Hirakata-koen Station on the Keihan Electric Railway is about a 5-minute walk from Osaka's Hirakata Park, home to the annual illumination event.

This year’s event, themed "Flowering Illumination," will run from November 2024 to April 2025 and features seven themed areas. Highlights include the Tree of Flowers and Fairies, with a grand 13-meter tree symbolizing blooming flowers, and the Lantern Square of Light, adorned with glowing lanterns. Interactive areas like the Fortune-Telling Fountain allow visitors to press a button to start a flower-themed fortune-telling experience, changing the music and lighting. The Butterfly Garden offers a whimsical photo spot where you can pose as a butterfly.

In the evening, over 20 attractions light up, creating a sparkling, magical atmosphere. You can even take a ride on the popular Sky Walker Ferris wheel for a panoramic view of the illuminated Hirakata Park and Osaka’s nightscape.

Nijigen no Mori, a unique theme park in Hyogo's Awaji Island Park, combines anime, technology, and nature. Currently, it features a limited-time collaboration with the action-packed game Monster Hunter in the special attraction, Monster Hunter: The Field.

Participants step into the role of rookie hunters at the "Awaji Gathering Hub," embarking on training quests to hone their skills. The adventure unfolds in two stages: Field Exploration and the Large Monster Hunt. Armed with weapon controllers and tracking devices, players face the formidable Rathalos, using full-body movement to control weapons and dodge attacks, creating an intense, immersive experience. Exclusive collaboration merchandise and game-inspired food are also available.

Tickets are required, with prices varying based on the hunt and season. Please check the official website for details.

Located in Kyoto, Toei Kyoto Studio Park is a theme park set against the backdrop of historical Japan, just a short walk from Satsueisho-mae Station. Staff dressed as samurai and Edo-period townsfolk, along with traditional Japanese row houses, known as nagaya, create an immersive experience that feels like stepping back into an Edo town.

The annual Uzumasa Jougaku Festival features booths and stages dedicated to Japanese anime and manga. Each year, popular anime and game booths showcase original merchandise and character panels. This year, characters and games such as Otōri Danshi and Ayakashi Ramble! will be featured.

The highlight of the event is COS-PATIO in Uzumasa Jougaku Festival, one of Japan's largest cosplay events. Cosplayers dressed in styles related to Toei Kyoto Studio Park, including historical and traditional attire, will gather in this scenic location. The festival also offers period drama-style photo spots, where participants can enjoy cosplay photography under lighting effects created by professional film production staff.

Osaka Hikari Kyouen is an illumination event featuring the "Midosuji Illumination," held on Osaka's symbolic street, Midosuji, and the "OSAKA Light Renaissance" program at Nakanoshima, with participation from 30 locations across Osaka Prefecture.

The Midosuji Illumination was recognized in January 2015 as the "street with the most illuminated trees" in the world, creating a dazzling atmosphere. This year, the design concept is "Growing Light," aiming for an event that cultivates light alongside the city and its people. Various content, including light art created in public workshops and projection mapping, is planned.

The OSAKA Light Renaissance features light programs that highlight the riverside scenery, fitting for Osaka, known as Water City. Additionally, unique light programs showcasing the charm of various regions will be presented throughout Osaka.

Shima Spain Village's Christmas event is located in Shima City, Mie Prefecture, about two and a half hours from Namba, Osaka.

As its name suggests, Shima Spain Village is a resort that recreates the charm of Spanish streets, featuring the theme park Parque España and relaxing hot springs. Its setting amid the natural beauty of Ise Shima adds to its appeal.

From November 2 to December 25, 2024, the Sparkling Christmas event will feature a grand Christmas tree in the Parque España area. As evening falls, illuminations light up, creating a romantic atmosphere. At night, a beautiful illumination show, titled Espectáculo de Gran Árbol Feliz Navidad 2024 (performed twice after 5 PM from December 2 to 25, each lasting 6 minutes), will showcase dazzling visuals projected onto the tree, set to Spanish Christmas songs. Restaurants will also serve holiday dishes and sweets inspired by the tree and stars.

Universal Studios Japan's Christmas event, NO LIMIT! Christmas, brings a vibrant and colorful experience to the park. In the Gramercy Park (New York area), a stunning Christmas tree over 30 meters tall dazzles guests with its bright and vivid decorations. During the day, the sunlight reflects beautifully off draping ornaments and large diamond-shaped decorations. At night, the tree comes alive with colorful, pop-inspired illuminations that rhythmically shine in sync with Christmas songs.

In the evenings, the Christmas live show, Frosty's Electric Snow Party (approximately 20 minutes, held twice daily), will take place. Characters dazzling in neon colors will perform energetic dance routines on stage! Characters such as Electric Frosty, along with Christmas-clad Snoopy, Elmo, Hello Kitty, and Minions, will all gather in a spectacular show. The climax will feature upgraded pyrotechnics compared to last year, culminating in a three-minute photo opportunity during the finale.

In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, the castle show returns after five years with Hogwarts Magical Night Winter Magic (approximately 10 minutes; showtimes and frequency vary by day). In the finale, when the spell Lumos Maxima! is cast, Hogwarts™ Castle will illuminate in a brilliant display, marking the climax of the magical experience.

Rinku Park, located just a short distance from Kansai Airport, will host an autumn fireworks festival, combining fireworks and music in a captivating display. This year’s event will be the largest yet, with enhanced pyrotechnics and performances. Japan’s top fireworks professionals have meticulously synchronized the show to match the rhythm and melody of the music, creating a breathtaking experience. The venue’s unobstructed view makes it ideal for enjoying the display. Plus, Marble Beach at Rinku Park, known as one of Japan’s top 100 sunset spots, offers the chance to enjoy a stunning sunset before the fireworks begin.

Located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the head temple of the Hossō group, is hosting special nighttime illuminations and viewings. The temple is built on a cliff, featuring a stage that protrudes from the edge, famously known as the Kiyomizu Stage. During the autumn foliage season, the breathtakingly beautiful leaves spread beneath the stage.

For a limited time, Kiyomizu-dera will conduct nighttime illuminations and special night viewings. The Kiyomizu Stage, surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves, presents a truly magical sight. The vividly colored West Gate also stands out against the night sky. Throughout the event, a blue beam of light called the "Kannon Jihikari" will shine from Kiyomizu-dera, illuminating the city of Kyoto.

Located a short walk from Kintetsu Hasedera Station in Nara, Hasedera hosts its annual Hasedera Autumn Leaves Festival & Special Fall Viewing starting in early October.

Set within the expansive mountains, Hasedera showcases a variety of trees like maples, gingko, dogwood, and zelkova. During the peak of autumn, visitors can enjoy the stunning reds and yellows of the leaves at the Hasedera Autumn Leaves Festival. Additionally, the Special Fall Viewing offers a rare opportunity to enter the National Treasure main hall, where visitors can touch the feet of the Kannon statue in prayer, an experience normally reserved for temple staff.

At Sanzenin, a temple of the Tendai sect and a central location in the Ohara area, the Sanzenin Momiji Festival takes place during the peak of the autumn foliage. During the fall season, the gardens of Yuseien and Shuuhakuen, surrounded by cedar trees, are painted in autumn hues with red and yellow maple leaves.

Along the approximately 50-meter path flanked by stone walls and teahouses, maple trees spread their branches. Within the temple grounds, red and yellow leaves beautifully blanket the blue moss garden.

During the festival period, the secret Buddha, the Gold-colored Fudo Myoo, will be unveiled.

At Meiji no Mori Minoh Quasi-National Park, located just outside Minoh Station on the Hankyu Minoh Line, you can experience a natural paradise complete with waterfalls and lush greenery, all within the bustling city of Osaka. The park hosts the seasonal "Minoh Momiji Matsuri" festival during autumn.

The highlight of the event is the beautiful foliage of red and yellow momiji (maple) and ichou (ginkgo) trees. At night, the park's Minoh Waterfall, the waterfall path, and the Kannon Hall of Takiyasu-ji Temple, along with the Phoenix Pavilion and the renowned Momiji viewing spot, Seieiji Temple, are all illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

In addition to the foliage viewing, various activities are planned, including Forest Yoga (on November 9, Saturday, with a participation fee of 1,500 yen), nature walks, hammock experiences, and "Minoh Mori Therapy" (on November 16, Saturday, with a participation fee of 3,000 yen).

During the event period, footlights will illuminate the waterfall path from Minoh Station to Minoh Waterfall, and spotlights will shine on the surface of the Minoh River and surrounding trees. Tape lights will also be installed along the waterfall path, adding to the enchanting nighttime ambiance.

The Momiji Festival is held in the popular autumn foliage spot of Arashiyama every year. The event takes place at a venue easily accessible from the Arashiyama Station on the Arashiyama Line and the Arashiyama Kouen bus stop on the city bus line 28.

Arashiyama is said to be a favored area of the wealthy Heian aristocrats about 1,300 years ago during the Heian period. The Momiji Festival recreates the boating activities enjoyed by these aristocrats. Numerous boats, including the Koto Music Boat, Imayo Kabuki Boat, and Noh Stage Boat, float on the Oigawa River (upstream of the Katsuragawa River), and various events are held along the riverbank.

From the yakatabune (houseboats) on the Oigawa River, visitors can enjoy performances of Imayo (songs that were popular in the Heian period) and Heian Gagaku music (reservation required, limited plans available).

During this time, the red and yellow leaves beautifully color the mountains of Arashiyama and nearby Ogurayama. Why not enjoy the feeling of being transported back to the Heian period while watching boats from the famous Togetsukyo Bridge in Kyoto?

The Kibune Maple Lantern Festival takes place in Kibune, an area known as Kyoto’s 'hidden retreat'. Lanterns illuminate the streets from Kibuneguchi Station through the restaurant district and along the pathway leading up to Kibune Shrine. Additionally, the area along the Kibune River is also lit up, adding to the autumn atmosphere.

On weekends and holidays during the event, Kibune Shrine hosts a handmade market and live performances at its main and inner shrines. Visitors can reach Kibune by taking the Eizan Railway, with a recommended stop to view the “Maple Tunnel” between Ichihara and Ninose Stations on the Kurama Line. During this special light-up, the train interior lights are dimmed, and the train slows down, allowing passengers to enjoy the magical display of autumn leaves through the windows.

A food festival themed around the simple yet profound delight of "yakiimo" (roasted sweet potatoes) is set to take place. Fourteen vendors will gather to offer a variety of new yakiimo sweets, savory dishes featuring roasted sweet potatoes, and the classic yakiimo itself. Among the highlights are unique creations such as Salt Butter Brûlée Yakiimo and Yakiimo Tempura, blending both Japanese and Western elements.

One luxurious item on the menu is the Sweet Potato Steak with Maple Butter & Truffle Salt (1,400 yen), featuring sweet potatoes aged for a year, roasted using the vendor's special technique, and served as a steak.

The festival will also feature savory options with a twist, including Yakiimo Miso Soup, Yakiimo Chowder, Spicy Yakiimo Stew, and Yakiimo Gratin, making it a perfect spot for lunch or dinner.

November in the Kansai region is packed with events like illuminations, Christmas festivities, and autumn foliage celebrations. Kyoto, in particular, attracts many visitors for leaf-viewing, leading to significant crowds. Be sure to plan your visit with ample time!

*Please note that the information in this article is as of October 2024. For the latest updates, please check official websites.