Japanese name：天神祭
Event period：July
Venue：Osaka
One of Japan’s three major festivals, coloring the water city of Osaka
【history】
The Tenjin Festival is a festival held at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine in Kita Ward, Osaka City, and is one of Japan’s most prominent traditional events with over 1,000 years of history.
Its origins date back to 951 during the Heian period (Tenryaku 5). It is said to have begun with the ‘Hoko Nagashi Ritual,’ a ceremony to divine the will of the gods. In this ritual, a spear was floated down the river, and the place where it landed was regarded as the site indicated by the gods, where prayers were offered. This ceremony later became the prototype of the Tenjin Festival.
The main deity of the festival is Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. As a festival of Tenmangu Shrine, which enshrines Michizane, it has been loved by the people of Osaka across generations.
【Feature】
The charm of the Tenjin Festival lies in the magnificent processions that take place both on land and on the river.
Symbols of the Tenjin Festival: ‘Land Procession (Rikutogyo)’ and ‘River Procession (Funatogyo)’
Land Procession
A procession of about 3,000 people parades through the streets. It is followed by mikoshi (portable shrines), drums, lion dances, and more, making it truly a summer tradition of Osaka.
River Procession
About 100 boats float on the Okawa River, with ceremonial boats carrying mikoshi and offering boats moving back and forth.
It is a spectacular sight unique to water city Osaka.
Elements that color the festival
Fireworks: Launched simultaneously with the river procession, their reflections on the water are beautiful.
Hoko-Nagashi Ritual: A ritual that marks the beginning of the festival.
Tenjin Bayashi: The lively rhythm of this festival music echoes throughout the streets.
The Tenjin Festival is a very rare festival that combines land, river, and sky (fireworks) in a single celebration.
【Content】
The Tenjin Festival is held mainly over two days, July 24 and 25 each year.
Main Event Schedule
■ July 24 (Eve)
Hoko-nagashi Ceremony
A ritual in which a hoko (spear-shaped float) is floated down the river to pray for the festival’s safety.
Eve Festival Ceremony
Shinto rituals and dedication events are held within the shrine grounds.
■ July 25 (Main Day)
Main Festival Ceremony
A solemn ceremony held before the deity.
Land Procession
A mikoshi (portable shrine) carrying the spirit of Sugawara no Michizane parades through the streets.
Boat Procession
A fleet of boats sets out on the Okawa River, with dedication events and performances taking place.
Dedication Fireworks
Around 5,000 fireworks light up the night sky, bringing the festival to its peak.
How to Enjoy
– Enjoy the boat procession and fireworks simultaneously along the river
– See the impressive land procession up close
– Taste Osaka specialties at food stalls and street vendors
– Stroll through the historic streets around Tenmangu Shrine
The festival offers a unique charm where the lively atmosphere typical of Osaka coexists with traditional Shinto rituals.
How was it? There are still many fun things in Japan. Please be sure to try them when you visit Japan.
Let’s Enjoy！
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