Osaka’s Expo Legacies Light Up the Tower of the Sun
Osaka’s iconic Tower of the Sun becomes a canvas for projection mapping celebrating Expo ’70 and Expo 2025, while Illumi-Night brings a festive winter atmosphere to Expo ’70 Park on 20 selected evenings.
As winter settles into Kansai and evenings arrive earlier each day, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park once again becomes one of Osaka’s most distinctive nighttime destinations. Illumi-Night Banpaku brings light and color to the grounds surrounding the Tower of the Sun, transforming a familiar landmark into the centerpiece of a winter evening with a remarkable connection to Osaka’s past.
For 2026, that connection takes on a new dimension. From November 22 through December 30, the park hosts a special projection-mapping program celebrating the legacies of Osaka’s two World Expos. On 20 selected evenings (See SCHEDULE), the Tower of the Sun becomes a monumental canvas for moving images and light inspired by Expo ’70 and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The five-minute presentations begin four times each hour between 17:00 and 21:00, giving visitors several opportunities to experience the spectacle.
The Tower itself makes this an extraordinary setting. Created by artist Tarō Okamoto for the 1970 World Expo, its three faces represent the past, present and future. More than half a century later, Osaka hosted another World Expo on Yumeshima in 2025. The new projection mapping brings those two chapters of the city’s history together on a monument that has become one of Osaka’s most recognizable symbols.
There is another experience waiting inside the EXPO’70 Pavilion. Back to EXPO’70, a projection-mapping presentation originally shown for just two days during Expo 2025, returns for daytime visitors. Running from 10:00–17:00 on event dates, it offers a different perspective on the 1970 exposition and its enduring place in Osaka’s cultural memory. Visitors arriving in the afternoon can enjoy the pavilion before heading outside for the evening projections.
Visitors can enter the park after 16:30 through the Central Gate or Japanese Garden Gate, making it possible to arrive as daylight fades and stay for the evening performances. Away from Osaka’s busy shopping streets, the nighttime viewing area around the Tower offers a striking perspective on the illuminated landmark against the winter sky. The combination of monumental architecture, moving images and the atmosphere of a winter evening makes this a particularly appealing destination for photographers, couples and families.
Illumi-Night Banpaku remains a uniquely Osaka event—one that celebrates the park’s legacy as the site of Expo ’70 while carrying forward the spirit of Expo 2025. Whether you’re visiting for a quiet evening walk, a romantic winter date, or a festive family outing, these illuminated nights offer a warm and inviting close to the year.
Tower of the Sun Projection Mapping – Watch Osaka’s iconic landmark come alive with moving images celebrating Expo ’70 and Expo 2025.
Winter Illumination – Experience the Tower and its surroundings illuminated against the winter night sky.
Back to EXPO’70 – Discover a returning projection-mapping presentation inside the EXPO’70 Pavilion.
Osaka’s Expo Legacy – Explore the remarkable connection between Osaka’s World Expos, held 55 years apart.
An Evening at the Park – Enjoy a memorable winter outing with family, friends or someone special.
Photos: Expo ’70 Illumi-Night official website, Osaka Scene Staff
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THE SCENE: FAQ’s
ACCESS
Venue: Expo ’70 Commemorative Park — Sun Plaza (Taiyo no Hiroba) and EXPO’70 Pavilion
Address: 1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826
Trains
Osaka Monorail → Bampaku-kinen-koen Station
From the station, walk approximately five minutes north to the park’s Central Gate. Continue toward the Tower of the Sun and follow event signs to the designated viewing area.
Alternatively, Osaka Monorail → Koen-higashiguchi Station provides access from the park’s eastern side.
Subways
Metro Midosuji Line → Senri-Chuo Station ↔ Osaka Monorail → Bampaku-kinen-koen Station.
The Midosuji Line continues directly onto the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line to Senri-Chuo. Transfer there to the Osaka Monorail.
Evening Entrance
For the nighttime event, use the Central Gate or Japanese Garden Front Gate. The projection-mapping program operates within a designated area rather than throughout the entire park.
◷ FROM CENTRAL OSAKA
From Namba: Approximately 45–55 minutes. Take the Midosuji Line north to Senri-Chuo, then transfer to the Osaka Monorail.
From Osaka/Umeda: Approximately 35–45 minutes. Take the Midosuji Line from Umeda to Senri-Chuo, then transfer to the Osaka Monorail.
Allow additional time to reach the viewing area after entering the park.
Official access information: https://www.expo70-park.jp/guide/access/
SCHEDULE
Dates & Hours
November 22–December 30, 2026
The event operates on 20 selected days, not continuously.
November: 22, 23, 27, 28, 29
December: 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Tower of the Sun Projection Mapping
17:00–21:00
Presentations begin at:
17:05 / 17:15 / 17:30 / 17:45
This sequence repeats hourly, with the final presentations beginning at 20:05, 20:15, 20:30 and 20:45.
Each presentation lasts approximately five minutes.
Last park admission: 20:30
EXPO’70 Pavilion — Back to EXPO’70
10:00–17:00
Last admission: 16:30
The daytime presentation revives Back to EXPO’70, originally shown for two days during Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
Planning Tip: Arrive during the afternoon to visit the pavilion, then stay for the Tower projections beginning at 17:00.
Schedule Changes: The organizer may change or cancel performances without advance notice.
Official schedule: https://www.expo70-park.jp/event/77555/
TICKETS
Admission
The projection-mapping presentations are free to watch, but regular admission to Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is required.
Park Admission
Adults and high school students: ¥450
Junior high school students and younger: Free
Winter Student Discount
High school students receive a special ¥250 admission rate from December 25, 2026, through January 6, 2027.
For Illumi-Night visitors, this applies to the final six event dates: December 25–30.
To qualify:
- Present a valid student ID at the admission window.
- Pay ¥250 in cash.
- The discount cannot be combined with other admission discounts.
Purchasing Tickets
General park admission can be purchased at the entrance gates.
The park introduced cashless payments at selected entrance gates on October 1, 2026, including credit cards, transportation IC cards and supported QR payment services.
The special high school student discount requires cash payment at the staffed window.
Reservations
The official event announcement does not specify advance reservations for the outdoor projection-mapping presentations.
EXPO’70 Pavilion
The pavilion has its own regular admission arrangements. Visitors planning to enter the exhibition areas should check the pavilion’s current admission information separately.
Official event and admission information:
THE EXPERIENCE
Illumi-Night Banpaku brings a different atmosphere to Expo ’70 Park after dark, while the surrounding park and EXPOCITY offer plenty more to discover during a visit to Suita.
ILLUMI-NIGHT & THE TOWER
- A Different Side of the Park: The park’s familiar daytime landscape takes on a different character after sunset, with the Tower of the Sun illuminated against the winter sky.
- Illumi-Night’s Illuminations: Previous editions have featured decorative lighting along park pathways, adding a festive atmosphere beyond the Tower itself. These displays are part of the event’s history, while the 2026 program places special emphasis on projection mapping.
- Multiple Viewing Perspectives: The Tower’s enormous scale and unusual three-faced design make the projection mapping especially interesting to watch from different positions within the designated viewing area.
- Winter Photography: The combination of Tarō Okamoto’s monumental architecture, colorful projections and winter darkness offers photographic opportunities quite different from the park’s familiar daytime views.
MORE TO EXPLORE AT EXPO ’70 PARK
- Inside the Tower of the Sun: Discover Okamoto’s extraordinary Tree of Life, a towering sculpture depicting the evolution of life, inside the landmark itself. The interior is a separate daytime attraction.
- Japanese Garden: Created for Expo ’70, the park’s traditional Japanese Garden offers landscaped ponds, bridges and seasonal scenery—a striking contrast to the futuristic Tower.
- National Museum of Ethnology: Explore exhibitions devoted to the cultures, traditions and everyday lives of people around the world at one of Japan’s major ethnological museums.
- Expo ’70 Heritage: Beyond the Tower, the park preserves traces of the 1970 World’s Fair, offering another opportunity to discover how the international exhibition helped shape modern Osaka.
JUST OUTSIDE THE PARK — EXPOCITY
- LaLaport EXPOCITY: Explore a large shopping complex with hundreds of stores, cafés and restaurants directly across from Bampaku-kinen-koen Station.
- NIFREL: Discover an unusual aquarium, zoo and art-inspired exhibition space that explores living creatures through immersive displays.
- OSAKA WHEEL: Enjoy panoramic views of Suita and the Osaka skyline from one of Japan’s tallest Ferris wheels, an especially attractive experience after sunset.
- Dining & Entertainment: EXPOCITY’s restaurants, food court, cinema and other entertainment facilities make the surrounding area a destination in its own right.
Together, Illumi-Night, Expo ’70 Park and EXPOCITY offer an unusually varied combination of art, history, nature, entertainment and winter lights—all within one area of northern Osaka.
INFO & TIPS
Dress for Winter: December evenings in Suita can be cold, particularly when standing outdoors for extended periods. Wear warm layers, comfortable shoes and gloves.
Evening Access: The nighttime event is restricted to designated areas around the Tower of the Sun. Follow illuminated routes, event signs and staff instructions rather than assuming the entire park remains open.
Photography: Photography of the outdoor projections is a highlight of the event. Be considerate of other visitors, particularly when using tripods or other equipment that could obstruct viewing areas.
Weather: The outdoor program may be affected by adverse weather. Check the official event website for cancellations or schedule changes before traveling.
Food & Drink: EXPOCITY, across from Bampaku-kinen-koen Station, offers restaurants, cafés and other dining options before or after Illumi-Night. Food service inside Expo ’70 Park may be limited during the evening event.
Last Entry: The final admission time is 20:30. Allow sufficient time to reach the viewing area from the entrance gate.
Accessibility: Expo ’70 Park provides accessible pathways, toilets and other visitor facilities. Visitors with mobility requirements should consult the park’s accessibility information before attending.
Contact Info: Expo ’70 Commemorative Park / Osaka Prefectural Government
Official Event Website:
https://www.expo70-park.jp/event/77555/
Expo ’70 Park Website:
https://www.expo70-park.jp/
Official Park Inquiries:
https://www.expo70-park.jp/guide/contact/
