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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.)