Osaka Festival of Lights

Midosuji Illumination

Date: November 3rd until December 31st
Location: Ooebashi-Kitazune intersection to the Hanshin Mae intersection

People say Midosuji is Osaka’s symbol streetlike to that of Harajuku in Tokyo. Comparatively, the broad street, running north-south through the heart of the Minami District, hosts high designer shops, department stores, and all sorts of cafes and restaurants. In addition, the boulevard runs 4km long, running through  Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Ame-mura, and Namba districts. Rows of trees line the pathways, which is a spectacular sight in Spring and Autumn. However, in Osaka’s Winter, all these trees become illuminated in a sea of blue, white, and shades of purple.

In January 2015, the Midosuji Illumination gained the world record for “most roadside trees illuminated.” The concept of the illumination was a “symbolic street illumination that wraps the people of Osaka in light.” Furthermore, along the shrubs and bushes, small white LED lights mimics snow. Moreover, the whole boulevard becomes alive – even the grey office buildings become covered in hues of white, red, coral, yellow, and pink. Lastly, at Namba Shrine, the tori gate at the entrance is even lit up, making for a great photo!

Above all, walking along the promenade with friends or family makes for a great way to spend the evening. Keep warm with the people around you, and enjoy the light and hope of the illuminations! Keep a look out for the prayer crane ornaments – they brighten up and energize those who see them. The cranes will be on display in various locations across Midosuji, so have some fun looking out for them as you walk around!

AR Experience

Hikari Renaissance

Date: December 14th until December 25th
Location: Between Osaka City Hall and Nakanoshima Park

Nakoshima is a small bay area sandwiched between the Dojima River and Tosahori River. This area is home to buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, including the Osaka Central Public Hall and Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library. These two monuments were pivotal in spreading arts and culture throughout the city. The unique appearance of the city hall and library is western like, so you almost forget you are in Japan.

The waterfront of the Nakoshima area is a festival of light art and projection mapping. Nearly 1,500,000 LED lights are used throughout the festival as well as a “Wall Tapestry Lighting Show” on the front of the Nakanoshima Library. Two projection mapping shows take place: Art of Light and a flower-based light painting display. The Art of Light takes place every 15 minutes or so between 5 pm and 9 pm. However, the flower-based show is on from 9 pm to 9:30 pm each evening.

Coupled with the festive lights, there are multiple places to eat. There are two separate zones hosting food vendors, selling traditional Japanese festival foods, as well as international foods. Osaka favourites, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and yakisoba are, of course, available. International foods include Chinese dumplings, kebabs, and German sausages. Furthermore, there are often small stalls selling quaint little trinkets and goods, which make for a great souvenir.

Watch a video on the Osaka’s winter illuminations here

Other Illumination areas

Ibaraki Illumi-Festa – 12/11 to 1/24

Shimamoto-town Illuminations – 12/1 to 12/31

Daito City Illumination Event – 11/28 to 12/25

Sakai Illumination – 12/1 to 1/15

Kirakuza Street – 11/1 to 2/28

Habikino City – 11/21 to 12/25

Rinku Community Development Council – 11/13 – 2/17

*Some of the events may be canceled due to COVID-19*

Final thoughts on Osaka Festival of Lights

Both the Hikari Renaissance and Midosuji Illumination are key events during Osaka’s winter season. The two are symbolic displays of “light and water” for Osaka. Finally, watching families and couples enjoy the festive season truly warms your heart and is an event you can not miss!