Osaka Castle Illuminage 2025:
Samurai Legends & 3 Million Lights☆

● Social Media’s Favorite Winter Illumination is Back

Osaka Castle transforms into a magical world of light this winter at Osaka Castle Illuminage 2025☆ Celebrating its 15th anniversary, one of Osaka’s top winter illumination events is expanding in both scale and spectacle this year! Osaka Castle and its Nishinomaru Garden turn into a dazzling wonderland, blending the drama and romance of Japan’s Sengoku (Warring States) period with the latest illumination technology.

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● Samurai Warrior Displays - A Must-see for Sengoku fans!

Lights in the Nishinomaru Garden turn on at 5 p.m. right when darkness sets in. At that moment, the darkness and nothingness disappear and, in its place, emerges a world of brilliant lights. It’s a sea of lights that extends forever.

The theme this year is “Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Dream – Unification of Japan”.
Known as the second “Great Unifier” of Japan and as the founder of Osaka Castle, Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a Japanese samurai and feudal lord who completed the unification of Japan in the 16th century. At the illuminage, Hideyoshi’s commanders—including Kato Kiyomasa, Sanada Yukimura, and Ishida Mitsunari—come alive in brilliant armor, bringing the drama and stories of the Sengoku period to life in light. Shining in colorful LED lights and accompanied by music, this spectacular display is a must-see for fans of Japan’s Warring States era.

Whoa! Of course the mighty warrior is on horseback—just look at that power!

There are six Sengoku warrior displays—can you guess who’s who?

Here’s a princess—with the brilliant 12-layer formal attire reserved for court ladies♪

And there’s even a tunnel of glowing swords—it’s so unique and seriously cool!

The Osaka Castle main keep is also lit up nearby, creating an interesting contrast with the cluster of high-rise buildings in the background. A festival of lights with Osaka Castle as the background is a sight to see☆

In addition to Sengoku warriors, colorful installations include Shitennoji Temple (Japan’s first state-sponsored Buddhist temple) and Tsutenkaku Tower (an Osakan icon in Shin-Sekai). It is a very Japanese themed event with delightful retro colors that make a perfect Instagram post.

● Unique Osaka Landmarks in Lights

You’re sure to recognize Osaka’s landmarks and icons at the event—Kuromon Ichiba Market, Dotonbori, Osaka City Central Public Hall, takoyaki, and Tsutenkaku Tower are all on colorful display. In fact, spotting the icons you know among the displays local to Osaka is a fun game.

Here’s Dotonbori in brilliant LED lights! From the iconic Glico runinng man to the neon signs lining the canal, everything is recreated—as if the entire district were transported here☆ And this is just the start of the one-of-a-kind illuminations you can experience only in Osaka!

Where else would you find glowing Takoyaki displays?

New this year: a path of lights perfect for popping the question—or just a magical date spot! lol

You can even brush up on your Osaka dialect—only here in Osaka!

Bright red illuminations with adorable faces represent the thousands of daruma dolls at Katuo-ji Temple in Osaka’s Minoh area, a favorite spot among international visitors. Known for bringing a good luck, these daruma illuminations are sure to bring you a touch of fortune♪

● Eat & Play!

As you enjoy a stroll through the dazzling illuminations, food trucks stand by to keep you warm and satisfied. Here’s a hot bowl of oden—a Japanese winter hot pot dish made with aromatic dashi broth.

There’s even an activity area where you can enjoy a glowing seesaw—fun for kids and adults alike!

● Illuminage Beyond Osaka

Illuminage 2025 extends beyond Osaka into the city of Kobe. Kobe Illuminage takes place at Michi-no-eki Kobe Fruit & Flower Park Osawa. Each location offers its own unique theme inspired by the location. Visit both and experience two different stories in lights!

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