market, Tenshiba

Beautiful reindeer and Christmas tree light displays adorn the sprawling Tenshiba lawn in Tennoji for most of December creating a winter wonderland for young and old alike. German-style sausages, beer, and mulled wine add charm to the atmosphere. And there’s even hot cocoa topped with reindeer marshmallows for those who don’t drink. An assortment of stands sell every manner of Christmas decoration from wooden ornaments to snow-globes to traditional nutcrackers that would make a lovely souvenir from your visit.

A selection of workshops, which are held primarily during the daytime hours on weekends, give you the chance to make your own Christmas crafts. Plus, there is an open-air ice rink where you can glide around for a fun outdoor activity. And views of Abeno Harukas on one end and Tsutenkaku on the other, remind you that you are right in the heart of Osaka.

Universal Studios Japan: No Limit! Christmas

Christmas time is always a blast at Universal Studios Japan. They always know how to party and this year is no different! Look for the blindingly colorful and absolutely iridescent 30-meter tall Christmas tree. It’s a central part of the set for special dance performances and shows.

Super Nintendo World™ is decorated for the occasion. And so is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™! Don’t miss Frosty’s Electric Snow Party and help DJ Frosty get the party started. Of course, various restaurants and food trucks in the park will be offering Christmas-themed foods for a limited-time only. And you know the Minions will be dressed their best for the season!

Hankyu Umeda Main Store Christmas Market

Head to the 9th floor of Hankyu Department Store in Umeda where you’ll find an enchanting Christmas Market inspired by European styles. Nutcrackers are nestled among Christmas trees among the sparkling light displays. An Alice in Wonderland themed merry-go-round can take you on a quick pony ride. And the overhead chandeliers reflect shimmering lights in every color of the rainbow.

Of course the department store is decked out for Christmas so it’s a great place to do your seasonal shopping. While you’re there, check out the department store windows on the first floor. They attract visitors every year with their beautiful designs and this year’s theme is “Meet the Wonder Christmas.”

Osaka Station Twilight Fantasy: Forest of Light that brings happiness

Sparkling wreaths and glowing presents are nestled among the various plazas and walkways in this station venue. The theme this year is very botanical so there is a lot of well-manicured green in the light displays. The wide-open architecture and plentiful seating space will give you a place to relax at this busy train terminal. Head up to the Toki no Hiroba Plaza on the 5th floor to bask in the splendor of the seasonal decorations and view the train tracks from above.

Conveniently, the station is right in the center of the shopping and dining Umeda has to offer. And if you wander out the north exit, you can see the festive green teddy bear fountain in his Christmas best.

teamLab, Nagai Park

While this teamLab exhibit is not necessarily a winter attraction, since it’s open year-round, the floating lamps on the central pond are a special winter addition. Rows of colorful orbs float on the lakes surface and change color as visitors stand nearby or wind blows directly on the lamps. They resonate together in tune with one another and begin blinking when no people or wind is present.

The entire grounds of the Nagai Botanical Garden were transformed into a canvas of light art when world-renowned Japanese art collective teamLab set up a permanent exhibit here in 2022. It has been a popular installation since opening and tickets can be purchased from the official website.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

The unique architecture of Osaka’s premiere aquarium Kaiyukan is instantly recognizable with its sharp blue angles and mosaic of sea creatures swimming up the face of the building. In winter, it’s even more beautiful with a majestic light display featuring a glowing Christmas tree composed of penguin, dolphin, and stingray lanterns that evoke wonder at the underwater world. The light displays are outside the aquarium so admission is not required to enjoy the evening view. However, you’ll probably want to see the graceful sea creatures while you’re here.

Tempozan’s giant Ferris Wheel just on the other side of the aquarium also makes a magnificent silhouette against the night sky.
Brilliant rainbow-colored lights are constantly changing, displaying images, messages, and bold colors. Take a ride in the Ferris wheel if you want to see the sparkling lights of Osaka Bay and dazzling views of the city at night. And the nearby Tempozan Marketplace will keep you warm when it’s cold out and you can grab a bite to eat or shop for souvenirs while you’re here.

Well, that’s it! I hope you enjoy Osaka’s beautiful winter light displays. And bundle up! It’s cold out there.