Luca Wirthmann is a student who was born and raised in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He will live and work in Tokyo as an intern for almost five months in order to get a better understanding of Japanese culture and develop his personality as well as business skills. In the summer of 2024 he will complete his Business Administration studies and plans to do his master’s program abroad. In his free time he’s both playing and watching sports, checking out new museums, and learning new languages.
The festive season of Christmas in Japan is marked by enchanting illuminations that transform streets and cities into dazzling displays of light. Unlike the religious significance often associated with Christmas in other parts of the world, in Japan, it’s more about embracing the joyful holiday atmosphere and sharing the celebrations with loved ones. The unique blend of cultural influences shapes a distinct celebration where events and illuminations take center stage. Over the years, Christmas events and luminous displays have gained immense popularity, evolving into spectacular showcases. From early November, the streets come alive with festive decorations that persist until well after Christmas, with some extending into February. Osaka, in particular, becomes a romantic haven during this season, with countless couples enjoying leisurely strolls hand in hand amidst the radiant and magical surroundings.
*We will update the information for 2024-2025 when it’s officially announced
- 1.Midosuji Illumination
- 2.Hikari Renaissance Illumination
- 3.Osaka Castle Illumination
- 4.Osaka Christmas Market Illumination
- 5.Universal Studio- No Limit!
- 6.Kaiyukan Aquarium-Way of Life
- 7.Umeda Sky Building Illumination
- 8.Hirakata Park -Flowering Illumination
- 9.Wonder Night- Harvest Hill Illumination
- 10.Illumi- Night Bampaku Xmas Illumination
- 11.Abeno Tennoji Illumination
- 12.Abeno Harukas Illumination
- Japan Wonder Travel Tours
1.Midosuji Illumination
Midosuji Avenue, the grand boulevard of Osaka, transforms into a radiant wonderland during the Christmas season. Lined with trees adorned in captivating lights and vibrant displays, the avenue becomes a glamorous street that beckons both locals and visitors. It even broke a world record in 2015 for having the most illuminated trees on a single street! As darkness falls, Midosujis enchanting illumination creates a festive ambiance, making it a perfect setting for holiday shopping and leisurely under the sparkling canopy.
Date: November 3 -December 31, 2023
2.Hikari Renaissance Illumination
Hikari Renaissance, located in Nakanoshima, casts its magical glow over Osaka, creating captivating tunnels of light through trees. This enchanting illumination spectacle turns public spaces into mesmerizing realms, offering a dreamlike setting for romantic walks and capturing the essence of winter magic. The interplay of lights and nature makes Hikari Renaissance a must-visit destination for those seeking an escape in the heart of the city.
Date: December 14 -December 25, 2023
3.Osaka Castle Illumination
The historic Osaka Castle takes on a majestic aura during its illumination with its enchanting glow over its centuries-old architecture. Bathed in bright and colorful lights against the winter night sky, Osaka Castle becomes a breathtaking centerpiece of the City’s holiday celebration. The combination of history and festive illumination creates a unique and unforgettable experience for all visitors.
Date: November 22, 2023 -February 25, 2024
4.Osaka Christmas Market Illumination
The Osaka German-like Christmas Market comes alive with the warm glow of festive lights, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Stroll through the market’s charming stalls adorned with colorful lights, indulge in seasonal treats like mullet wine, gingerbread and many shopping experiences. The market’s vibrant ambiance, combined with the festive lights, provides a perfect setting for a cheerful and heartwarming Christmas experience.
Date: December 1- December 25, 2023
5.Universal Studio- No Limit!
Universal Studio Japan embraces the holiday spirit with a spectacular illumination display that transforms the theme park into a festive wonderland. Iconic characters like Elmo, Snoopy, Hello Kitty and others come to life with dazzling lights, offering a magical atmosphere for families and visitors of all ages. The park’s holiday themed events and enchanting lights make it a joyful destination for celebrating the season. And make sure to check out the popular Super Nintendo World Christmas and Harry Potter decorations!
Date: November 21, 2023- January 8, 2024
6.Kaiyukan Aquarium-Way of Life
Kaiyukan Aquarium dives into the festive season with beautiful outside and inside illuminations. It features a 20-meter-high Christmas tree, penguin and dolphin objects and other illuminations. Visitors can experience the enchantment of Christmas with a unique twist, making it a delightful destination for families and water animal enthusiasts. Be amazed by the beautiful display of illuminations while enjoying the gigantic whale sharks.
Date: TBA, For 2022: November 18- March 5, 2023
7.Umeda Sky Building Illumination
Umeda Sky Building reaches new heights of holiday charm with its dazzling illumination display. The 40th floor will feature a beautiful light installation with white white Christmas trees and life-size animals making it to an otherworldly forest. Whether it’s a cozy date night or a family trip, the Umeda Sky Building Illumination promises a memorable experience for everyone. Check out the observation deck’s starry path and make sure to get those pictures!
Date: -White Forest: November 19 -December 25
-SkyWalk Observation Deck: Open daily
8.Hirakata Park -Flowering Illumination
Hirakata Park transforms into a radiant playground during the winter season, captivating visitors with a dynamic display of lights and festive decorations. The amusement Park features dazzling illuminations of flowers and fairies. Nevertheless, the 13 meters tall fairy-tree is definitely their eye catcher. The park’s rides and attractions become part of a luminous wonderland, creating a magical atmosphere for families, couples and the whole squad to enjoy the holiday spirit.
Date: November 3, 2023 -April 7, 2024
9.Wonder Night- Harvest Hill Illumination
Wonder NIght Hill invites visitors into a realm of enchantment, where ordinary landscapes are transformed into extraordinary scenes of beauty. Visitors can experience five different areas within the park, with each offering a different theme (Ice age of Light, Shining play area, Big tree square, Candy Road and The World of sparkling insects). The walking paths adorned with sparkling lights create a serene and magical atmosphere, providing a delightful escape for those seeking a peaceful and visually captivating winter evening.
Date: October 28, 2023 -January 28, 2024
10.Illumi- Night Bampaku Xmas Illumination
Illumi-Night Bampaku Xmas unfolds! The area turns into a canvas for stunning light displays. The combination of nature and illumination creates a spectacle, offering a wonderful display of lights, sounds and culture. The Tower of the sun serves as the backdrop for the entire park. It will feature many projected images.
Date: Mid December- Late December
11.Abeno Tennoji Illumination
Abeno Tennoji Illumination radiates holiday cheer, transforming the surroundings of the Tennoji Park Entrance Area into a world of light. It is a festival first held in 2012 to support the reconstruction of the Great East Japan Earthquake. It features a unique theme every year. Abeno Tennoji Illumination captures the essence of the season, making it a must-visit destination for a dazzling Christmas celebration in Osaka.
Date: November 3, 2023 -January 31, 2024
12.Abeno Harukas Illumination
Abeno Harukas, one of the highest skyscrapers in Japan, transforms into a glittering masterpiece during its illumination. The building features Illumination at many places at site including Haruka (Observatory Deck 60th Floor) of the building which is 300 meters above ground. Visitors are invited to marvel at the panoramic views of Osaka bathed in sparkling lights making it a memorable Christmas celebration.
Date: November 3 -February 29, 2024
Japan Wonder Travel Tours
Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!
In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help!
▶Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour
Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides!
▶Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.
▶Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo
Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.
▶Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured!
Happy traveling!
Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Every week we will introduce you to our latest content.
