Tenjin Matsuri (Festival) in Osaka

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Facts & Figures

Tenjin Matsuri (Tenjin Festival), held in Osaka on July 24th and 25th, is one of the three major annual festivals in Japan, alongside the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto. The festival has a history of over 1000 years and began as a small event at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, one of the most famous Shinto shrines in the city. Worshippers visit the shrine year-round to pray for exam success and academic achievement. Best Places to Stay in Osaka > Sugawara no Michizane (845 – 903), a poet, politician, and court scholar of the Heian period (794 – 1185), is enshrined here. Each year, on his birthday on July 25th, the main celebrations honoring the principal deity of learning and wisdom take place. Smaller ceremonies, during which priests offer prayers, begin on the 24th. Visitors can enjoy a hot summer day filled with spectacular fireworks (hanabi), a land procession accompanied by the sounds of drums and flutes, and a river procession along the Okawa River. The river procession is one of the largest boat festivals in the world. Be aware that more than one million people visit the festival each year, so it can get quite crowded. Arrive early to secure a good spot.

• Festival Information:
• Tenjin Matsuri is held on July 24th and 25th. The festival is extremely popular, and the streets, bridges, and riverbanks can become very crowded. The main events take place on July 25th, running from 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

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Highlights

At 3:30 pm, the huge procession known as Rikutōgyō begins at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, with approximately 3000 participants dressed in traditional costumes from Japan’s feudal era. At the forefront are Moyooshi-daiko drummers. Large portable shrines (mikoshi), carrying the divine spirit of Sugawara no Michizane, are transported through the streets. The walking route covers approximately 3 kilometers, passing through the Shinmidosuji, Oimatsucho, and Tenmabashi areas. Around 6:00 pm, the river procession (Funatogyo) begins, featuring over 100 boats carrying approximately 10000 people as they sail along the river. Visitors can enjoy stunning views from Tenmabashi or Tenjinbashi Bridge, overlooking illuminated boats adorned with giant lanterns transporting mikoshi, as well as performances of Noh and Bunraku theater, and the Moyōoshi-daiko boat carrying the drummers. At 7:30 pm, a spectacular fireworks display featuring more than 3000 fireworks, known as Hono Hanabi, begins and illuminates the Osaka skyline until 9:00 pm. The best viewing spots include areas near Ginbashi Bridge, the park close to the Imperial Hotel, and Sakuramiya Shrine. The scenery is especially beautiful, with many people wearing colorful yukata (summer kimono) and geta (wooden sandals) during the event.

Sightseeing spots Kita Ward

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Umeda Sky Building - It is a spectacular skyscraper reaching a height of 173 meters, famous for its futuristic design and panoramic views from the Floating Garden Observatory. Read more >

Osaka Station - The station and its surrounding area have undergone a major redevelopment in recent years. The modern architecture and urban design are particularly impressive. Read more >

Grand Front Osaka - It is a large shopping, dining, and business complex that was completed in spring 2013 and has since become a popular destination.

HEP Five - The lively shopping and entertainment complex, best known for the huge HEP Five Ferris Wheel located on its rooftop. Read more >

Department Stores - Department stores in the area offer excellent shopping opportunities. Visitors can shop until they drop at some of Osaka’s largest and most famous stores, including Isetan, Hankyu, Hanshin, and Daimaru.

Shopping Malls - Shopping malls such as Whity Osaka, Diamor Osaka, HEP Navio, and HEP Five provide a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Festival & Events in Osaka (dates can change without notice)

January

Toka-Ebisu Festival at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine (9th - 11th)
The three-day festival attracts more than one million visitors every year. You can buy good-luck charms (ofuda), small gifts provided by the shrine (kiccho), and sacred bamboo branches (fukuzasa) decorated with symbols of good fortune. These are believed to help your business thrive throughout the year:) Look out for women wearing golden hats (eboshi) who sell these lucky charms. Only 50 women, selected from thousands of applicants, are given the honor of becoming fuku-musume (lucky daughters) for the festival. This colorful event is also famous for its traditional Hoekago floats, which are carried through the streets. The main parade takes place on January 10th. Toka Ebisu was first held during the Edo period (1603 – 1867). If you get hungry, look out for street stalls (yatai) and enjoy the amazing food.

July

Namba Yasaka Shrine Summer Festival Funatogyo (13th)
Funatogyo (Boat Procession) is a Water Metropolis festival where you can see many beautifully decorated Shinto-style boats sailing up and down the Dotonbori River. More than 20 boats, some carrying musicians and drummers, provide visitors with a great show.

Tenjin Matsuri Festival (24th - 25th)
Osaka’s greatest traditional festival, with a history of over 1000 years, and ranked as one of the top three festivals in Japan. Enjoy spectacular processions on land and water, impressive fireworks, and a unique atmosphere created by traditional costumes and music. My must-see recommendation for you.

August

Osaka Lantern Festival / Osaka-jo Lanterns (25th - 26th)
Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) is decorated once a year with thousands of lanterns lit at its entrance. Buy your own lantern and be part of this beautiful event.