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Tenjin Matsuri: Guide to Osaka's Thrilling Festival of Fire and Water (July 2025)

Tenjin Matsuri: Guide to Osaka's Thrilling Festival of Fire and Water (July 2025)

Last updated: 28 May 2025

Every July, Osaka comes alive with the Tenjin Matsuri (天神祭), a spectacular celebration drawing 1.3 million visitors. The climax on July 25 features the grand Rikutogyo parade with 3,000 participants and the lantern-lit Funatogyo procession on the Ōkawa River.

Capping it all is a dazzling fireworks show that gives this ‘fire and water festival’ its name, along with the crowd-favorite Tenjin Festival Gal Mikoshi, adding even more energy to the scene.

Table of Contents
  1. Tenjin Matsuri: Origins and Significance
  2. Getting to the Tenjin Matsuri: Access and Directions
  3. Tenjin Matsuri Event Schedule
  4. 11 Highlights of the Tenjin Matsuri
  5. How crowded is the Tenjin Festival? What are the things to remember during the festival?

Tenjin Matsuri: Origins and Significance

Believed to have originated in 951, just two years after the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine was enshrined, the Tenjin Matsuri has earned its place as one of Japan's three major festivals, alongside Tokyo's Kanda Festival and Kyoto's Gion Festival.

The annual Tenjin Festival takes place from late June to July 25, with its epicenter at the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine in Tenma, Osaka City.

The festival reaches its peak on July 24 and 25, known as Yomiya and Honmiya, respectively, attracting a significant influx of visitors.

On the 25th, be prepared to witness a truly mesmerizing sight as the sky erupts with a spectacular display of 5,000 fireworks, while a fleet of 100 boats gracefully floats along the Ōkawa River.

Getting to the Tenjin Matsuri: Access and Directions

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

  • Tenjin Festival
    • Address Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 530-0041
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Tenjimbashisujirokuchome Station (Tanimachi Line / Sakaisuji Line / Hankyu-senri Line)
      3 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 06-6353-0025

Tenjin Matsuri Event Schedule

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.

July 24 (Yomiyasai)
  • 4 AM - Ichiban Taiko (First Drum, signaling the start of festivities)
  • 7:45 AM - Yoimiya Festival (Eve Ceremony, a preparatory ceremony for the main festival)
  • 8:30 AM - Hokonagashi Procession
  • 8:50 AM - Hokonagashi Shinji (Procession and ritual involving the floating of a sacred spear)
  • 11 AM - Angūsai (A ceremony conducted at a temporary shrine set up for the festival)
  • 11:30 AM - Yamakage Ryūgishiki Hōchō Hōnō (A traditional knife ceremony dedicated to the gods)
  • Noon - Tenjin Kōshi Lion Dance (A traditional lion dance performance in honor of the gods)
  • 4 PM - Moyo-oshidaiko Jichijunkō (A procession featuring large festival drums)
  • 4:15 PM - Entrance of Dondoko boats - Hokonagashi Kamikohōkan (The arrival of the Dondoko Boat and the ritual return of the sacred spear)
  • 6:40 PM - Suijō Takiginoh (A traditional Noh performance held on the water)
  • 7 PM - Moyo-oshidaiko (Procession featuring large festival drums)
  • 7:30 PM - Lion Dance
July 25 (Honmiya)
  • 1:30 PM - Honmiya Festival (The main ceremonial event of the festival)
  • 2:15 PM - Shinreigyo (The movement of the divine spirit to a portable shrine for the procession)
  • 3:30 PM - Departure for Rikutogyo Procession (A grand procession through the streets featuring various festival participants)
  • 5:30 PM - Departure for Funatogyo Procession (A procession of boats decorated and lit up for the festival)
  • 6 PM - Funatogyo (Boat Procession)
  • 7:30 PM - Funajosai (On-Boat Festival)
  • 7:30 PM - Fireworks (A spectacular fireworks display dedicated to the gods)
  • 9 PM - Saitaiko no Miyairi Kaishi (Grand Taiko Drum Entrance Commencement)
  • 10 PM - Kango-sai (The concluding ceremony of the festival, marking the return of the divine spirit to the shrine)

11 Highlights of the Tenjin Matsuri

11 Highlights of the Tenjin Matsuri

1. Flowers of Tenjin Festival: Liven up the Tenjin Festival by Watching the Gal Mikoshi

1. Flowers of Tenjin Festival: Liven up the Tenjin Festival by Watching the Gal Mikoshi

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|a=spot\:lj0009846@>, drawing cheers from the crowd.

2. Ichibandaiko: Signaling the start of Tenjin Festival

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.

3. Hokonagashi Shinji: The ancient origin of the Tenjin Festival

3. Hokonagashi Shinji: The ancient origin of the Tenjin Festival

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.

4. Moyo-oshidaiko Jichijunkō: Marvel at the sight of people beating the taiko drum

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.

Did you know?
  • “Chesajaa” (チェサジャー) and “Sokojaa” (ソコジャー) don’t have literal meanings in standard Japanese—they’re traditional chants or calls used to energize performers and the crowd during the Tenjin Festival.
  • These kinds of shouts are often rhythmic and used in festivals to create atmosphere, unify participants, and boost morale, similar to "wasshoi" in other Japanese festivals. Their origin may lie in regional dialects or be onomatopoeic, but today they're primarily used for their sound and emotional impact rather than linguistic meaning.

5. Suijo Takigi-Noh: A performance above water

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.

6. Honmiya Festival: A prayer for peace and prosperity in Osaka

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.

7. Rikutogyo: A large procession comprised of 3,000 people

Rikutogyo
Rikutogyo

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.

8. Funatogyo: Watch as more than 100 ships slowly traverse Okawa River

8. Funatogyo: Watch as more than 100 ships slowly traverse Okawa River

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.

9. Funatogo Senjosai: A solemn ritual aboard Funatogyo boats

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.

10. Fireworks: Marvel at the festival finale as it lights up the night sky and river waters

10. Fireworks: Marvel at the festival finale as it lights up the night sky and river waters

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.

11. Watch from special seats with a great view of the fireworks!

11. Watch from special seats with a great view of the fireworks!

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.

How crowded is the Tenjin Festival? What are the things to remember during the festival?

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.

*The above article was originally published in June 2020 and updated in May 2024.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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