# Hirakata Park “Illumination Land ~Flowering Illumination Rose~” 12th Year in 2025! A Must-Visit Spot Full of Rose-Themed Photo Opportunities and New Experiences
The popular Osaka amusement park “Hirakata Park” hosts an annual winter illumination event called “Illumination Land ~Flowering Illumination Rose~,” which marks its 12th year in 2025.
This year’s theme is “roses.” The entire park is enveloped in floral lights, creating a fantastical atmosphere completely different from the daytime experience.
The event has gained attention as an ideal photo spot, featuring Instagram-worthy displays and new areas. This article provides detailed information about the 2025 edition of “Illumination Land,” including highlights, key attractions, and access information.
Table of Contents
Event Overview: Fantasy Illumination with Rose Theme
This illumination event, “Illumination Land ~Flowering Illumination Rose~,” offers a fantastical world of lights featuring roses as the main attraction. Countless roses shine throughout the nighttime garden, with colorful lights creating spaces that evoke the shape and fragrance of flowers.
As a project commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Rose Garden, the event features unprecedented scale decorations and photo spots that envelop visitors in gorgeous, warm light. Popular with families, couples, and photography enthusiasts alike, this special light-up event can be enjoyed throughout the extended period from winter to spring.
“Illumination Land ~Flowering Illumination Rose~” Overview
- 【Event Period】Select dates from November 1, 2025 (Sat) to April 5, 2026 (Sun)
- 【Event Hours】5:00 PM – closing time (November – January), 5:30 PM – closing time (February), 6:00 PM – closing time (March, April)
- 【Location】1-1 Hirakata Koen-cho, Hirakata City, Osaka 573-0054, Inside Hirakata Park
- 【Website】https://www.hirakatapark.co.jp/attractions/illumination/
Event Period: Select Dates from November 1, 2025 to April 5, 2026
This illumination runs from November 1, 2025, to April 5, 2026, on select dates, with the major appeal being the ability to enjoy seasonal changes over an extended period. Starting in the crisp autumn air, continuing through Christmas and the New Year holidays, and lasting until the warmth of early spring, the atmosphere varies depending on when you visit.
Since the event runs on select dates, illuminations are primarily held on weekends and holidays, though those wanting to avoid crowds can aim for weekday dates. Throughout the period, limited-time light displays, seasonal BGM changes, and daily rotating photo spots appear, ensuring new discoveries even on repeat visits.
With a schedule that’s easy to incorporate into family trips, dates, or sightseeing plans, this light-up event is perfect for creating memories from winter through spring.
Rose Decorations Commemorating 70th Anniversary of “Rose Garden”
What makes this year’s illumination special is the distinctive rose decorations commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Rose Garden’s founding. Throughout the park, vibrant rose-motif light objects are placed, with displays that make light petals appear to sway in the wind and soft-colored lights evoking the fragrance of roses, inviting visitors into a gorgeous, elegant world.
Compared to past illuminations, the scale of decoration is larger, with added displays introducing the history and stories of roses, transforming the entire garden into “a stage conveying the beauty of flowers.” Additionally, limited-time 70th anniversary photo spots and specially designed commemorative goods appear, offering exclusive experiences for visitors.
The space where light and flowers harmonize features numerous Instagram-worthy spots, making it an event that attracts attention on social media.
12th Year of This Popular Illumination Event
The 2025 “Illumination Land ~Flowering Illumination Rose~” marks its 12th year and has established itself as a popular event with many repeat visitors annually. The displays have evolved with each iteration, with lighting technology and spatial design continuously upgraded year after year.
The inaugural 2016 event used approximately 1.5 million LEDs, which scaled up to about 1.8 million LEDs in 2017. In this 12th year, new rose-themed area expansions and new displays like the experiential illumination “Magical Dress” that debuted in 2024 continue.
Long-beloved staples like the approximately 70-meter “Forest Garden” light tunnel, the approximately 13-meter-tall “Flower and Fairy Tree,” and the “Lantern Plaza” featuring about 500 lanterns remain, offering enjoyment for first-time visitors and regular families alike.
Furthermore, on illumination dates, over 20 attractions are lit up, allowing visitors to tour the park on illuminated attractions like “Nome Train” and “Fantasy Cruise.” Food booths offer hot drinks and seasonal limited sweets, enabling leisurely strolls while immersed in the beauty of lights. Multiple ways to enjoy the event are possible, including viewing the glowing park from approximately 80 meters at the top of the “Sky Walker” Ferris wheel.
As an event where 12th-year “stability” coexists with “novelty,” it continues to attract many visitors.
Ticket Prices and Admission Ticket Selection
To enjoy the illumination, choosing tickets according to your needs is important. While you can casually visit with regular admission, free passes are convenient for those wanting to leisurely enjoy the park from evening onward.
Additionally, discounted tickets sold exclusively online are available, and purchasing in advance offers the advantage of smooth entry during crowded times. Since the optimal ticket varies depending on visit times and purposes—whether for families, dates, or photography—comparing features in advance and selecting accordingly is recommended.
Regular Admission: Ages 13+ ¥2,000, Ages 2-12 ¥1,200
Regular admission has a simple pricing structure at ¥2,000 for ages 13 and up, and ¥1,200 for ages 2 through elementary school following the April 1, 2025 price revision, with the appeal of enjoying everything from daytime through illumination. It’s easy to use for family visits, and especially for those with small children, it’s comfortable to explore the park during daylight, take a break, and then enjoy the illumination.
Additionally, since regular admission has no time restrictions, you can tour the park at your own pace. However, on “Illumination Land” event dates after 4:00 PM, separate night rates may be set, so checking the official website in advance is recommended for those wanting better value.
Right after illumination begins, you can experience the fantastical moment when lights gradually start glowing, making it recommended for photography purposes. Since this ticket isn’t heavily affected by crowd conditions, it’s a reassuring basic option for first-time visitors.
Note that if you want to use many attractions, consider:
- Separate Free Pass (Adults/Elementary ¥3,400, Ages 2-Preschool ¥2,100)
- Combined Admission + Free Pass (Adults ¥5,400, Elementary ¥4,600, Kids ¥3,300)
After 4 PM Night Ticket: Entry After 4 PM + Night Free Pass
Entry after 4 PM:
- Night Ticket “Night Entry + Night Free Pass”: Adults ¥3,900, Elementary ¥3,300, Ages 2-Preschool ¥2,500, Under 2 Free
This popular ticket allows free enjoyment of many areas including attractions and night-limited events. However, for the latest 2025 rates, checking the official website for current information is recommended.
The Night Free Pass includes attraction usage fees, so it offers significant benefits for families and couples wanting to spend time actively. Especially on weekends and during the Christmas season when crowds are expected, choosing the Night Ticket allows relatively relaxed enjoyment of the illumination.
Considering evening chill, this ticket allows full appreciation of illumination charm while enjoying warm drinks and light meals. “Illumination Land ~Flowering Illumination Rose~” is available from 4 PM, sold exclusively online, with advance purchase recommended.
Discounted Tickets Sold Exclusively Online
Tickets sold exclusively online are often discounted by about ¥100 from regular prices, making them the most economical choice for those planning visits in advance. Main sales platforms include the official “Asoview!”, KKday, Klook, and convenience store terminals (Seven-Eleven, Lawson, etc.).
Purchase procedures are simple via smartphone, and on the day you just present a QR code at the gate for smooth entry, minimizing wait times even during congestion. Particularly with Asoview! purchases, points are accumulated, and additional discounts of several hundred yen may apply during campaigns.
Additionally, limited-time discount campaigns are sometimes held—for example, ¥500 off per person for purchases of 4 or more on weekdays in July. Furthermore, annual passport purchases include “Special Discount Coupons,” and various handbook discounts (such as disability handbooks) also apply.
Being able to purchase family tickets together helps reduce day-of rush. When your visit date is set, using online tickets saves both money and time for comfortable enjoyment. However, popular dates and periods may sell out, so early purchase is recommended.
Operating Hours Change by Season (Verification Required)
Illumination operating hours change in detail by season, so checking the latest information before visiting is essential. In winter, sunsets occur earlier so lighting begins earlier, with times gradually shifting later as the period progresses.
Particularly for those visiting for photography, the atmosphere changes dramatically depending on time—”soft light right after lighting” or “brilliance after complete darkness”—so planning entry times accordingly increases satisfaction. Since crowd conditions also vary by season and day of week, families are recommended to schedule with extra time.
November – January: 5:00 PM – Closing Time
From November through January, illumination lights up at 5 PM due to early sunsets in this season. Since temperatures drop during this time, visiting in warm clothing is important. Right after lighting, displays featuring gradually spreading light can be enjoyed, with soft colors photographing well.
Conversely, after 6 PM when it’s completely dark, lights emerge more vividly, creating impressive illumination displays. While crowds are expected during the popular pre-Christmas season, the displays are particularly spectacular and well-received by families and couples.
With warm drinks in hand, this time period allows appreciation of light beauty in winter’s crisp air.
February: 5:30 PM – Closing Time
In February, as sunset occurs slightly later, lighting time also shifts to start at 5:30 PM. While winter cold continues, the air softens compared to January, making illumination feel more tranquil.
Entering during evening hours when gradients remain allows enjoyment of beautiful scenery where park lights overlap with the evening sky—a unique charm of this period. Additionally, since Christmas crowds have subsided, it’s relatively relaxed for viewing, making it suitable for those wanting to leisurely enjoy photography.
Aiming for the moment of lighting allows experiencing the powerful scene of lights simultaneously illuminating up close.
March – April 5: 6:00 PM – Closing Time
From March onward, as days lengthen, illumination lighting time changes to 6 PM. Temperatures also gradually warm, with spring air beginning to drift, making evenings more comfortable.
Particularly from March, cherry blossom illumination is added, creating a gentle atmosphere where spring colors harmonize with light throughout the park. Entering before sunset to view the evening scenery, then enjoying cherry blossoms emerging all at once with 6 PM lighting is also recommended.
Unlike winter illumination, this season offers gentle, warm charm, popular with families and couples. It’s a precious period for enjoying spring’s arrival through nighttime lights.
Access Information: Conveniently Close to the Station
The illumination venue has excellent access, easily reachable by train or car. Being just minutes on foot from the nearest station ensures safe use even for evening visits, convenient for families and first-time visitors.
Furthermore, guidance signs are well-established in surrounding areas to ensure relatively smooth movement even during crowded periods, allowing visitors to reach the venue without getting lost. Car access is also possible, and understanding parking information in advance enables stress-free entry.
Since it’s a nighttime event, confirming train routes considering return times is also important, and movement planning according to schedule leads to peace of mind.
Excellent Access: 3-Minute Walk from Keihan “Hirakata-Koen Station”
From the nearest Keihan Railway “Hirakata-Koen Station,” the venue is only about a 3-5 minute walk with outstanding accessibility. Guide boards are installed upon exiting the station, ensuring first-time visitors can reach the venue without getting lost.
- Exiting the east exit of Hirakata-Koen Station, there’s a FamilyMart on the right side of the rotary. Passing in front of it and turning right at the “Hirakata-Koen-mae” intersection, the main gate comes into view. Even if feeling anxious about moving during dark hours, streetlights are placed along the route from the station for safe walking. Additionally, the flat route allows easy movement with strollers or small children, with pathways considerate of family users.
- The return route also benefits from the nearby station, allowing quick boarding of trains even on cold nights. Around the station are Lawson and FamilyMart convenience stores, and Fresco supermarket in front of the station, with many convenience stores and restaurants where you can enjoy light meals and warm drinks after the illumination. Restaurants including “Tekoya” (takoyaki shop) and “Osaka Osho” are concentrated near the intersection, ensuring no shortage of post-event activities.
- Coming from the Osaka area, from Osaka Metro Midosuji Line “Umeda Station,” transfer at “Yodoyabashi Station” to Keihan Railway, or from JR “Osaka Station,” transfer at “Kyobashi Station” for arrival in about 35 minutes. From the Kyoto area, from JR “Kyoto Station” via JR Nara Line “Tofukuji Station,” transfer to Keihan Railway for arrival in about 30 minutes.
Parking Information and Congestion Countermeasures
When visiting by car, parking lots around the venue are available, but during the illumination period, especially on weekends and holidays, they tend to get crowded, so arriving early provides peace of mind. Parking lots are divided into multiple areas, and when full, staff guide visitors to available spaces.
For smooth parking, aiming for right after opening or before lighting time is recommended. Additionally, during peak times, surrounding roads become congested, so checking real-time traffic information on navigation apps while heading there helps avoid traffic jams.
To avoid return congestion, planning a route to take photos right after illumination begins and leave relatively early is also effective. Since it’s a cold season, understanding traffic flow for smooth return to your car makes the experience more comfortable.
Return Route When Using Train (Checking Last Train Times)
Since this is a nighttime event, when visiting by train, checking last train times for the return journey is important. Keihan Railway is a convenient line with many trains, but as event end times approach, the station can get crowded, and platform entry may take time.
Especially with small children, heading toward the return route at a comfortable time provides peace of mind. Additionally, understanding stops for limited express trains in advance enables smooth transfers.
To avoid return rush, enjoying the illumination right after lighting and heading to the station before crowds peak is also effective. As a cold weather countermeasure, preparing warm clothing for the return journey is recommended for comfortable travel.
Spring Cherry Blossom Illumination (Added from January 24, 2026)
From January 24, 2026, “cherry blossom”-themed decorations will be added to the winter illumination, transforming the entire venue into a fantastical space where visitors can feel spring’s arrival. Unlike winter displays featuring roses as the main attraction, soft pink lights resembling blooming cherry blossoms will envelop the park, allowing visual enjoyment of seasonal transitions. Cherry-colored tunnels and light displays evoking falling petals will add new photo spots, promising different Instagram-worthy opportunities from winter. This limited-time special illumination allows experiencing the feeling of spring early during the lingering cold season.
Summary
This illumination event’s charm lies in its special long-term light-up allowing enjoyment of two seasons: winter roses and spring cherry blossoms. The venue contains numerous Instagram-worthy spots, enjoyable for families, couples, and photography enthusiasts alike.
With excellent access, immediate walking distance from the station, and parking availability, the convenient environment is also a major feature. Since tickets come in various types, selecting according to visit times and purposes allows more comfortable enjoyment.
Check lighting times and crowd trends in advance, and fully enjoy the fantastical world of lights that changes with each season.
