Things to Do in Osaka in December

December in Osaka is the season to enjoy winter illuminations and hot gourmet food! With Christmas markets and year-end festivities, there’s a lot of unique winter experiences to be had.

*Please check the official website for the latest information on the exact dates and details of events.

Enjoy Illumination Events

“Midosuji Illumination”

“Midosuji Illumination” is an illumination event that decorates the iconic street of Osaka, Midosuji, for about 4 kilometers. The event is divided into five zones with theme colors such as cherry blossom pink, aqua blue, and champagne gold, each offering a different path of lights.

• Event Period: From November 3 to December 31
• Lighting Time: From around 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• Access: Immediately accessible from JR Osaka Station and various subway stations

There are also hotel accommodation plans where you can view the illuminations from above, which is highly recommended.

“OSAKA Hikari Renaissance”

“OSAKA Hikari Renaissance” is a “light art festival” centered around the Nakanoshima area. Highlights include the illuminated Central Public Hall, a designated important cultural property, and the light programs symbolizing the aqua metropolis of Osaka.

• Event Period: 12 days from December 14 to December 25
• Lighting Time: From 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (some contents may vary)
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Yodoyabashi Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and Keihan Railway

German Christmas Market Osaka

The “German Christmas Market Osaka” is a popular event held at the plaza of Umeda Sky Building. You can enjoy traditional German cuisine such as beer, hot wine, and sausages.

• Event Period: From mid-November to December 25
• Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Osaka Station

With beautiful illuminations, a Christmas tree, and a merry-go-round, it is very popular with families and couples.

Enjoy Winter Hot Gourmet Food

“551 HORAI” Butaman

“551 HORAI” butaman is one of Osaka’s representative gourmet foods. This item features a filling of mainly pork and onions wrapped in slightly sweet dough, with an average daily sales volume of about 170,000 pieces. It is also popular as a souvenir, and the shumai and gyoza are also recommended. Available at major stations and airports in Osaka city.

“Okonomiyaki Den”

“Okonomiyaki Den” is a popular local okonomiyaki restaurant. Located about a 2-minute walk from Hanazonochō Station, you can enjoy okonomiyaki made with dashi broth from bonito and fresh vegetables directly from farmers. Recommended menu items include “Butatama,” “DEN Special,” and “Salt Yakisoba with Special Noodles.”

“Kitashinchi Kushikatsu Bon”

“Kitashinchi Kushikatsu Bon” is a Michelin-starred restaurant representing the kushikatsu culture of Osaka. The omakase course is popular, allowing you to enjoy kushikatsu made with carefully selected ingredients of the day. Access is about a 10-minute walk from JR Osaka Station.

Perfect Spots for a Christmas Date

Hirakata Park

“Hirakata Park,” affectionately known as “Hirapa,” is a theme park. The winter illumination event “Hikari no Yuenchi” features a shining Ferris wheel “Sky Walker” and night attractions. The “Winter Carnival” also offers ice skating and a snow area, making it perfect for a date.

• Access: About a 3-minute walk from Keihan Hirakata-koen Station

Kaiyukan

“Kaiyukan” is one of the largest aquariums in the world, with the giant whale shark being a highlight. In winter, events like “Santa Diver” and illumination events create a festive Christmas atmosphere.

• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro Chuo Line Osaka-ko Station

Abeno Harukas

“Abeno Harukas” is the tallest building in Japan, and the night view from the top floor “Harukas 300” is spectacular. The “Sky Illumination” held from November to early March is also recommended.

• Access: About a 1-minute walk from Kintetsu Osaka-Abenobashi Station

Popular Tourist Spots in Osaka

Universal Studios Japan

“Universal Studios Japan (USJ)” is a theme park where you can enjoy the world of Hollywood movies. The Christmas event “NO LIMIT! Christmas” features a 30-meter-tall Christmas tree and a new night live show.

• Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR Universal City Station

Osaka Castle

“Osaka Castle,” built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, is a historic castle that also functions as a museum. Highlights include the golden shachihoko on the roof and the view from the observation deck.

• Access: About a 15-minute walk from Osaka Metro Chuo Line Morinomiya Station

Tsutenkaku

“Tsutenkaku” is a symbolic tower of Osaka, offering a 360-degree view from the observation deck. The surrounding Shinsekai area is lined with local eateries and souvenir shops, allowing you to fully enjoy the atmosphere of Osaka.

• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line Ebisucho Station