Osaka Castle Tells a Story in Light
Osaka Castle becomes a canvas of light for SINFONIA, a free projection-mapping experience celebrating 160 years of Japan–Italy relations. Produced by NAKED, the six-minute visual journey plays across the castle’s south façade for 11 nights in October.
Castle has carried nearly five centuries of Japanese history on its walls. This October, those walls will tell a story that stretches all the way to Italy.
From October 15–25, SINFONIA transforms the south façade of Osaka Castle Keep into a giant canvas of light, imagery and music. Created to commemorate the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy, the free projection-mapping experience will run repeatedly between 19:00 and 22:00 for 11 consecutive nights.
And this isn’t simply an Italian-inspired light show projected onto one of Osaka’s most famous landmarks. SINFONIA has a story to tell.
The approximately six-minute production begins in the 16th century, connecting the era in which Osaka Castle emerged with the early encounters between Japan and Italy. It then moves through 1866, when the two countries formally established diplomatic relations, and across 160 years of cultural exchange before looking toward a future shaped in part by the legacy of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
The setting gives that history an unmistakably Osaka perspective. In addition to the national anniversary, 2026 marks 45 years since Osaka and Milan became sister cities, adding another layer to the relationship being celebrated across the castle walls.
Behind the production is NAKED, INC., the creative company known for transforming landmarks and historic spaces through projection mapping, lighting and immersive digital art. Its work has appeared at Nijo Castle, Tokyo Tower and Abeno Harukas, while NAKED meets Gaudí recently brought another architecture-inspired digital experience to Grand Green Osaka.
At Osaka Castle, the architecture becomes part of the show. Centuries-old walls, white plaster and distinctive rooflines provide the canvas for a visual narrative spanning two countries and hundreds of years.
Visitors won’t need to commit to an entire evening. Each screening lasts approximately six minutes, with multiple performances between 19:00 and 22:00. Viewing takes place from the Honmaru area on the south side of the Keep, with no admission fee or advance reservation required.
For 11 nights this October, Osaka Castle won’t just be illuminated. It will have a story to tell.
Castle in Motion — See Osaka Castle Keep transformed into a giant canvas of projected light, imagery and music.
160 Years in Six Minutes — Follow a visual journey through the history of relations between Japan and Italy.
NAKED Production — Experience projection mapping from the creative team behind landmark light shows across Japan.
Osaka Meets Milan — Celebrate 45 years of sister-city ties alongside the Japan–Italy anniversary.
Free After Dark — Catch multiple screenings between 19:00 and 22:00 with no admission fee or reservation required.
Image Credit: Osaka Castle SINFONIA official website
WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN OSAKA?
Discover events, exhibitions, festivals, concerts, culture & more.
Follow @osakascene on Instagram
Maps
Contact
THE SCENE: FAQ’s
ACCESS
Venue: Osaka Castle Keep — South Façade / Honmaru
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Trains:
JR Osaka Loop Line → Morinomiya Station → approx. 20–25 minutes on foot to Osaka Castle Keep
From Morinomiya Station, enter Osaka Castle Park and continue west through the park toward the Honmaru and Osaka Castle Keep. SINFONIA is projected onto the south façade of the Keep, with viewing from the Honmaru area.
Subways:
Metro Chuo / Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Lines → Morinomiya Station → approx. 20–25 minutes on foot
Exit toward Osaka Castle Park and continue through the grounds toward Osaka Castle Keep and the Honmaru area.
Osaka Castle Park is extensive, so allow additional walking time beyond simply reaching the park entrance.
SCHEDULE
Dates: October 15–25, 2026
Hours: 19:00–22:00
Show Length: Approximately 6 minutes
Screening Times:
19:00 / 19:20 / 19:40
20:00 / 20:20 / 20:40
21:00 / 21:20 / 21:40
SINFONIA is scheduled to run for 11 consecutive nights, with multiple screenings of the projection-mapping production between 19:00 and 22:00.
The approximately six-minute show traces the relationship between Japan and Italy, beginning with the 16th century and moving through the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1866, 160 years of exchange and a vision of the future following Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
TICKETS
Admission: Free
Advance Reservations: Not required
No ticket or advance reservation is required to watch SINFONIA.
The projection mapping takes place on the exterior of Osaka Castle Keep and is viewed from the Honmaru area. Admission to the interior of Osaka Castle Keep is not required to see the nighttime projection.
THE EXPERIENCE
SINFONIA uses one of Osaka’s most recognizable landmarks as the canvas for a six-minute journey connecting Japan and Italy through history, light and music.
- Watch projection-mapped imagery transform the south façade of Osaka Castle Keep.
- Follow a visual story spanning the 16th century, the beginning of formal Japan–Italy relations and 160 years of exchange.
- See Osaka’s own connection with Italy reflected through its 45-year sister-city relationship with Milan.
- Experience a production directed by NAKED, known for projection mapping and immersive digital-art installations at landmarks across Japan.
- Catch one of multiple screenings during an evening visit to Osaka Castle Park without purchasing a ticket or making a reservation.
Each screening is short enough to make SINFONIA an easy addition to an autumn evening in Osaka Castle Park.
INFO & TIPS
SINFONIA is projected onto the south façade of Osaka Castle Keep, so head toward the Honmaru rather than stopping elsewhere in the much larger Osaka Castle Park.
Multiple screenings are scheduled between 19:00 and 22:00, but exact individual start times have not yet been published.
The event is free, and no advance reservation is required.
The production is approximately six minutes long, making it possible to combine the show with an evening walk through Osaka Castle Park or other plans in the area.
Detailed information regarding rain, severe weather, cancellations and any changes to the nightly schedule has not yet been published. Check for updated event information before visiting.
Production / Direction: NAKED, INC.
Organizer: Japan–Italy Diplomatic Relations 160th Anniversary Osaka Castle Project Executive Committee
Osaka Castle Website: https://www.osakacastle.net/
