🎎 Tenjin Matsuri天神祭

The "Tenjin Matsuri," known as one of Japan's three major festivals, is a representative summer festival of the water city Osaka. It is a celebration dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, at the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. Various religious ceremonies are held over the course of a month starting from late June. Among these, the evening festival on July 24 and the main festival on July 25 are the most grand and lively, attracting over 3 million visitors from both domestic and international locations each year. On the day before the evening festival, July 23, a women's mikoshi parade takes place in the longest shopping street in Japan, the Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street. Following this, on July 24, the evening festival features the "Hoko Nagashi," which is said to be the origin of the Tenjin Matsuri, praying for the removal of illness and disasters and for peace and stability throughout the city. The month-long Tenjin Matsuri reaches its climax with the main festival on July 25. The grand procession called "Riku Dōgyo," consisting of about 3,000 participants, and the "Funadōgyo," featuring hundreds of boats navigating the river, along with approximately 5,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky in a dazzling display, create an array of spectacular events that leave spectators in awe. For those who wish to enjoy a closer view of the Funadōgyo and the fireworks, it is recommended to choose paid seating. Numerous stalls line the banks of the Okawa River, allowing visitors to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the summer festival.

The festival at Osaka Tenmangu is one of Japan's three major festivals, attracting 3 million visitors each year. The evening festival on July 24 and the main shrine events on the 25th are must-see highlights. The "Hokuryu," held on the 24th, is said to be the origin of the Tenjin Matsuri. Numerous exciting activities will take place on the 25th, starting with the "Rikudōgyo."