Osaka Castle Illuminage 2024-2025

Get ready to be transported to the Sengoku period at the Osaka Castle Illuminage, a light-up event set in the iconic Nishinomaru Garden of Osaka Castle. Running from mid November until mid February and operating under the theme of "Welcome to the World of Shoguns and Samurai", the event brings history to life through sparkling lights and immersive storytelling.

Event highlights

This year’s Illuminage is inspired by the historical significance of Osaka Castle, a symbol of Japan's cultural heritage. Visitors will journey back to the era of shoguns and samurai, surrounded by numerous displays that recreate the world of the Sengoku period. A couple of the highlights include a full-body samurai warrior exhibit and a life-sized "Nanban ship" illumination, modeled after the vessels that connected Japan to the world during the Muromachi and Edo periods. The best part is that visitors to the event can actually enter and walk on the model ship itself!

Additionally, the event expands into the "Osaka Illumination Tourist Spot Series" which showcases the city’s famous landmarks like Tsutenkaku and Dotonbori through lights. There will even be a three-dimensional illumination of takoyaki, bringing a dose of fun to the event alongside the myriad of historic and cultural displays.

Ticketing information and operating hours

The event runs nightly from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with the light displays ending at 9:30 PM. This is a paid event with tickets priced at 2000 JPY for adults (counted as anyone 13 years and older) and 1000 JPY for children (ages 1 to 12). Please also note that special Christmas tickets are required for entry between December 21st and 25th, when visitors are estimated to be at their peak.