Abstract: An illumination apparatus can enhance brightness of illumination while minimizing the number of dot-like light sources. The illumination apparatus includes a light guide plate having side surfaces and a plurality of LEDs disposed on a substrate to direct light to the side surfaces. Incident lights from the LEDs illuminate a front surface of the light guide plate substantially uniformly. The illumination apparatus further includes a holder disposed between the side surface of the light guide plate and the substrate for surrounding the respective LEDs and their light paths together and filler blocks disposed on the substrate to close gaps between adjacent LEDs. The filler blocks reflect a part of the reflected light at least from the light guide plate or the holder.