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2024 Osaka Festival Guide: 10 Famous Events and Highlights
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Osaka's famous traditional festivals (matsuri) include the Tenjin Festival held in June, the spectacular Kishiwada Danjiri Festival, and many others. Read on to learn about 10 famous Osaka festivals with their 2024 schedules and highlights.
Written by
Lives in Tokyo. My hobbies are traveling and appreciating art. I have an eye for delicious food, and after living in Beijing, China for five years, I discovered the deliciousness of hot pot.
2024 Osaka Festival Guide: See Highlight-Filled Events
In Japan, there are said to be a few hundred traditional festivals (matsuri), many of which are held from summer to autumn. They have many highlights including mikoshi (portable shrines) and danjiri (wooden carts in the shape of a shrine), food stalls, and fireworks.
Osaka is home to many famous festivals including the Tenjin Festival, one of the Three Great Festivals of Japan, and the Aizen Festival, Japan's oldest summer festival.
Traditional Festivals in Osaka
1. Aizen Festival (June): Japan's Oldest Summer Festival
2. Hiranogo Summer Festival (July): A Bustling Event With an Exciting Danjiri Parade
3. Taikodai Festival (July): See 7 Magnificent Taiko Floats!
4. Tenjin Festival (July): One of Japan's Three Main Festivals
5. Sumiyoshi Festival (July): See a Large Mikoshi Go Across a River!
6. Takatsuki Festival (August): Takatsuki Residents Celebrate Together!
7. Hassaku Festival (September): A 600-Year-Old Event
8. Mozuhachimangu Fall Festival (July): See Elegant Taiko Floats!
9. Kishiwada Danjiri Festival (September and October): Colorful Floats and Lively Shouts!
10. Toka Ebisu (January): A Festival to Start the New Year
1. Aizen Festival: Japan's Oldest Summer Festival
The Aizen Festival is held in June at Aizendo Shomanin Temple in Osaka's Tennoji Ward. It's famous as Japan's oldest summer festival and dates back some 1,400 years.
Aizendo Shomanin Temple, also affectionately known as Aizen-san by the local residents, is a spot where visitors come to pray for good health in the summer—historically a time of the year when epidemics spread easily.
The festival highlight is a traditional event known as the Hoekago Parade. During this event, young women (Aizen musume) dressed in summer kimonos called yukata, sit on a seat in a box (kago) and are carried by a group of people by means of two poles. The parade winds it way through the crowd in gorgeous fashion while people call out for business prosperity.
On the afternoon of June 30 the parade leaves Tennoji Park for Aizendo.
Food Stalls: Many stalls are typically set up on the temple grounds.
Fireworks: Not held.
The 2024 Aizen Festival is scheduled to be held from Sunday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 2. For details please see the official website (Japanese).
2. Hiranogo Summer Festival: A Bustling Event With an Exciting Danjiri Parade
Photo by pixta
The Hiranogo Summer Festival is held at Kumata Shrine in Osaka's Hirano Ward. It's famous as one of Osaka's leading danjiri festivals, and it annually attracts more than 300,000 people.
The highlight is the evening of July 12 and 13. Elegant danjiri (decorative parade floats on wheels) representing nine neighborhoods from the former Hiranogo area make their appearance!
The nine floats compete in a pulling contest as they travel along Nanko-dori Street and head to the precincts of Kumata Shrine.
Food Stalls: 50 to 100 food stalls are typically set up.
Fireworks: Not held
The 2024 Hiranogo Summer Festival is scheduled to be held from Thursday, July 11 to Sunday, July 14. For details please see the official homepage (Japanese).
3. Taikodai Festival: See 7 Magnificent Taiko Floats!
Photo by pixta
The Taikodai Festival is held at Kanda Shrine in Kaizuka City. This summer festival has a history of about 280 years.
As the festival's name suggests, it features a large taiko drum sitting on a portable shrine (mikoshi). Each of these gigantic drum floats weigh about 1.5 tons.
The floats carry both taiko drummers and children. It's an amazing sight to see them parade around the shrine with enthusiastic chants! Then, the night is illuminated by lanterns creating a magnificent atmosphere.
Food Stalls and Fireworks: Not available
The 2024 Taikodai Festival is scheduled to be held from Saturday, July 13 to Sunday, July 14. For details please see the official homepage.
4. Tenjin Festival: One of Japan's Three Main Festivals
The Tenjin Festival is an annual event that's held at Tenmangu Shrines located in every part of Japan. Osaka's Tenjin Festival is famous throughout the country and has a history dating back more than 1,000 years!
The highlight of the festival is Funatogyo, or the water procession, which is held on July 25. More than 100 boats come and go along the Okawa River (north of Osaka Castle) amid the sounds of taiko drumming and energetic chants!
One of the charms of Osaka's summer is the pyrotechnical display. About 1,300,000 people come to watch the 3,000 votive fireworks.
Food Stalls: Available
Fireworks: Held at sunset on Thursday, July 25, 2024
The 2024 Tenjin Festival is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, July 24 and Thursday, July 25. For details please see the official homepage (Japanese).
5. Sumiyoshi Festival: See a Large Mikoshi Go Across a River!
The Sumiyoshi Festival is held at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka City's Sumiyoshi Ward. The festival is also known as Oharai, and it holds a ceremony to purify all of Osaka. This 3-day event attracts 300,000 people!
The main highlight is Mikoshitogyo, a parade of mikoshi portable shrines held on August 1. This parade starts at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and continues along a five-kilometer stretch until it reaches Shukuin Tongu Shrine. The powerful sight of the mikoshi being carried across the Okawa River is truly impressive!
Food Stalls: Yet to be decided for 2024
Fireworks: Not held
The 2024 Sumiyoshi Festival is scheduled to be held from Tuesday, July 30 to Thursday, August 1. For details please see the official homepage.
Otaue Shinji (June): A Rice-Planting Ritual To Pray for a Good Harvest
Photo by pixta
Otaue Shinji (Sacred Rice Planting) is a traditional rite that's held at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine on June 14. It's performed in order to pray for a bountiful harvest.
This ritual is also performed at shrines throughout the country. However, at Sumiyoshi Taisha, the ceremony is known for not being simplified, and its scale is also magnificent. There are performances by shrine maidens and rice-planting dances by children.
Food Stalls and Fireworks: Not available
September: A Bright Red Sorihashi Bridge and Full Moon Stand Out
Kangetsu-sai (Moon-Viewing Festival) is a Shinto ritual that's held during the evening of the Harvest Moon.
This ritual is known for the beautiful magical atmosphere created by the full moon and the famous Sorihashi Bridge—a symbol for Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.
Food Stalls and Fireworks: Not available
6. Takatsuki Festival: A Celebration With Local Residents!
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The Takatsuki Festival is a civic event that attracts 100,000 people every summer.
It features many highlights including a Bon Odori Parade performed by skilled dancers, held along Keyaki-Odori Street in front of Takatsuki City Hall and at the Takatsuki Arts Theater. There's also a spectacular parade filled with performances by the Takatsuki Firemen's Band.
The festival is held at various venues throughout the city, and can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults.
Food Stalls: Yet to be decided for 2024, but in 2023 many stalls were set up on the grounds of Toen Elementary School.
Fireworks: Not held
The 2024 Takatsuki Festival is scheduled to be held on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4. For details please see the official homepage (Japanese).
7. Hassaku Festival: A 600-Year-Old Event
The Hassaku Festival is held at Aguchi Shrine in Sakai City. It's a historic festival that's been around for more than 600 years.
It's highlighted by four distinctive floats known as "Futon Daiko." Futon Daiko is a large float with a taiko drum on top. These are often seen in the Kansai Region and are carried by groups of people by means of two long poles—just like the mikoshi portable shrines are.
The elegantly decorated Futon Daiko is carried by about 60 people. The sight of this float making its way to Aguchi Shrine is simply dynamic!
Food Stalls: Yet to be decided for 2024, but stalls were set up in 2023.
Fireworks: Not held
The 2024 Hassaku Festival is scheduled to be held from Friday, September 8 to Wednesday, September 13. For details please see the official homepage (Japanese).
8.Mozu Hachimangu Fall Festival: See Elegant Taiko Floats
Photo by pixta
Mozu Hachimangu is a shrine located next to World Heritage Site, Daisen Kofun.
The Mozu Hachimangu Fall Festival, held in conjunction with the Harvest Moon, is visited annually by more than 100,000 people.
The highlight of this festival is a votive event in which Shinto-shrine parishioners from nine towns carry a Futon Daiko. The taiko drum really stands out with its fine workmanship which uses expensive ebony and rosewood!
Food Stalls: Many stalls are typically set up on the shrine precincts.
Fireworks: Not held
The 2024 Mozuhachimangu Fall Festival is scheduled to be held on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22. For details please see the official homepage (Japanese).
9. Kishiwada Danjiri Festival-Colorful Floats and Lively Shouts!
Picture courtesy of PRtimes
It's been said that Kishiwada City's Kishiwada Danjiri Festival first started about 300 years ago as a prayer for a good harvest.
The city is divided into two separate districts and the festival is held twice: once in September and also in October. September's version is considered to be more famous.
There are powerful and energetic performances you won't want to miss! This includes the narimono-gakari who beats the taiko drum and plays the flute atop the danjiri float, and the daiku-gata (carpenter) who performs an elegant dance on the roof of the float.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The top highlight of this event is "yarimawashi"—a maneuver in which the danjiri float negotiates the intersection at a 90-degree angle. This four-ton float is pulled through the streets amid energetic shouts and cries.
Food Stalls: Many stalls are typically set up.
Fireworks: Not held
The 2024 Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is scheduled to be held from Friday, September 13 to Sunday, September 15, and also on October 6 (Sunday), 12 (Saturday), and 13 (Sunday). For details please see the official homepage.
10. Toka Ebisu: A Festival to Open the New Year
Photo by Pixta
In the Kansai Region, Toka Ebisu is a festival that's affectionately known as Ebessan. Visitors pray for business prosperity at this event held annually from January 9 to 11.
Osaka's version of this festival is held at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine in Osaka City's Naniwa Ward. It’s a large event that attracts about 1,000,000 people every year!
One of the highlights of this festival is fukumusume, or young women who are chosen from the public to help out with the festival. They ride in floats (hoekago) and parade around the Ebisubashisuji shopping street and pray for business prosperity.
Food and Merchandise Stalls: Available. Many visitors come to buy a kumade (rake) with the hopes of receiving good luck in business.
Fireworks: Not held
The 2025 Toka Ebisu Festival is scheduled to be held from Thursday, January 9 to Saturday, January 11. For details please see the official homepage
FAQ
What is the most popular festival in Osaka?
The most popular festival in Osaka is widely considered to be the Tenjin Matsuri. As one of Japan's most famous festivals, the Tenjin Matsuri holds a special place in the hearts of Osakans and draws visitors from across Japan and around the world. This annual event, which takes place in July, celebrates the spirit of the deity Sugawara no Michizane, known as Tenjin, who is revered for his association with scholarship, learning, and the arts.
The Tenjin Matsuri features a variety of traditional performances, including vibrant processions, music, dance, and culminates in a spectacular boat parade along the Okawa River illuminated by fireworks. This festival showcases Osaka's rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions, making it a highly anticipated and cherished event in the city. With its lively atmosphere, historical significance, and colorful displays, the Tenjin Matsuri stands out as the most popular and iconic festival in Osaka, capturing the essence of the city's festive spirit and community celebration.
What is the festival in Osaka in July?
The festival in Osaka that takes place in July is the Tenjin Matsuri. This festival is one of the most famous and significant traditional events in Osaka and is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a deity known as Tenjin. Tenjin is revered for his association with scholarship, learning, and the arts.
The Tenjin Matsuri festival typically occurs on July 24th and 25th each year, with various events and performances held across the city. The festival features colorful processions, traditional music, dance performances, and culminates in a grand boat parade known as "funatogyo" on the Okawa River. This festival, with its vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, is a highlight of Osaka's summer calendar, attracting both locals and visitors who come to experience the lively celebrations and traditional festivities.
What is the biggest festival in Osaka?
In Osaka, one of the most prominent and biggest festivals is the Tenjin Matsuri. This festival, which takes place in July, is dedicated to the deity Sugawara no Michizane, known as Tenjin, who is revered for his association with scholarship and learning.
The Tenjin Matsuri is not only one of Osaka's biggest festivals but also one of Japan's top three festivals alongside Kyoto's Gion Matsuri and Tokyo's Kanda Matsuri. The festivities include a variety of events such as processions, traditional music and dance performances, and a spectacular boat parade on the Okawa River illuminated by fireworks.
With its long history and cultural significance, the Tenjin Matsuri attracts a large number of local and international visitors each year, making it a vibrant celebration that embodies the spirit of Osaka's rich traditions and heritage.
Where is the Tenjin festival in Osaka?
The Tenjin Matsuri festival in Osaka takes place primarily around the area of the Tenmangu Shrine (Osaka Tenmangu), which is located in the Tenjinbashi district of Osaka. The shrine serves as the central hub for the festival activities. Additionally, the festival procession extends to the Okawa River, where the famous boat parade, known as "funatogyo," takes place with illuminated boats floating along the river amid a backdrop of colorful fireworks. During the festival, the streets around the shrine and along the riverbank come alive with performances, traditional music, food stalls, and lively celebrations, making it a vibrant and bustling event to experience in Osaka.
Is Tenjin Matsuri worth it?
Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka is considered one of Japan's top three festivals, alongside Kyoto's Gion Matsuri and Tokyo's Kanda Matsuri. With its history dating back over a thousand years, Tenjin Matsuri celebrates the deity Sugawara no Michizane, known as Tenjin, who is revered for scholarship and learning.
The festival features a vibrant procession of boats along the Okawa River, illuminated by fireworks and accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. While the festival can be crowded due to its popularity, attending Tenjin Matsuri offers a unique cultural experience, showcasing traditional Japanese festivities, music, and dance. If you enjoy cultural celebrations, historical rituals, and the energy of traditional festivals, Tenjin Matsuri is definitely worth experiencing. Just be prepared for crowds and consider planning ahead to make the most of this spectacular event.
What is the top three festivals in Japan?
Japan's top festivals offer vibrant celebrations deeply rooted in the country's rich culture. The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, spanning July with its majestic processions and traditional floats, epitomizes ancient tradition and shrine reverence. The Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido captivates in early February, drawing crowds with its intricate ice and snow sculptures meticulously crafted in Odori Park. Meanwhile, the Takayama Festival in Takayama showcases lavish floats and cultural displays in both spring and autumn, highlighting the region's heritage through ornate processions and traditional performances. These festivals are essential to Japan's cultural tapestry, attracting millions with their unique charm and historical significance.
Enjoy Fireworks and Food Stalls at Osaka's Famous Festivals
How did you enjoy today's article? There are probably many festivals that you've heard of but have yet to visit.
The festivals that were featured in this article are all famous and very popular. If you find out the route for the Futon Daiko and danjiri parades ahead of time it'll be really convenient!
Please look forward to these exciting festivals!
Read also
Main image by Pixta
Lives in Tokyo. My hobbies are traveling and appreciating art. I have an eye for delicious food, and after living in Beijing, China for five years, I discovered the deliciousness of hot pot.
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