Best Winter Illumination Spots in Osaka 2022-2023
Osaka : Best Places to See Winter Illumination

Winter illuminations are the top attraction in Japan during winter, and numbers of light-up events are held across the country during the season. The capital city of western Japan, Osaka is one of the best cities to enjoy winter illuminations in Japan and several spectacular events are available including Universal Studios Japan and the German style Christmas Market.
Today, I would like to introduce some of best winter illuminations in Osaka which you shouldn’t miss out 2022-2023 winter! So let’s check them out 🙂
1. Festival of the Lights in Osaka 2022
Festival of the Lights in Osaka 2022 (大阪・光の饗宴2022) is one of most spectacular illumination events in Japan that takes place in several locations in Osaka City for 90 days (3 November 2022 to 31 January 2023). The event is composed of over 20 small and large light-ups, and the two main illumination events are “Mido-suji Illumination 2022” with the spectacular illumination street and “OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance 2022”with the projection mapping and light painting.
-Osaka Hikari Renaissance (14 to 25 December 2022)
The spectacular art festival of lights held at Osaka City Central Public Hall and Nakanoshima Park
-Midosuji Illumination (3 November to 31 December 2022)
Mido-suji Illumination features the 4 km long avenue lightened up by Blue and Yellow LED lights.
Date: 3 November 2022 to 31 January 2023
Hours: 17:00~22:00
Website: http://www.hikari-kyoen.com/ (Japanese)
2. Osaka Castle Illuminage

Osaka Castle Illuminage (大阪城イルミナージュ) is one of the most unique winter illuminations in Japan that features the spectacular light-up and Japanese historical treasures. The illumination is held at Nishinomaru Garden in Osaka Castle, one of the most important castles in Japan and the top tourist site in Osaka City.
The 150 years history of Japan from Edo Period to Meiji Period will be displayed with over 3 million colourful LED lights on the 30 m long picture scroll. The event also features food and drink vendors, and photo spots.
Access: 10 mins walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station
Date: 11 November 2022 to 26 February 2023
Hours: 17:00~22:00
Fee: 1,500 yens for adults, 800 yens for kids.
3. Osaka German Christmas Market
The biggest Christmas Market in western Japan, Osaka German Christmas Market (ドイツ・クリスマスマーケット大阪) is held annually in the center of Osaka City during winter. The event takes place at the popular complex buildings, Shin Umeda City near JR Osaka Station.
The authentic German Christmas Market offers various kinds of Christmas food and drinks, as well as special decoration including the 27 m tall Christmas tree and the jolly winter illumination with approx 350,000 LED lights. Enjoy the delicious European style Christmas food with joyful Christmas illumination in the heart of the city!
Latest Update: Osaka German Christmas Market is cancelled in 2022
Access: 7 mins walk from JR Osaka Station
Date: N/A
Hours: N/A
4. Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is one of the best amusement parks in the whole world, and along with Tokyo Disney Resort, it’s the most visited amusement facility in Japan. Several seasonal events are held at USJ through the year, and the Christmas event is one of park’s most popular annual events. The event features colourful Christmas decoration and art of lights, and several special events including a new live show .
Access: short walk from Universal City Station
Date: 11 November 2022 to 9 January 2023
<< Book the e-tickets now! Universal Express™ Pass-Winter Special >>
Related article:
5. Kaiyukan Illumination

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (海遊館) is a popular aquarium located at the bay area of Osaka City. It’s one of the largest aquarium in the world which displays a large number of sea creatures including a whale shark.
The special winter illumination is held at Kaiyukan every winter, and it takes place at several locations in and outside of the aquarium. Kaiyukan is one of the top sightseeing spots in Osaka City, so why don’t you grab a chance to visit there while the special events are held only this time of year?? The illumination is displayed until late February next year.
Access: short walk from Osakako Station
Date: 18 November 2022 to 5 March 2023
Hours: 17:00~21:15
Fee: Free (admission fee is required inside the aquarium)
<< Click HERE to book e-tickets to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan >>
6. GRAND FRONT OSAKA

GRAND FRONT OSAKA (グランフロント大阪) is a massive commercial complex near Osaka Station that consists of over 260 shops, restaurants, cafes, hotel, office, theatre and more. The Christmas event “GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2022” will be held at the complex from 11 November to 25 December 2022.
GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2022 will be collaborating with Harry Potter and featuring several special events at several locations within the complex including Eternally Bright, which you can enjoy the 13m tall Christmas tree with Harry Potter motifs. Moreover, over 300,000 champagne gold LED lights that decorate the tree-lined avenue at the square.
Access: short walk from JR Osaka Station
Date: 10 November to 25 December 2022
Hours: Shops 10:00~21:00, Restaurants 11:00~23:00 *Opening hours may differ by shop
(Illumination from 17:00~)
7. Hirakata Park

Hirakata Park (ひらかたパーク) is a popular amusement park located in Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture. The park offers a large selection of rides and attractions suitable for small kids to thrill seekers. The park is hosting an annual winter illumination event from 6 November 2022 to 10 April 2023.
With the theme of “Music”, the event features several spectacular and dreamy illuminations such including the 10 m tall Christmas tree with mysterious compasses, the Lantern Carnival Square, the Flower Garden of Lights, and more.
Access: short walk from Hirakata Koen Station
Illumination Date: 3 November 2022 to 9 April 2023
Please check opening hours and closed days from the official website: http://www.hirakatapark.co.jp/timetables/
8. Abeno Harukas
Abeno Harukas Sky Illumination 2022 (あべのハルカス 天空のイルミネーション 2022) will be held at Abeno Harukas, the multi-purpose commercial building/the tallest skyscraper in Osaka, from 1 November 2022 to 28 February 2022. There will be illuminations and photo spots at numbers of places at the site including Harukas 300, the observation deck on 60th floor of the building situated 300 m above the underground. The top part of the building’s exterior will also have a special light-up.
Access: Direct access from Kintetsu Osaka-Abenobashi Station or short walk from Tennoji Station
Date: 1 November 2022 to 28 February 2023
Hours: 17:00~22:00
Admission to Observation Deck : 1,500 yen (over 18 year-old), 1,200 yen (12-17 year-old), 700 yen (6-11 year-old), 500 yen (over 4 year-old)
>> Book e-tickets to Harukas 300 Observatory Now!
Thanks for reading! I hope you have enjoyed my Osaka Illumination Guide 2022-2023! If you wanna check out more information about the winter illuminations in Japan this winter, here are some more useful articles to read!
▽Related Articles ▽
▼Editor’s Picks▼