SPECIAL
Now! Osaka

Oh, Midosuji!
Enjoy a Stroll on Osaka’s Iconic Street

llumination Photo spot

2026.11.06

Stretching north to south through the heart of the city, Midosuji is the most famous street in Osaka. Running beneath it is the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, the city’s busiest subway line.
Now that November is here, the ginkgo trees that symbolize Midosuji are turning brilliant gold, and at night, they are beautifully illuminated.
Together, they create a memorable part of Osaka’s cityscape.

※The photograph is Osaka Midosuji Illumination 2026 Sample Image.

A Historic Boulevard Inspired by Paris

In 1926, when Osaka had few north-south streets, city planners proposed creating wide boulevards, and work began to widen Midosuji. The redesign of Osaka’s main street drew inspiration from Paris and other European cities. As you stroll along Midosuji, don’t the streetlights and streetscape remind you of the Champs-Élysées?

As part of the project, electric wires were buried underground, transforming what had been a densely built-up business district into a more open, spacious streetscape. Midosuji offers a variety of scenery along the way. Around Yodoyabashi and Hommachi, you’ll find showrooms and offices of major corporations, chic cafés, and retro buildings. Closer to Shinsaibashi, the atmosphere shifts to rows of luxury brand boutiques.

Best of all, Midosuji is wonderfully walkable! You can stroll the entire 4 km boulevard in about an hour.

Ginkgo Season Is Here!

The ginkgo trees that line Midosuji are one of its defining features, creating an urban oasis where you can enjoy the changing seasons in the heart of the bustling city. Their fresh green leaves in spring are a delight, while the golden foliage that blankets the boulevard in autumn is one of Osaka’s most impressive sights.

As the leaves turn golden and begin to fall in late November through early December, cool autumn winds sweep through the city, quietly signaling the arrival of winter.

More than 630 ginkgo trees line the boulevard, each carefully managed by the city, with individual maintenance records kept for every tree. This beautiful scenery is made possible by the quiet efforts of countless people working behind the scenes.

Read more about Modosuji’s fall foliage
Fall Foliage in Osaka – Midosuji’s Golden Gingko Trees –

Enjoy the Illumination at Night

※Image for Midosuji Illumination 2026

Kicking off in November, Osaka Festival of the Lights 2026 transforms the city into a magical world of light from autumn through winter.

One of the highlights, Midosuji Illumination 2026, begins around 5 PM, as daylight fades and the ginkgo-lined boulevard is wrapped in colorful lights. The trees light up all at once, creating an impressive sight that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Spanning approximately 4 km, this illumination is one of the largest displays of its kind in the world. Each area has its own distinctive lighting design, bringing a different look and feel to the boulevard and adding a dramatic touch to Osaka’s nights once again this year♪

※ Image for illustrative purposes only

Midosuji Illumination 2026

[Location] Midosuji Boulevard (between Hanshin-mae & Namba-Nishiguchi intersections)
[Access] All stations between Umeda Station and Namba Station on Midosuji Line
[Hours] November 3-December 31, 2026 ※Around 5 PM – 1 AM

This year, Midosuji Illumination unfolds across five areas, each telling its own “story of light”. Whether you get off the subway at Umeda, Yodoyabashi, Hommachi, Shinsaibashi, or Namba Station, you’ll discover magical illuminations with a unique atmosphere in each area. Hop off at an area that catches your eye, or take a stroll to the next station with the cool night breeze on your face, and explore Osaka after dark at your own pace♪

If you want to make the most of Osaka for the day, the Osaka Metro Pass is a great option. With this handy pass, you get unlimited rides on all Osaka Metro lines for one day. Spend the day exploring famous attractions and sampling local food before heading out to enjoy the magical illuminations at night!

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