🎆 Osaka Soul Festival: Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City) Full Introduction

Today, I'd like to introduce you to the Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan's three major festivals and the event that best represents Osaka's summer spirit. 🔥 When you think of summer in Osaka, you'll inevitably picture fireworks, bustling funafeasts, and the resounding sound of taiko drums. With a history spanning over a thousand years, this festival is known as the "Soul Festival of Water City Osaka."

📜 The origin and history of Tenjin Festival

The origins of the Tenjin Matsuri can be traced back to 951 AD, when the first festival was held at Osaka's Tenmangu Shrine to honor Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning . Priests initially invited the deity onto a boat and paraded it along the Okawa River (now the central river of Osaka) to pray for peace and prosperity.

Over time, the Tenjin Matsuri evolved into a grand event for the public, blending religious rituals with entertainment. Today, it's not only a regular festival at Tenmangu Shrine but also one of Osaka's most iconic summer tourist attractions.

I think the most special thing about the Tenjin Matsuri is its "combination of land and water": a solemn land parade during the day, a lively river ferry ride at night, and finally a fireworks display that's absolutely thrilling! 🎇

⏰ Event schedule and key procedures

🗓️ Date

• Time : July 24th to 25th every year
• Location : Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and surrounding areas

📌 Main activity process

• July 24 (Xiaogong)
  • Shinto rituals, taiko drum performances, and welcoming ceremonies
  • The atmosphere gradually heated up, with vendors and crowds appearing on the streets
• July 25 (My Palace)
  • Rikuto-go (Daytime): Thousands of people dressed in Heian period costumes escort the mikoshi and procession around the city.
  • Funado-go (evening to night): Hundreds of boats, brightly lit, carrying portable shrines, musicians, and dancers, parade across the Okawa River.
  • Fireworks (night): Held simultaneously with the Funadogo fireworks display, the fireworks illuminate the river, creating one of Osaka's most spectacular summer night scenes.

🚶 Lu Duyu's style

The daytime "Rikudugo" is one of the highlights of the Tenjin Festival.

• A grand procession consisting of clergy, samurai costumes, taiko drum troupes, lion dances, etc., departs from Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
• About 3,000 people participated, and the scene was extremely spectacular.
• The procession moved along the city center, and people lined the streets to watch wherever they went.

When I first saw it live, I felt like I was traveling back to ancient times. The gorgeous costumes and solemn ceremonies of the Heian period made me feel a strong historical atmosphere. 👘

🚤 Funado and the charm of the water city

The soul of the Tenjin Festival is Funadogo .

• Starting in the evening, hundreds of beautifully decorated boats cruise on the Okawa River.
• The boats are filled with mikoshi, traditional music, dances, and poetry, transforming the entire river into a floating stage.
• When the lanterns on the boat are lit, the river surface reflects a golden glow, which is both romantic and stunning.

I think this scene fully demonstrates the characteristics of Osaka as a "water city". Standing on the river bank and watching it, it really gives me goosebumps. ⚓✨

🎇 Fireworks Display

The Tenjin Festival fireworks display is one of the most popular summer events in Osaka.

• More than 5,000 fireworks were launched along the banks of the Okawa River.
• The fireworks display takes place simultaneously with the Funadogo, and the reflections on the water complement the illuminated fleet.
• It attracts more than one million visitors every year and is extremely popular.

A reminder to everyone: If you want to grab the best viewing spot, be sure to arrive at the riverbank early to reserve a spot! Or choose the paid viewing area for a more comfortable experience. 🎆

🍢 The common customs of Tenjin Festival

In addition to the solemn ceremonies and spectacular parades, the Tenjin Festival is also filled with the joy of the common people:

• The riverbank and streets are lined with food stalls, selling everything from takoyaki, fried noodles, grilled chicken skewers, and shaved ice.
• The crowd wore yukata and held round fans, eating and drinking while waiting for the fireworks.
• Various traditional performances and the sound of Taiko drums are heard one after another, creating a lively atmosphere.

My favorite thing is eating Osaka takoyaki while waiting for the fireworks. It’s the epitome of summer happiness! 🐙💖

🗺️ Transportation and sightseeing suggestions

• Location : Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, Okawa River (near Tenjin Bridge and Tenma Bridge)
• transportation :
  • Tenmangu Shrine is a short walk from Minamimorimachi Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line.
  • The riverside viewing area is accessible from Keihan Railway's Temmabashi Station or Kitahama Station.
• Tips for viewing :
  1. There are a lot of people, so it is recommended to arrive early
  2. Bring folding chairs or picnic mats for extended sitting
  3. It’s hot in summer, remember to drink water and use sunscreen
  4. If you don't want to squeeze in with the crowds, you can consider paying for a sightseeing boat or reserving a viewing seat.

💡 Editor's Note

The Tenjin Matsuri is a comprehensive festival that combines history, faith, and entertainment. From the solemn ceremonies during the day, to the boat rides in the evening, and the fireworks display at night, the atmosphere of the festival is truly captivating.

I think its charm lies in the "contrast": it has both the solemn traditions of the Heian period and the joy and bustle of the common people; it has both the sacred funa on the river and the romantic fireworks in the night sky. 💖

If the Gion Matsuri is the symbol of Kyoto, then the Tenjin Matsuri is the soul of Osaka. Don't miss this grand summer carnival in the water city when you come to Osaka this summer! 🌊🎇