Tenjin Festival is said to be one of Japan’s Three Major Festivals, held in the city of water, Osaka, in summer. It is the tradition of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine where the god of education, Sugawara no Michizane, is enshrined. A variety of rituals take place from late June for a month. Yoimiya Festival on July 24 and Hongu Shinji ritual on the 25th are the climax, viewed by 3 million domestic and foreign visitors each year.
On the 23rd, the day before Yoimiya Festival, gals carry a float through Japan’s longest shopping street, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Arcade. During the Yoimiya Festival on the 24th, Hokonagashi ritual is held to pray for health and peace in the city, which is said to be the origin of Tenjin Festival.
Hongu Shinji ritual on the 25th is the climax of the month-long Tenjin Festival. The procession of 3000 Samurais in Rikutogyo, 100 boats float on the Okawa River in Funatogyo, and 5000 fireworks in the dedicatory fireworks paint the night sky brilliantly. If you wish to watch the boats and fireworks closely, you can purchase paid seats. Booths are set up along Okawa River to excite the festivity.
* For 2022, the gal float, Funatogyo and fireworks are canceled. Booths will not be on the shrine grounds.
Highlights
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Each year, 3million visit the Osaka Temmangu’s rituals, one of Japan’s three major festivals.
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Yoimiya Festival on the 24th and Hongu Shinji on the 25th are must-see.
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Hokonagashi on the 24th is said to be the origin of the Tenjin Festival.
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Funatogyo and many attractions on the 25th.