Illumi Night Expo ~2024 WINTER~
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 29th to December 22nd, and from December 28th to 30th
Check out this captivating festival of lights and art! 
The Illumi-Night Expo ~2024 WINTER~, gracing Osaka’s Expo Park, is a mesmerizing blend of brilliant illuminations and engaging activities. Whether you’re a local or traveling from afar, here’s why you should visit this unique event.
What’s Lighting Up Expo Park?
This year marks the spectacular return of the "Tower of the Sun" projection mapping — appearing for the first time in six years! The theme, "Energy for Future," brings together the creative brilliance of NAKED, INC. and students from Osaka University of Arts. Their collaboration transcends space and time, taking you on a journey from the ancient world to today’s modern marvels, all while peering into the excitement of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
An Evening to Remember
From sunset until 21:00, immerse yourself in the magical landscape as colorful lights dance around you. Don’t miss the chance to explore inside the Tower of the Sun, open until 19:00 (note: separate admission and reservations preferred), offering a glimpse into its fascinating interiors.
Hungry for more? Head over to the Festival Plaza for the Ramen EXPO 2024 in Expo Park, boasting an impressive lineup of about 65 hand-picked ramen shops from across Japan. 
Event Details
- Dates: 11/29 (Fri) – 12/22 (Sun) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; 12/28 (Sat) – 12/30 (Mon)
- Time: Sunset to 21:00 (last entry at 20:30)
- Venue: Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, Nature and Culture Garden, around the Tower of the Sun, Festival Plaza (1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture)
- Central Gate and Japanese Garden Gate for entry
- East and West Gates close at 16:30
- Post 16:30 parking at Central and Japanese Garden Parking Lots (last entry 20:30)
- Special Hours: 12/28-12/30, entry from 9:30 to 20:30
Admission Fees
- Adults: 260 yen
- Elementary and Junior High School Students: 80 yen
Plan Your Visit
For inquiries, contact at 0120-1970-89 or 06-6877-7387 (Call Center open 9:30 to 17:00). For more information, visit the event website.
Make it a complete experience and check for hotels nearby.
Let the Illumi Night Expo be the highlight of your winter season, filled with light, laughter, and unforgettable experiences! 
What is the Tower of the Sun?
The Tower of the Sun is an iconic symbolic structure located in the Expo Commemoration Park in Suita, Osaka, Japan. Designed by the artist Tarō Okamoto, it was originally created as the centerpiece for the Expo ’70, the first world’s fair held in Japan. The tower stands at 70 meters tall and features three distinct faces on its exterior, which represent the past, present, and future. The sun-themed faces are emblematic of life, growth, and the cyclical nature of time, while the tower’s unique, avant-garde design reflects Okamoto’s innovative approach to art and architecture.
Inside the Tower of the Sun, visitors can explore a series of exhibitions and displays that delve into the concepts of evolution and progress, showcasing both the cultural significance and the historical context of its creation. The structure has undergone several restorations over the years, solidifying its status as a beloved symbol of creativity and resilience.
During events like the Illumi-Night Expo 2024 Winter, the Tower of the Sun transforms into a vibrant canvas for projection mapping displays, where lights and digital images illuminate its surface, bringing Okamoto’s vision to life in new and dynamic ways that captivate and enchant audiences.
