2024 Japan Christmas Event Guide (Osaka/Kyoto/Hokkaido)
No matter when you travel to Japan, you can't help but feel amazed, because each season of Japan shows a completely different and beautiful scenery.
When winter arrives, Japan has a series of festivals that locals love dearly. These include the joyful Christmas, the New Year full of new hopes and beginnings, the Coming of Age Day marking the transition to adulthood, and the romantic Valentine's Day. Amidst these colorful festivals, not only are there lively shopping discounts taking place everywhere, but also the dreamy and romantic "illuminations" (イルミネーション) shining like brilliant stars. Only when you actually arrive at the illumination site and place yourself in that dazzling world of light and color can you deeply feel the dreamlike beauty and profound emotion. This unique experience cannot be fully conveyed by any video or photo, no matter how wonderful. So, Japan's winter illuminations are an absolutely unmissable spectacular sight.
Umeda Sky Building Christmas
2024.11.22-12.25
This Christmas, the "Umeda Sky Building" will take you into the dream world of the classic story "The Nutcracker"! The main stage is on the 40th floor's Sky Observatory, where the 173-meter-high sky garden is transformed into a forest of Christmas trees shining with pink light. It feels like walking into a giant snow globe surrounded by pink gradients, making the whole scene dreamlike. This Christmas tree forest presents a completely different atmosphere during the day and night—romantic by day, sparkling by night!
Midosuji Illumination Event
2024.11.03-12.31
Osaka's symbolic street, Midosuji, sparkles with the "Midosuji Illumination"!!!
The "Midosuji Illumination" is one of the most anticipated winter illumination events in Osaka, usually held from November to December each year.
History and scale: Midosuji is one of Osaka's main thoroughfares, and the "Midosuji Illumination" event has a history of many years. Known for its large scale and exquisite illuminations, it attracts many tourists and local residents alike.
Illumination features: The illuminations typically feature various themes and designs, including Christmas trees, colored lights, light shows, etc. These decorations adorn Midosuji Street with a brilliant array of colors, creating a strong festive atmosphere.
Event highlights: In addition to viewing the illuminations, there are various performances, music shows, and food stalls during the event, providing more entertainment options for visitors. Additionally, the facades of some buildings are decorated with lights, adding to the artistic atmosphere of the entire area.
Universal Studios Japan "NO LIMIT! Christmas"
November 20, 2024 - January 5, 2025
This year, Universal Studios Japan once again presents a giant Christmas tree up to 30 meters tall, accompanied by a light and music show, the "NO LIMIT!" Party Tree, igniting the winter atmosphere of the entire park and offering a super-exhilarating Christmas show full of light and music. A notable highlight is the return of the immensely popular event after five years—"Hogwarts™ Magical Night ~Winter Magic~"! This magical light show is both an invitation to celebrate Christmas together and a perfect conclusion to the 10th anniversary celebration of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Kyoto Starlight Festival
2024.12.01-12.25
Joyo City's winter tradition.
Illuminations and an 8-meter tall symbol tree enhance the entire leisure area,
A colorful light festival attracts viewers.
This year's theme is "Toy World"!!!
Hokkaido - Sapporo
Sapporo White Illumination Festival
2024.11.22-2025.3.01
- Odori Park (1-chome to 5-chome): November 22, 2024 - December 25, 2025
- Sapporo Ekimae-dori (North 4-jo to South 4-jo): November 22, 2024 - February 11, 2025
- Minami Ichijo-dori (South 1-jo West 1-chome to 3-chome): November 22, 2024 - March 14, 2025
- Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza (AKAPLA) (Kita 2-jo West 4-chome): November 22, 2024 - March 14, 2025
- Sapporo Station South Entrance Plaza (Kita 5-jo West 3-chome): November 22, 2024 - March 14, 2025
2024 Munich Sapporo Christmas Market
November 22, 2024 - December 25, 2025
Sapporo Factory Christmas Illumination Event
2024.11.02-12.25
This giant Christmas tree has been installed every year since the opening of Sapporo Factory in 1993, and this year will be its 32nd appearance. As usual, a Sakhalin fir tree about 15 meters tall, donated by the Hiroo Santa Land (Hiroo Town, Hiroo District, Hokkaido), is decorated with about 50,000 red, blue, yellow, white, green, and gold LED lights. 1,500 LED lights are adorned with personalized ornaments, leading you into a sparkling fantasy world of light and music.
- Osaka Honmachi Saiho Hotel
- Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi Saiho Hotel
- Kyoto Shijo Omiya Saiho Hotel
- Sapporo Susukino Saiho Hotel
