Minoh Candle Road
Celebrate the opening of Summer Festa Minoh Park with thousands of candles, illuminated temples, projection mapping, live music, and community art during one magical evening in Osaka's mountain retreat.
For one unforgettable evening each summer, Minoh Park glows with the warm light of thousands of candles as Minoh Candle Road opens Summer Festa Minoh Park 2026. Held on Saturday, July 25, this one-night celebration transforms Osaka’s beloved mountain escape into a magical festival of light, inviting visitors to wander forest paths, discover historic temples, and experience the park in a way that’s only possible on opening night.
The evening begins just outside Hankyu Minoh Station, where Candle Road leads visitors onto the historic Takimichi Trail. Approximately 5,000 candles line the route as it follows the Minoh River beneath towering trees, crossing stone bridges and passing through the park’s peaceful forest landscape. With each step away from the station, the sounds of the city fade, replaced by rushing water, birdsong, and the warm glow of candlelight.
Along the walk, take time to explore the tranquil grounds of Nishie-ji Temple, where the Bamboo Lantern Garden offers one of the evening’s most peaceful moments. Softly illuminated bamboo lanterns and gently lit temple grounds create a quiet contrast to the lively celebrations along the trail, making it a favorite stop for photographers and anyone looking to pause and enjoy the atmosphere before continuing deeper into the festival.
The glow of candlelight gradually draws visitors deeper into Minoh before arriving at Takian-ji Plaza, the heart of the evening’s festivities. Here, thousands of candles come together to form Candle Park, the spectacular centerpiece of Minoh Candle Road. The expansive display transforms Takian-ji Plaza into a sea of flickering light, creating one of Osaka’s most memorable summer scenes.As darkness falls, neighboring Takian-ji Temple becomes the stage for a free projection mapping presentation from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with colorful digital artwork inspired by Minoh’s four seasons illuminating the temple’s historic architecture in a stunning blend of history and technology.
Nearby, visitors can become part of the celebration through Light Up Minoh Forest, a community art project that invites the first participants to receive illuminated LED balloons in exchange for a charitable donation. As hundreds of glowing lights spread throughout the festival grounds, the installation becomes a living artwork created by the visitors themselves, transforming spectators into part of the evening’s display.
Throughout the evening, Machiyama Live provides a relaxing soundtrack near the Minoh Park Insect Museum, where the duo Dairaji performs free outdoor concerts from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Featuring steel pan, guitar, and vocals, the music drifts through the forest as visitors stroll between the festival’s illuminated attractions, adding another layer to Minoh’s uniquely peaceful atmosphere.
Whether you’re visiting with family, planning a romantic summer evening, or simply looking to discover a quieter side of Osaka, Minoh Candle Road offers a completely different festival experience from the city’s bustling downtown celebrations. It is a night where nature, history, art, and community come together beneath thousands of flickering lights, creating memories that linger long after the candles have gone out.
The magic doesn’t end with Candle Road. Beginning the following evening, Summer Nights at Minoh Falls continues Summer Festa Minoh Park with nightly illuminated walks through the forest to the famous Minoh Great Waterfall, extending the experience through August 30.
Candlelit Takimichi Trail – Follow approximately 5,000 candles through Minoh Park’s historic forest trail.
Bamboo Lantern Garden – Explore the peaceful lantern displays within the grounds of Nishie-ji Temple.
Candle Park & Projection Mapping – Experience the festival’s spectacular finale at Takian-ji Plaza and Temple.
Light Up Minoh Forest – Help illuminate the festival with glowing LED balloons and community art.
Machiyama Live – Enjoy free live music beneath the trees near the Minoh Park Insect Museum.
Photos: Minohkankou.net, Osaka Scene
Maps
Contact
THE SCENE: FAQ’s
ACCESS
Venue
Takimichi Trail, Nishie-ji Temple, Takian-ji Plaza & Takian-ji Temple
Minoh Park, Minoh, Osaka
Address
1-18 Minoh, Minoh City, Osaka 562-0002
Nearest Stations
Train (Recommended)
Hankyu Takarazuka Line→ Ishibashi Handai-mae Station
⇄ Transfer
Hankyu Minoh Line→ Minoh Station
From the station's only ticket gate, walk approximately 1 minute to the entrance of the Takimichi Trail.
Subway
Osaka Metro Midosuji Line→ Minoh-Kayano Station
⇄ Transfer
Hankyu Bus→ Hankyu Minoh Station
From the station's only ticket gate, walk approximately 1 minute to the entrance of the Takimichi Trail.
Walking Route
Hankyu Minoh Station (Festival Entrance)
↓ 5 minutes
Nishie-ji Temple (Bamboo Lantern Garden)
↓ 10 minutes
Minoh Park Insect Museum (Machiyama Live)
↓ 5 minutes
Takian-ji Plaza (Candle Park • Light Up Minoh Forest)
↓ Adjacent
Takian-ji Temple (Projection Mapping)
SCHEDULE
Minoh Candle Road
one night only - Saturday, July 25, 2026
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Evening Schedule
7:00 p.m.
Festival opens. Candle Road, Candle Park, Bamboo Lantern Garden, Light Up Minoh Forest, and Machiyama Live begin.
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Projection Mapping at Takian-ji Temple.
9:00 p.m.
Festival concludes.
Suggested Arrival
Arrive between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to enjoy the full walking route before darkness falls, allowing plenty of time to explore each installation, watch the projection mapping, and enjoy the live music.
Weather
The festival is held outdoors. Some programs may be cancelled or modified in the event of severe weather. Check the official Summer Festa Minoh Park website for the latest updates before traveling.
ADMISSION
Admission
Free
Minoh Candle Road is free to attend, and there is no admission fee to enter Minoh Park or enjoy the festival's featured attractions.
Reservations
No reservations or advance registration are required. Visitors are free to explore the festival route and attractions at their own pace during event hours.
Light Up Minoh Forest
Participation in Light Up Minoh Forest is available to the first 500 participants. An illuminated LED balloon is provided in exchange for a charitable donation while supplies last.
Food & Drinks
Cafés, restaurants, and Minoh's famous momiji tempura shops can be found near Minoh Station and along the Takimichi Trail. Individual vendors set their own menus and prices.
Official Information
THE EXPERIENCE
Minoh Candle Road invites you to slow down and experience the park one step at a time. As you leave the station behind, the lights of the city give way to candlelit forest paths, peaceful temple grounds, live music, and the gentle sound of the Minoh River. Each stop reveals something new, making the journey itself just as memorable as the destination.
- Wander the candlelit Takimichi Trail beneath towering trees.
- Discover peaceful temple grounds illuminated by bamboo lanterns.
- Experience Candle Park and projection mapping at Takian-ji Plaza.
- Join the community by becoming part of Light Up Minoh Forest.
- Enjoy live music as you stroll through one of Osaka's most enchanting summer evenings.
Whether it's your first visit to Minoh or a summer tradition, Minoh Candle Road offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Osaka's most beautiful natural settings after dark—where nature, history, art, and community come together for one unforgettable night.
INFO & TIPS
Minoh Candle Road is designed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Take your time exploring each installation and allow the evening to unfold naturally as you follow the Takimichi Trail.
- Plan 2–3 hours to experience the full festival and walk back to Minoh Station.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. The Takimichi Trail is paved but includes gentle slopes.
- Arrive before 7:00 p.m. to enjoy the changing atmosphere from dusk into darkness.
- Bring a fully charged phone or camera—the candlelit trail, temples, and projection mapping offer exceptional photo opportunities.
- Food, drinks, cafés, and Minoh's famous momiji tempura are available near Minoh Station and along the Takimichi Trail.
- Help keep the park beautiful by staying on designated paths and following staff directions around festival installations.
Good to Know: Minoh Candle Road marks the opening of Summer Festa Minoh Park. If you can't experience everything in one evening, Summer Nights at Minoh Falls begins the following night, extending the celebration with nightly forest and waterfall illuminations through August 30.
