This annual year-end celebration in Osaka covers a series of light-ups across the city. The Midosuji Illumination takes centre stage and has started earlier than usual this year to coincide with the recently concluded Osaka Expo. Another highlight is the Osaka Light Renaissance, held on the ‘museum island’ of Nakanoshima, showcasing striking site-specific projection mapping displays.
Midosuji Illumination
Osaka’s main and most famous road, the tree-lined Midosuji stretches from Umeda to Namba. The 4km-long Light Path comes aglow from 5pm until 1am, with the illuminations continuing until December 31.
The entire stretch is divided into seven coloured zones, each highlighting a different aspect of the city. Notably, the Minami area has unveiled a new colour for the first time in five years.
At one end of Midosuji, the lights at Umeda Ventilation Tower feature a shifting gradient effect, while eight buildings along the avenue are also illuminated to create an immersive streetscape after dark.
Osaka Light Renaissance
On the cultural island of Nakanoshima, the Osaka Light Renaissance has transformed the area into a wintertime ‘light museum’. From Osaka City Hall to Nakanoshima Park, several landmarks are illuminated with detailed light shows, offering visitors a sequence of displays to explore.
The Osaka Central Public Hall Projection Mapping (December 14–25, 5pm–9pm) turns the historic neo-Renaissance building into a night festival space, with vibrant stained-glass colours and shimmering effects. The Osaka City Hall facade, on the other hand, becomes a canvas for 3D LED mapping (until December 31, 5pm–1am), with additional video projections running closer to Christmas (December 14–25).
Around Naniwabashi Station, the Hikari Marche (December 14–25, 4pm–10pm), or Light Market, combines street food with up-close projection mapping. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy seasonal flavours while experiencing Osaka night at its brightest.
