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Osaka's Tenjin Festival: 2024 Schedule, Highlights, and Access
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Osaka's Tenjin Festival (Tenjin Matsuri) is usually held on July 24 and July 25. The festival includes parades through the city, a boat parade, a spectacular fireworks display, and other events. Learn how to get to the festival from Osaka Station and what to expect.
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Osaka's Tenjin Festival
© Osaka Sightseeing Association
Osaka's Tenjin Festival, or Tenjin Matsuri, is a festival held every year on July 24 and 25 at the Tenmangu Shrine in Osaka. This festival is one of the most famous in Japan due to its size and long history, along with Kyoto's Gion Festival and Tokyo's Kanda Festival.
The Tenjin Festival is held for the citizens to show their appreciation toward the Tenjin deity and to pray for business prosperity and health. Featuring processions of people in period costumes and the boat procession adorned with light bulbs on the Okawa River in Osaka, the Tenjin Festival stands out for its particularly vibrant events among Japanese festivals.
The festival spans two days, July 24 and 25, with the second day being especially lively. This day includes highlights such as the procession, boat events, and dedicated fireworks displays that make it the pinnacle of the festival.
Read on to learn the festival schedule, how to get to Tenjin Matsuri, and what you can enjoy.
Osaka's Tenjin Festival: Schedule, Highlights, Access
1. 2024 Schedule of the Tenjin Festival
2. Major Events at the Tenjin Festival
3. Access to the Tenjin Festival
4. Highlights of the Tenjin Festival
5. Enjoy the Tenjin Festival from Premium Seats
Tenjin Festival 2024 Schedule
Photo by Pixta
Tenjin Festival Schedule: July 24 (Wednesday) to July 25 (Thursday), 2024
The Tenjin Festival is held over a period of two days every year on July 24 and 25. The dates remain consistent regardless of the days of the week.
Major Events at the Tenjin Festival
First Day, July 24
Yoimiya Yasai (7:45 - 8:30)
At Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, a Shinto priest prays for the sound health of all through a ceremony involving the use of a pike. This ritual is called hokonagashi shinji in Japanese.
The Hokonagashi Procession (8:30 - 8:50)
In this procession, priests and the people dressed in traditional Japanese garments head from Osaka Tenmangu to Hokonagashi Bridge, where the ceremony is held. It's a smaller parade than the procession on July 25.
Hokonagashi Shinji (8:50 - 9:30)
Hokonagashi Shinji is where priests drop sacred pikes and human-shaped paper into the river to wash away any impurities of the soul. This part of the festival takes place by the Hokonagashi Bridge.
Noh Theater Performance on a Boat (after 18:40)
Several boats are floated in the OAP Port within Osaka City, where Noh theater will be performed onboard.
Noh performances held outdoors at night are called Takigi Noh because they are lit up with bonfires. The Noh performance on the boat carries a mystical and charming atmosphere. It is truly a sight to behold.
Additionally, on July 24, there are performances of Moyo Daiko, a type of drum performance, near shrines and their surroundings. Lion dances are also showcased at the Tenjin Festival Osaka Amenity Park and inside the Imperial Hotel.
Second Day July 25
Honmiya Festival (13:30 - 14:30)
During the Honmiya Festival, a priest prays for the city's peace and prosperity at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine.
The Street Procession (15:30 - 18:00)
Tenjin Matsuri's Street Procession, or Rikuto Parade, includes around 3,000 participants wearing traditional garb and yukata from the Heian period and the Edo period departs from Osaka Tenmangu Shrine carrying mikoshi, or portable shrines.
The procession moves around the city through a three-kilometer road including Oimatsucho, Shinmidosuji, and the northern side of the municipal office to Tenjinbashi.
Boat Procession (18:00 - 21:00), Fireworks Display (after 19:00)
One hundred boats carrying 10,000 people will navigate the Okawa River in Osaka. Fireworks will light up the sky starting at 19:00, drawing crowds of spectators to the riverbanks.
How to Get to the Venue of the Tenjin Festival and Nearest Stations
The Tenjin Festival takes place mainly around the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. The nearest station to the shrine is JR West's Osaka Tenmangu Station.
From Osaka Station, head first to Kitashinchi Station, which is about a 5-minute walk away. Once at Kitashinchi Station, board the JR Tozai Line towards Kizu and alight at Osaka Tenmangu Station. The ride takes 2 minutes with a fare of 140 yen.
It's a 3-minute walk from Osaka Tenmangu Station to the shrine.
Transportation in Osaka and Travel Passes
Osaka boasts a well-developed public transportation system, allowing easy movement within the city through trains, subways, and buses to access various parts of the city efficiently.
The Osaka Amazing Pass is a cost-efficient travel pass that allows you to explore famous tourist spots in Osaka at a great value.
This pass offers unlimited rides on trains and buses, as well as access to approximately 40 popular tourist spots including Osaka Castle, the Tombori River Cruise in Dotonbori, and the HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel.
For those who want to visit numerous eateries and tourist attractions in Osaka, getting this free pass is highly recommended!
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Tenjin Festival Tips and Highlights
To make the most out of Tenjin Matsuri, it is recommended to see the parade and boat procession, in addition to other events listed above. The fireworks at night are also spectacular and a must-see!
The Street Procession on July 25
© Osaka Sightseeing Association
The Street Procession starting at 15:30 on July 25 will feature people dressed in extravagant costumes and portable shrines parading through the town.
The procession includes portable shrines carrying the divine spirit of Sugawara no Michizane known as Gohoren, individuals wearing masks resembling tengu (*1) like Sarutahiko (*2), veiled women impersonating uneme courtesans, young children in festival attire referred to as chigo, and large floats known as the shojo dashi.
It's a lively procession that you won't want to miss, so be sure to catch it!
*1 Sarutahiko: a god in Japanese myth said to have lit up heaven and hell. Its characteristics are its high nose, white hair, and monkey-like face.
*2 Tengu: a humanoid monster said to live in the mountains. It has magic powers and can even fly.
The Festival Boat Procession on July 25
Photo by Pixta
The climax of the festival is the festival boat procession on July 25. Visitors will see various boats: boats with the men rowing to the beat of drums onboard, a boat carrying the mikoshi, and others carrying drum players.
After departing separately from Hishobashi Bridge, which is upstream of the Tenjinbashi Bridge on the Okawa River, these boats come and go along the river, almost blocking the river entirely. The light from the decorations on the boats plus the magical fireworks display is simply stunning and draws visitors from all over every year to Osaka.
This portion of the Tenjin Festival sees over one million people every year, so if you would like to get a good spot to watch the festivities, we recommend arriving at the riverside at least an hour before the start of the festival.
Tenjin Festival Fireworks
Picture courtesy of PR Times
In 2024, the Tenjin Matsuri fireworks display is scheduled to take place on July 25 after 19:00. About 3,000 fireworks will fill Osaka's night sky with light and color!
Enjoy the Tenjin Festival from Premium Seats
Picture courtesy of Klook
The Tenjin Festival's Fireworks Display is scheduled to be held on July 25, 2024 (Thursday). The fireworks will be lit up from around 19:30 to 20:50. The spectacle of 3,000 fireworks illuminating the night sky of Osaka is truly breathtaking! You won't want to take your eyes off it.
You can watch the fireworks for free and just enjoy the traditional, festive environment, but if you purchase tickets in advance, you can secure an ideal viewing spot.
We recommend the Tenjin Festival Fireworks 2024 Day Trip Tour, which allows you to visit famous tourist spots in Osaka and enjoy the festival fireworks at night.
For those who prefer to avoid crowds, a recommended viewing spot is Sakuramiya Shrine located behind Sakuranomiya Park. It's a hidden gem known for offering a relatively less crowded view of the fireworks straight ahead.
Why not take this opportunity to create unforgettable summer memories in Osaka?
FAQ
What time are the fireworks in Tenjin Matsuri?
The Tenjin Matsuri festival is actually held in Osaka, not Fukuoka. The festival is one of the most famous in Japan and is celebrated in honor of the deity of scholarship and learning, Sugawara no Michizane. While the festival involves various events, traditional performances, and a grand procession of boats on the Okawa River, it typically does not feature fireworks as part of its main activities.
Fireworks festivals in Japan, including events with fireworks, are held at different times throughout the year and in various locations across the country. If you are specifically looking for information about fireworks in a different festival or location, please provide the details, and I can help you with the specific timing and details of the fireworks display you are interested in.
What to do at Tenjin Matsuri?
During the Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka, attendees can partake in a range of cultural and celebratory activities. This renowned festival showcases a grand land and river procession featuring traditional costumes and performances, including the procession of boats on the Okawa River. Festival-goers can savor a diverse selection of Japanese street food, engage in traditional performances like music and dance, and explore the bustling festival grounds filled with stalls and activities. The event offers a vibrant immersion into Japanese culture, providing opportunities to interact with locals, participate in cultural demonstrations, and enjoy evening events that continue the festive atmosphere under the night sky. The Tenjin Matsuri is a cultural extravaganza that offers a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors to appreciate and enjoy.
Where can I watch Tenjin fireworks?
At the Tenjin Matsuri, the fireworks are typically launched over the Okawa River, providing a magnificent backdrop to the celebrations.
To watch the Tenjin fireworks at the Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka, you can find good viewing spots along the banks of the Okawa River or designated viewing areas specified by the festival organizers. Popular viewing locations may include places like the Temmabashi Bridge or areas near Osaka Castle where the fireworks can be enjoyed alongside the festive ambiance of the event.
Given the popularity of the festival and the fireworks display, it's recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot for viewing, and be prepared for large crowds as people gather to witness the spectacular fireworks show that lights up the night sky during the Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka.
Where can I watch fireworks in Osaka?
In Osaka, visitors can witness captivating fireworks displays at several festivals throughout the summer months. Key events include the Miyakojima Summer Festival along the Okawa River, where fireworks illuminate the night sky, creating a picturesque setting. The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri in Kishiwada City near Osaka also features impressive fireworks shows as part of its festivities. For a grand display, the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival near Osaka in Kobe stands out as one of the region's largest fireworks spectacles, drawing crowds from across the area. In addition to these prominent events, various local celebrations in Osaka offer smaller-scale fireworks displays, providing a charming and community-focused setting to enjoy the splendor of the summer fireworks season in the region. When attending these festivals, it's advisable to check the event dates, arrive early for optimal viewing positions, and consider utilizing public transportation due to expected congestion around these popular gatherings.
What do you wear to a Matsuri?
When preparing to attend a Matsuri, a traditional Japanese festival, it's important to consider clothing that combines cultural respect with practicality. Opting for a yukata or jinbei, traditional summer garments, adds a touch of authenticity and comfort to the festive occasion. If not wearing traditional attire, lightweight and breathable clothing like cotton is ideal for the warm weather typically associated with Matsuri events. Selecting comfortable footwear, such as sandals or flip-flops, ensures ease of movement during the festivities. Accessorizing with items like a folding fan, sun protection gear, and a small bag for essentials enhances the experience while staying respectful of the cultural significance of the occasion. Embracing modest and appropriate attire while prioritizing comfort allows attendees to fully engage in the festive atmosphere of the Matsuri with ease and style.
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Main image by Pixta
Written by
Previous experience as an editor at a women's media company in Japan. I lived in Australia for a while and joined MATCHA after returning to Japan. In charge of editing, promoting sponsored content, and creative direction. I love watching Western TV series.
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