Top 10 Winter Illuminations in Kansai (2024-2025): Enjoy A World Where Everything Glitters
- Written by: Kaori Kimura
When visiting Osaka in winter, you can't miss the colorful illuminations that decorate the city! In the cold, clear winter air, sparkling lights shine even more beautifully.
And from Osaka to Kyoto and Kobe, Kansai comes alive with dazzling illumination events. Featuring creative blends of light, music, and visuals, often paired with nature’s own beauty, these displays are guaranteed to wow and delight.
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- Table of Contents
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- 1. Sagano Romantic Train's "Illuminated Fantasy Train" Brings Holiday Cheer (Kyoto)
- 2. Discover History Through Light at Osaka Castle Illuminage (Osaka)
- 3. A Unique Nighttime Worship Experience at Heian Shrine: NAKED Yorumoude 2024 (Kyoto)
- 4. A Spectacular Light Show at Nesta Illumina: Path of Light (Hyogo)
- 5. Osaka Sparkles with Light: Festival of Lights 2024 (Osaka)
- 6. A Place to Experience the True Spirit of Christmas: Festa Luce (Wakayama)
- 7. A Towering 12-Meter Tree at GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2024 – Infinity Lights (Osaka)
- 8. Southern Osaka’s Largest Illumination Event: Wonder Night Hill 2024 (Osaka)
- 9. Step Into the Stars at Abeno Harukas: Sky Illuminations 2024 (Osaka)
- 10. Enjoy an Arabian Wonderland: Kobe Illuminage 2024 (Kobe)
- Celebrate the Holidays with Stunning Illuminations!
1. Sagano Romantic Train's "Illuminated Fantasy Train" Brings Holiday Cheer (Kyoto)
This winter, the popular Sagano Romantic Train, running between Sagano in Arashiyama and Kameoka, will host a special illumination event from October 12 to December 29, 2024. The scenic route will be transformed with stunning light displays, adding a festive glow to the season.
New floodlights have been added to the Hozugawa Bridge, the only spot along the route offering views of both upstream and downstream scenery. Meanwhile, the lighting effects at Tono no Ryojo, a highlight of the Hozugawa Gorge, have been upgraded with full-color floodlights, creating an even more dynamic and breathtaking spectacle.
On December 21 and 22, a special train, the Christmas Romantic Train, will operate on a unique schedule. Unlike the regular route, this train will run a special round-trip service to Torokko Hozukyo Station, allowing passengers to enjoy not only the festive decorations along the tracks but also the enchanting illuminations at this secluded station.
Advance reservations are required, so if you’re looking for a magical Christmas experience with one-of-a-kind illuminations, be sure to book your spot!
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Sagano Romantic Train: Illuminated Fantasy Train嵯峨野トロッコ列車「光の幻想列車」
- Address Sagatenryuji Kurumamichi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8373
・Phone: 075-861-7444 (8:40 AM–4:40 PM)
・Event Period: October 12, 2024–December 29, 2024
・Hours: 4:30 PM–last train (* Excludes non-operating days; Wednesdays in October and December)
・Admission: Adults (age 12 and older) 880 yen; Children (ages 6–12) 440 yen (For infants (ages 1–6) or babies (under 1 year) using a seat, 440 yen is required. "Christmas Romantic Train": One box (1–4 people) 6,000 yen. Temporary trains will operate during the event. See the official website for details.)
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Address
Kurumamichicho, Saga Tenryu-ji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 616-0000
View Map -
Nearest Station
Torokko Saga Station (Sagano Scenic Railway)
2 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 075-861-7444
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Address
Kurumamichicho, Saga Tenryu-ji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 616-0000
2. Discover History Through Light at Osaka Castle Illuminage (Osaka)
The Osaka Castle Illuminage transforms the Nishinomaru Garden into a dazzling celebration of Osaka and Kansai’s history. This year’s theme, Welcome to the World of Shoguns and Samurai, highlights the captivating historical value of Osaka Castle, bringing the Sengoku era to life through stunning light displays.
A standout feature this year is the life-sized illuminated Namban ship, inspired by the vessels that arrived in Japan between the Muromachi and Edo periods. Visitors can even step aboard the ship, feeling as though they’ve traveled back in time to sail along Japan’s coastline.
Don’t miss the chance to capture breathtaking photos of the illuminated Osaka Castle keep alongside these spectacular light displays, a perfect blend of tradition and modern artistry.
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Osaka Castle Illuminage 2024大阪城イルミナージュ2024
- Address Nishinomaru Garden, 2 Osaka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002
- Phone Number 066-452-6452
・Event Period: November 15, 2024–February 16, 2025
・Hours: 5 PM–10 PM (Lighting until 9:30 PM)
・Admission: Adults (middle school and older) 2,000 yen; Children (elementary school and younger) 1,000 yen
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Address
1-1, Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 540-0002
View Map -
Nearest Station
Osakajokoen Station (JR Osaka Loop Line)
- Phone Number 06-6941-3044
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Address
1-1, Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 540-0002
3. A Unique Nighttime Worship Experience at Heian Shrine: NAKED Yorumoude 2024 (Kyoto)
From December 13, 2024, to January 13, 2025, the Heian Shrine, a nationally recognized Important Cultural Property in Kyoto, will host NAKED Yorumoude 2024. This nighttime event, now in its fourth year, is produced by the creative company NAKED, INC. and reimagines the traditional shrine visit with enchanting light displays.
Highlights include projection mapping on the elegant Shobikan in the East Garden, as well as mesmerizing smoke and light effects over the Soryu Pond, blending the beauty of traditional Japanese gardens with cutting-edge light art.
Visitors can also enjoy illuminated views of the historic Otenmon Gate and the shrine grounds, along with projection mapping and autumn foliage lighting in the East Garden and Shobikan, making this a must-see experience for the season.
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NAKED Yorumoude 2024 at Heian ShrineNAKEDヨルモウデ 2024 平安神宮
- Address 97 Okazaki Nishitenno-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8341
・Event Period: December 13, 2024–January 13, 2025 (* Excludes December 31, 2024–January 5, 2025)
・Hours: 5:30 PM–9:30 PM (Last admission 8:50 PM)
・Ticket Prices (Tax Included): Early Bird: Mon–Thu: Middle school and older 1,600 yen, Elementary school 1,000 yen; Fri–Sun, Holidays: Middle school and older 2,000 yen, Elementary school 1,400 yen / Regular: Mon–Thu: Middle school and older 2,000 yen, Elementary school 1,200 yen; Fri–Sun, Holidays: Middle school and older 2,400 yen, Elementary school 1,600 yen
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Address
97, Okazakinishitennoucho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 606-8341
View Map -
Nearest Station
Higashiyama Station (Tozai Line)
10 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 075-761-0221
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Address
97, Okazakinishitennoucho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 606-8341
4. A Spectacular Light Show at Nesta Illumina: Path of Light (Hyogo)
Nesta Resort Kobe presents Nesta Illumina: Path of Light, an awe-inspiring light experience that harmonizes with the surrounding natural beauty. Known for its award-winning and highly praised illumination displays, this year’s event promises to be more breathtaking than ever.
The 2024 theme, Crystal Night, debuts on November 16 with upgraded attractions across three zones using cutting-edge laser technology. Visitors are greeted by the dazzling Dancing Wall, a rainbow-hued spectacle at the entrance. From there, immerse yourself in a fantasy world of light featuring over 3 million sparkling bulbs, enchanting music, and captivating projection mapping, all set against the backdrop of majestic nature.
In the Crystal Arcade, soft pink lights and shimmering crystals create an enchanting arched pathway, adding a dreamlike ambiance. Don’t miss the Crystal Cave, where light reflecting off countless crystals creates a truly mystical atmosphere.
The Great Nature’s Four Seasons display has been enhanced with the addition of lasers, bringing the vibrant colors of each season to life like never before. Experience the breathtaking beauty of nature as it glows with radiant light, showcasing the wonders of each season in a truly captivating way.
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Nesta Resort Kobeネスタリゾート神戸
- Address 894-60 Taruho, Hosokawa-cho, Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture 673-0703
- Phone Number 0794-83-5000
・Event Period: November 16, 2024–February 28, 2025
・Hours: 6 PM–10 PM (Last admission 9 PM, opening time varies by season)
・Admission: Illumination Pass: Adults (middle school and older) Weekdays 2,200 yen, Sat–Sun, Holidays 2,400 yen, Specific Days 2,800 yen; Children (ages 4–elementary school) Weekdays 1,000 yen, Sat–Sun, Holidays 1,200 yen, Specific Days 1,400 yen * Specific Days: December 21–25, 30, 31; January 1–5
・Closed: Open dailyVacancy search, reservation
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from 10,217JPY 1room, 2adults
Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.
5. Osaka Sparkles with Light: Festival of Lights 2024 (Osaka)
The Osaka Festival of Lights 2024 is transforming the city into a glowing wonderland for its 12th annual edition. Quickly becoming a must-see attraction, the event lights up Osaka’s iconic streets, including Midosuji Boulevard, Nakanoshima, and other key areas throughout the prefecture.
One of the main attractions, the Midosuji Illumination, stretches approximately 4 kilometers from Umeda to Namba. Running from November 3 to December 31, this year’s display features a vibrant seven-color palette. Each section showcases a unique hue, such as vivid blue, inspired by the Dojima River, near Hanshin-mae to Umeda Shindo, and purple, symbolizing the lively urban vibe between Umeda Shindo and Oebashi Kitazume.
In addition, the main illuminations in the Nakanoshima area, which light up the waterfront, will run from December 14 to December 25. Throughout the festival, various other locations across Osaka Prefecture will also feature unique and colorful light displays, adding to the festive atmosphere.
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OSAKA Festival of Lights 2024大阪・光の饗宴2024
- Address Nakanoshima and surrounding areas, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
・Phone: 06-4391-0120 (Osaka Festival of Lights Executive Committee Office)
・Event Period: November 3, 2024–January 31, 2025 (* Event period and lighting times vary by location. See the official website for details.)
・Admission: Free (some programs require a fee)
・Closed: Open daily
6. A Place to Experience the True Spirit of Christmas: Festa Luce (Wakayama)
The illumination event Festa Luce – A Place to Experience the True Spirit of Christmas will light up Wakayama Marina City from November 2, 2024, to February 24, 2025. Designed to evoke the atmosphere of a European Christmas, this event promises a magical and festive experience.
The 2024 edition of Festa Luce, now in its 8th year, will feature the theme VIVID CHRISTMAS. At the heart of the event, a stunning 16-meter-tall Christmas tree will glow in vibrant colors, creating a magical centerpiece. Visitors can also enjoy castle projection mapping, a light-filled amusement park popular with children, and a festive Christmas market.
The sparkling lights throughout the venue set the stage for a festive atmosphere, featuring musical performances and street entertainers that bring the Christmas spirit to life. You’ll feel the excitement of the countdown to Christmas and the pure joy of the holiday itself.
With photo spots and castle projection mapping, strolling through the event feels like stepping into a storybook Christmas world, creating magical moments at every turn.
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Festa Luceフェスタ・ルーチェ
- Address 1527 Kemi, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture 641-0014
・Phone: 073-484-3618 (Festa Luce Executive Committee Office)
・Event Period: November 2, 2024–February 24, 2025 (* January 6–February 24: Open Sat–Sun, Holidays only. Closed January 1, 2025)
・Hours: 5 PM–9 PM (Last admission 8:30 PM) * November–December Saturdays and December 24–25: 5 PM–10 PM (Last admission 9:30 PM)
・Admission: Entry: Same-day: Adults 1,800 yen, Children (ages 3–middle school) 1,000 yen / Advance: Adults 1,600 yen, Children (ages 3–middle school) 800 yen. Attraction Night Pass: Same-day: Adults and Children 1,800 yen / Advance: Adults and Children 1,600 yen (Unlimited access to 8 attractions. Check the website for attraction schedules.) Season Pass: Adults 4,500 yen, Students (high school and older) 3,500 yen, Children (ages 3–middle school) 2,200 yen. Lantern Festival ticket sales expected mid-October.
7. A Towering 12-Meter Tree at GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2024 – Infinity Lights (Osaka)
From November 7 to December 25, 2024, the GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2024 – Infinity Lights event will light up Osaka. Themed Infinity Lights, the event symbolizes the wishes of the diverse people gathering in the Umeda area, expressed through an infinite cascade of dazzling lights. At its heart stands a magnificent 12-meter Christmas tree, adding to the festive magic.
This year, GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2024 teams up with the beloved picture book series I Spy for a special collaboration: I Spy Christmas Hide and Seek in Grand Front Osaka. Five books from the series will be transformed into giant photo panels over three meters wide, and visitors can join a Search-and-Find Quiz Rally by exploring photo panels displayed throughout the venue.
In addition, the area around Umeda’s Grand Front Osaka will sparkle with the Champagne Gold Illumination in Umekita, lighting up JR Osaka Station’s Umekita Plaza and the surrounding zelkova trees in elegant champagne gold hues. These linked events add even more holiday charm to the festivities!
A highlight of the event is the Infinity Wish Tree, a stunning 10-meter-tall Christmas tree located at Knowledge Plaza on the 1st floor of the North Building. Each day, the tree comes to life with a mesmerizing lighting show, making you feel as though you've stepped into a kaleidoscope. The tree’s brilliance shifts infinitely depending on your viewing angle, whether you admire it from the front or gaze down from the upper floors.
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GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2024 ~Joyful Winter~GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2024 ~Joyful Winter~
- Address Grand Front Osaka North Building, South Building, and Umekita Plaza, Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 530-0011
・Event Period: November 7, 2024–December 25, 2024
・Hours: Infinity Wish Tree Lighting Show: 4 PM–Midnight (Sat–Sun, Holidays from 3 PM; Final show at 11:45 PM) every hour at 00, 15, 30, and 45 minutes
・Admission: Free
8. Southern Osaka’s Largest Illumination Event: Wonder Night Hill 2024 (Osaka)
The Wonder Night Hill 2024 illumination event will light up the expansive Harvest Hill, an interactive agricultural park in Sakai, Osaka. Set in a lush natural environment, this event offers visitors a chance to enjoy stunning illuminations in harmony with the beauty of the autumn and winter seasons.
The event spans the entire "Town Area" of Harvest Hill, featuring a variety of unique illumination spots. Highlights include towering 20-meter sequoia trees adorned with dazzling lights, a "Play Plaza" with glowing seesaws and sound-activated light paths perfect for families, and "Light Photo Spot Objects," such as round illuminated chairs and heart-shaped installations for memorable photos.
At the "Great Tree Plaza," a massive yamamomo tree becomes the centerpiece, glowing brilliantly with stunning illuminations, creating a magical atmosphere for all to enjoy.
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Wonder Night Hill 2024Wonder Night Hill 2024
- Address Harvest Hill, 2405-1 Hachigamineji, Minami-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
- Phone Number 072-296-9911
・Event Period: Specific dates from November 1, 2024–January 26, 2025 (* See official website calendar for details.)
・Hours: 5:45 PM–9 PM (Last admission 8:30 PM)
・Admission: Illumination Event Ticket (sold at ticket machines near the entrance gate from 5:30 PM): 1,500 yen (1,800 yen on Fridays and Saturdays in December and December 23–25); Children (ages 4 and older) 800 yen; Free for children age 3 and under
9. Step Into the Stars at Abeno Harukas: Sky Illuminations 2024 (Osaka)
From November 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, Abeno Harukas, one of Osaka’s iconic landmarks, will glow with its annual Sky Illuminations 2024. This year’s event brings fresh new designs to the 2nd-floor perimeter deck and the 16th-floor lobby, with dazzling displays across the building, including the outdoor garden and Harukas 300 Observatory.
On the 2nd-floor perimeter deck, a 120-meter-long ceiling installation creates a sparkling winter night sky with golden lights and shimmering snowflake-shaped ornaments in pearl white and silver. Meanwhile, the 16th floor features a 4-meter-tall illuminated tower with lights dancing to music for a truly magical experience.
Don’t miss the outdoor garden and other illuminated spots throughout the building, both inside and out, for a glittering way to brighten up your winter!
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Abeno Harukas Tenku no Illumination 2024あべのハルカス 天空のイルミネーション2024
- Address Various Locations in Abeno Harukas, 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 545-6016
・Event Period: November 1, 2024–February 28, 2025
・Hours: 2nd Floor Outer Deck: 5 PM–Midnight; 16th Floor Lobby: 8:30 AM–10:30 PM
・Admission: Free (* Some areas require a fee)
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Address
1-1-43, Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 545-6016
View Map -
Nearest Station
Osaka-Abenobashi Station (Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line)
- Phone Number 06-6621-0300
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Address
1-1-43, Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 545-6016
10. Enjoy an Arabian Wonderland: Kobe Illuminage 2024 (Kobe)
From November 1, 2024, to February 16, 2025, the Kobe Illuminage 2024 will transform the roadside station Kobe Fruit & Flower Park Osawa into a magical, starlit wonderland. This year’s theme, Starlight Dream, features stunning displays with around 600,000 LED lights, creating a whimsical Arabian-inspired atmosphere.
The Arabian Palace enchants visitors with shimmering mosaic-tiled walls, graceful arches, and intricate geometric patterns illuminated by soft, glowing lamps. It feels like soaring on a magic carpet through the night sky.
The Sparkling Laser show uses vibrant beams of light to dance across structures, painting constellations, galaxies, and shooting stars, giving the impression of a cosmic journey.
Other highlights include the Aisle Tunnel and Starlight Art exhibits, offering immersive, dreamlike experiences. Open every day during the event, the festival also hosts a special countdown event on December 31 to ring in the New Year in style!
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Kobe Illuminage 2024神戸イルミナージュ2024
- Address Michi-no-Eki Kobe Fruit & Flower Park Osawa, 2150 Kamiosawa, Osawa-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 651-1522
・Event Period: November 1, 2024–February 16, 2025 (December 21–25: Admission 4 PM, Lighting 5:30 PM, Lights off 10:30 PM, Ends 11 PM)
・Hours: 5 PM–10 PM (Lighting 5:30 PM–9:30 PM)
・Admission: Adults (middle school and older) 2,000 yen; Children (age 1 and older, infants free) 1,000 yen (Priority admission tickets, Christmas tickets, and Christmas priority admission tickets available. See website for details.)
・Closed: Open daily
Celebrate the Holidays with Stunning Illuminations!
Across Kansai’s iconic landmarks, dazzling illumination events light up the season. These annual spectacles grow more creative and impressive each year, becoming a beloved tradition for many. From glowing natural landscapes to radiant cityscapes, these enchanting displays are a must-see, offering unforgettable moments of beauty.
(Note: Information is current as of November 2024. Event dates, times, and details are subject to change or cancellation. Please check official websites for the latest updates before planning your visit. Images are for reference only and may differ from the actual displays.)
Kaori Kimura is a Japanese travel writer with roughly 20 years of experience in editing and publishing travel guides. After graduating from university, she worked at a publishing company for about 10 years, specializing in travel guides. She has undertaken numerous assignments both internationally, including in places like Paris, France, and Taiwan, as well as domestically in areas such as Hokkaido and Kyushu. Following this, she lived in Guangzhou, China for about two years as an expatriate spouse and contributed to local media, writing on economics and travel guides. Upon returning to Japan, she gained experience in editing and writing for web media. A key strength of hers is her involvement in creating travel guide articles for both inbound and outbound tourism. She possesses the highest level (HSK-6) of the standardized Chinese language proficiency test, level 2 in Japan's French language test, and EIKEN Grade Pre-1.
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