Tenjin Matsuri

The Tenjin Matsuri (天神祭) is one of the largest and most famous festivals in Japan, held annually in Osaka, centering around the evening festival (Yomiya) on July 24th and the main festival (Honmiya) on July 25th. It is a festival dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of scholarship.

The festival’s history dates back over 1,000 years and features a wide variety of events, including the Funatogyo, a grand procession of boats along the Okawa River, as well as the Rikutogyo, a land procession, and various other dedicatory events. One of the highlights is the Mikoshi Togyo, where locals parade portable shrines through the streets of Osaka, accompanied by traditional music and dance.

Another important event is the Tenjin Matsuri Hono Hanabi (dedicatory fireworks), held on the evening of Yomiya. Thousands of fireworks are launched over the Okawa River, creating a spectacular and colorful display that attracts crowds of visitors from all over Japan and around the world.

The festival also features numerous food stalls where visitors can enjoy a wide array of local delicacies and refreshing drinks. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with both locals and tourists joining in the celebrations and enjoying the traditional sights, sounds, and flavors of the Tenjin Matsuri.

Getting there

By Train

• From Osaka Station:
  • Take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Temma Station
  • 5-minute walk to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
  • Total journey time: About 15 minutes
• Alternatively:
  • Take the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line from Higashi-Umeda Station to Minami-Morimachi Station
  • 5-minute walk to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
  • Total journey time: About 15 minutes
• From Kitashinchi Station:
  • Take the JR Tozai Line to Osaka Tenmangu Station
  • 3-minute walk to the shrine
  • Journey time: 2 minutes
  • Cost: 140 yen

By Bus

• From Umeda:
  • Take Osaka City Bus Route 36 towards Tenjinbashi-suji 6-chome
  • Get off at Temmabashi-Ichome bus stop
  • 2-minute walk to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
  • Journey time: About 20 minutes

Links and Resources

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/saijireki/tjm