If you're in Osaka in July, the Tenjin Matsuri is something you don’t want to miss. First held back in 951, this festival honors the deity of scholarship at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine—but don’t expect a quiet affair.

Over the course of a month, the city celebrates with traditional music, parades, and plenty of food stalls. The real action happens on July 24 and 25, with lively processions through the streets and along the river. Locals in period costume carry portable shrines, and crowds gather along the banks of the Ōkawa River.

The grand finale on the 25th is pure summer magic: about 100 illuminated boats float by as 5,000 fireworks light up the night sky. It’s one of Japan’s top festivals for a reason—and a great way to experience Osaka’s festive spirit up close.

Osaka Tenmangu is a 1-minute walk from Osaka Tenmangu Station on the JR Tozai Line.

The scheduled dates for 2025 are as follows. Please note that the venue, time, events, and other details provided are based on those of past years and are subject to change.

It is recommended to check the Tenjin Matsuri website beforehand for the most up-to-date information before visiting.

・Event Dates: July 24 - 25, 2024
・Venues: Mainly at and around Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, and others.

Held on July 23 as a pre-festival event, the Gal Mikoshi brings extra excitement to the Tenjin Matsuri. Originally called the Tenjin Matsuri Jōsei Omikoshi (Women's Omikoshi), it earned the nickname “Gal Mikoshi” as its popularity grew across Osaka.

During the spirited parade, eight women carry a 200-kg mikoshi through the lively Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, drawing cheers from the crowd.

The "Ichibandaiko" ceremony marks the vibrant start of the Tenjin Festival. At exactly 4 AM, the main gate of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine opens, signaling the official kickoff.

A performer known as the ganji of Moyo-oshidaiko strikes the giant ichibandaiko drum, its deep resonance filling the air and ushering in lively danjiri music and a dynamic dragon dance—instantly energizing the festival spirit.

As part of the Tenjin Festival’s sacred rituals, the “Hokonagashi Shinji” involves releasing a white wooden hoko float into the Dojimagawa River to cleanse sins and impurities.

Local elementary school boys, chosen as “divine children,” lead this rite with solemn dedication. They follow strict purification customs and play a central role in guiding and releasing the float into the water.

The "Moyo-oshidaiko Jichijunkō" is a lively procession led by the powerful beats of the Moyo-oshidaiko drum and the encouraging chants of “Chesajaa” and “Sokojaa.”

As the drum echoes through the streets, it’s joined by the dramatic lion dance of the Tenjin Kōshi Shishi, creating a vibrant and unforgettable highlight of the Tenjin Festival.

Among the stage boats in the Tenjin Festival’s "Funatogyo" river procession is the "Nohbune" (Noh boat), moored at OAP Harbor. Here, the captivating "Suijo Takiginoh" (Waterborne Torchlight Noh) is performed, bringing classical Noh theater to life on the water.

This elegant performance is accompanied by music from the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine Religious Society Federation and the spirited "Dondoko Funabune" procession—an evocative blend of tradition and celebration.

The "Honmiya Festival" takes place in the morning at Tenmangu Shrine, marking a solemn shift in the Tenjin Festival's energy. As the drums and float music pause, the ritual begins with prayers for the city’s peace, prosperity, and protection from disasters.

Once the ceremony starts, people gather and join the procession, symbolizing their shared role in the divine journey.

The "Rikutogyo" is a grand land procession featuring around 3,000 participants in vivid traditional dress, marching from Osaka Tenmangu Shrine to the boat landing. This dazzling parade resembles a living scroll of history, with vibrant costumes and sacred objects offered in tribute to the gods.

Leading the way is the powerful Moyo-oshidaiko drum, struck by three performers known as "ganji," whose rhythmic beats and spirited shouts make for a truly unforgettable sight.

After the land procession ends, participants arrive at the boat landing near Tenjimbashi. Boarding begins with the Moyo-oshidaiko, and the "Funatogyo" boat procession sets sail on the Okawa River.

A variety of boats join the procession: the "Gohoren Houansen" carries the deity’s spirit, the "Kumihososen" transports the Moyo-oshidaiko and floats, the "Omukae-bune" welcomes the spirit with elegant dolls, and the "Houbai-bune" represent supporting organizations. Freely moving "Dondoko-bune" add energy to the scene, as fireworks light up the sky and reflect in the river for a stunning finale.

During the boat procession, the "Funatogyo Senjo-sai" is held on the ceremonial boat—a solemn ritual where the deity surveys the lives of local worshippers and bestows divine protection.

As the ceremony takes place, nearby boats pause their music in silence as a mark of respect, offering a quiet farewell—an enduring and heartfelt tradition of the festival.

The Tenjin Festival concludes with a breathtaking fireworks finale. Watch as around 4,000 fireworks light up the Osaka night sky, mirrored by the glow of brazier fires on the 100 boats of the Funatogyo.

Don’t miss the festival’s signature firework, the kōbai, which bursts into the shape of an umebachi (plum bowl)—a symbol of Tenjin-sama, the deified spirit of Sugawara no Michizane.

The Tenjin Festival ends with a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the Osaka night sky alongside the mystical glow of kagaribi (bonfires) on roughly 100 boats.

Around 4,000 fireworks are launched from Kawasaki Park and Sakuramiya Park, with the highlight being the Koubai—a stunning firework that blossoms into a plum flower, symbolizing the deity Tenjin. It's a must-see finale of color, tradition, and artistry.

If you're planning to watch the dedicated fireworks display, it's best to avoid using JR Sakuranomiya Station as it tends to get extremely crowded before and after the viewing.

Instead, consider walking from JR Osaka Tenmangu Station, Subway Minamimorimachi Station, or JR Kyobashi Station, which are closer to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. This way, you can avoid some of the congestion. For a more comfortable viewing experience, it's advisable to purchase tickets for the reserved seating area in advance.

After the impressive Rikutogyo land procession, the traditional boat procession, and the bonfires lighting up the grand fleet, the festival reaches its climax as approximately 5,000 dedicated fireworks burst into the night sky! Just on July 24th and 25th alone, there are plenty of magnificent, vibrant, and enchanting highlights to see.

So, make sure to check the schedule for the parts you want to witness and head to the festival grounds. It's going to be an extraordinary experience!

Text by: Efeel Inc.

(*This article was originally published in June 2020 and updated in June 2025.)