Illuminage will happen at five venues this year throughout Osaka and Kobe (and even one in Fukuoka) — that’s a lot of lights.
Drive-through illumination
Japan’s first drive-through illumination event is a great way to get festive in Osaka this chilly winter, which makes it ironic that this year’s theme is Hawaii. The venue is the Sakai City Municipal Soccer Training Center.
Tickets
Tickets are ¥6,000 per car, with up to 5 passengers. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the price rises to ¥8,000. You’ll need to pay ¥1,000 for each additional passenger. Advance tickets are available here.
Osaka Castle illumination
From Nov. 22 until Feb. 26, 2023, the iconic Osaka Castle will be lit up with neon lights. There will also be performances, music, and an exhibition from Ultraman.
Tickets
Admission is ¥1,500 for adults and ¥800 for children. There is also an express ticket for ¥500 more for quicker access. Tickets available here.
Kobe Illuminage
In Kobe Fruit and Flower Park (quite far from Kobe City but there are busses available), the Enchanted Ice Palace will be born. There will be a giant glowing snowman, sculptures, light shows and more from Nov. 19 until Feb 26, 2023. Lights start from 5 p.m. and end at 10 p.m.
Tickets
Admission is ¥1,500 for adults and ¥800 for children. There is also an express ticket for ¥500 more for quicker access. Tickets available here.
Shuttle bus
There will be a free shuttle bus on certain days (Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25) from JR Mita Station. The time schedule can be found here.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.- 0.6 km from Osaka Business Park Station Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line (N21)
- 0.8 km from Osakajō-kōen Station Osaka Loop Line (O7)
- 0.9 km from Temmabashi Station Keihan Main Line (KH3)Tanimachi Line (T22)
