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Event Guide · Kansai

Tenjin Matsuri

JulyOsaka2027: Jul 24 (Yoimiya) & Jul 25 (Hongu) (held on the same dates every year)
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Overview

Overview

A festival of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine that has continued for over a thousand years, beginning in 951 when a sacred halberd was floated from the shore in front of the shrine. It is one of Japan's three great festivals. Events run for about a month from late June, peaking with the Yoimiya (eve) on July 24 and the Hongu (main day) on July 25. On the night of the Hongu, about 100 boats sail the Okawa River in the Funatogyo boat procession, accompanied by a fireworks offering.

When
Every year on July 24 (Yoimiya) and 25 (Hongu). Related events from late June
Confirmed dates: 2027: Jul 24 (Yoimiya) & Jul 25 (Hongu) (held on the same dates every year)
Venue
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and the Okawa River (former Yodo River) area (Kita-ku, Osaka)
Official website
https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/saijireki/tjm/
Highlights

Highlights

A "festival of fire and water": in the Funatogyo, the boat carrying the sacred palanquin and worshippers' boats lit by bonfires glide along the Okawa River at dusk while fireworks burst overhead. In the daytime Rikutogyo, a colorful procession with Moyoshi-daiko drums, lion dancers and children leading an ox parades along Tenjinbashi-suji.

Times

Times

Hokonagashi Shinji (Yoimiya)8:50–

July 24, on the Dojima River. The Yoimiya ceremony starts at 7:45 (Osaka Tenmangu / Kita Ward, Osaka City)

Rikutogyo land procession departs16:00–

July 25, the procession leaves Osaka Tenmangu (Kita Ward, Osaka City information)

Funatogyo boat procession18:00–

July 25, a fleet of about 100 boats sails the Okawa River. 2026 example

Fireworks offering19:30 – around 20:50

July 25, about 3,000 fireworks near Kawasaki Park and Sakuranomiya Park. 2026 example (Kita Ward, Osaka City information lists 19:00–)

Miyairi (return to the shrine)From around 21:00

July 25. The Kangyo-sai ceremony is around 22:00 (Kita Ward, Osaka City information)

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓The highlights are concentrated from the evening of July 25. You can move from the Rikutogyo (from 16:00) to the Funatogyo (from 18:00) to the fireworks (from 19:30, 2026 example)
  • ✓For a guaranteed seat, buy special viewing seats along the Okawa River in advance (in 2026, 6 venues in total, opening at 17:30). There are also on-board viewing seats with an English-speaking guide (150,000 yen in 2026, limited to 100 seats)
  • ✓The fireworks can be seen from around Sakuranomiya Park and Kawasaki Park along the Okawa River, but it gets very crowded from the evening. Choose your spot and get there while it's still light
  • ✓Food stalls line the area around the Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street (said to be the longest shopping street in Japan). Many people attend in yukata
  • ✓In stormy weather, the fireworks and other events may be canceled. Check the official announcements on the day
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Minami-morimachi Station (Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line / Sakaisuji Line)A few minutes' walk (Osaka Tenmangu)Exit 4 is convenient
  • Osakatemmangu Station (JR Tozai Line)A few minutes' walk (Osaka Tenmangu)Exit 7 is convenient
  • Sakuranomiya Station (JR Osaka Loop Line)About a 2 min walk (Sakuranomiya Park / fireworks area)
  • Temmabashi Station (Keihan Main Line / Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line)About a 5 min walk (toward the fireworks area)
From major stations
  • Osaka Station / Umeda: JR Osaka Loop Line to Sakuranomiya Station (About 5 min)
  • Higashi-Umeda Station: Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line to Minami-morimachi Station (1 stop) (About 2 min)
  • Kyoto (Gion-Shijo Station): Keihan Main Line (Limited Express) to Temmabashi Station (About 50 min)
Extra buses & shuttles
None (in some years Keihan and others run extra trains)
IC cards (Suica etc.)
IC cards such as ICOCA and Suica can be used on JR, Osaka Metro and Keihan
Getting back
  • Right after the fireworks, Sakuranomiya, Temmabashi and Minami-morimachi stations get extremely crowded and entry may be restricted. Consider leaving before the end, or walking to a station a little farther away (Osakajo-kitazume, Ogimachi, Temma, etc.)
  • Traffic restrictions are in place around Tenmangu on July 24 and 25. Avoid cars and taxis and use public transportation
  • Buy your return ticket in advance or make sure your IC card has enough credit
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
Along the Okawa River and around Tenjinbashi Bridge from the evening of July 25 until the fireworks end (around 18:00–21:00)
Quieter times
Daytime on July 24 (Yoimiya) and Osaka Tenmangu on the morning of the 25th
Saving a spot
To watch the fireworks for free, popular riverside spots start filling up early in the evening (around 16:00–17:00). With a paid seat, there's no need to claim a spot
Time needed
About 5–6 hours to enjoy everything from the Rikutogyo to the fireworks. About 1.5 hours for the fireworks only
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
Late July in Osaka averages highs of about 33°C and lows of about 26°C (reference values based on JMA normals). Nights are hot and humid too
What to wear
Breathable summer clothes or a yukata. Bring a hat, drinks and a towel for sweat, and watch out for heatstroke. Unfamiliar geta sandals can cause blisters, so bring adhesive bandages
Rain, snow & typhoons
The fireworks and other events may be canceled depending on the weather (fireworks are canceled in stormy weather)
Where to check for cancellations
Osaka Tenmangu official website (https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/), Osaka Tenmangu 06-6353-0025
☁ Kansai weather in July →
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Take your trash home or use the designated bins
  • !Follow security staff instructions about stopping or claiming spots by riverside railings and on bridges
  • !Refrain from using selfie sticks and tripods in crowds. Flying drones without permission is not allowed
  • !Osaka City has designated no-smoking-on-the-street zones. Use the designated smoking areas
  • !At Osaka Tenmangu, bow once before the torii gate and avoid walking down the center of the approach. Do not block the path of portable shrines or processions
  • !Wear your yukata with the right side under the left (left panel on top)
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Temporary toilets and toilets in convenience stores and shopping facilities get very crowded. Go early
Lockers & luggage
Coin lockers around Minami-morimachi, Temmabashi and Osaka Station fill up quickly. It is best to leave suitcases at your hotel or at Osaka Station before coming
Paying at food stalls
Most food stalls are cash only. Have small change ready
ATMs
Convenience store ATMs (Seven Bank, etc.) on the Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street and around Minami-morimachi Station
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
The riverside is extremely crowded during the fireworks and boat procession, making it difficult to get around with a wheelchair or stroller
Food

Food

Local favorites
Street food along the Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping StreetTakoyakiFestival stall foodKakigori (shaved ice)
Vegetarian & halal
Food stalls rarely have vegetarian or halal labels, so check with each vendor
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

Hotels in Osaka fill up on July 24 and 25. Booking early is recommended, especially in years when the festival falls on a weekend

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Tenjin MatsuriPR

PRSee more places to stay near Tenjin Matsuri on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Attractions

Attractions in Osaka

Theme park

Universal Studios Japan

Kansai ・ Osaka

This large theme park in Osaka’s Bay Area lets you step into the worlds of Hollywood movies and popular characters. Ride attractions, shows, and seasonal events can easily fill a full day.

Aquarium

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Kansai ・ Osaka

Located in Tempozan Harbor Village in Osaka, this is one of the world’s largest aquariums. Tanks recreating the natural environments of the Pacific Rim are arranged along a route that leads from the top floors down. It houses about 30,000 creatures of some 620 species.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Photo coming soonAquarium

NIFREL

Kansai ・ Suita

A "living museum" inside EXPOCITY, the large entertainment complex next to Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka. Blending elements of an aquarium, zoo, and art museum, it's built around the theme of "touching" the individuality of living creatures. It's run by the same company as Kaiyukan.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Zoo

Tennoji Zoo

Kansai ・ Osaka

Opened in 1915, this urban zoo run by the City of Osaka has more than 100 years of history. It sits in Tennoji Park right next to Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower, and keeps about 1,000 animals of some 170 species across roughly 11 hectares. Admission prices were revised in July 2026.

Amusement park

Hirakata Park

Kansai ・ Hirakata

Opened at its current location in 1912 (Taisho 1), it's the oldest continuously operating amusement park in Japan. It has about 40 kinds of attractions and is just a short walk from Hirakatakoen Station on the Keihan Main Line. It's about 30 minutes by train from both Osaka and Kyoto.

See all attractions →
Events

Events & festivals in Kansai

January

Wakakusa Yamayaki

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually the fourth Saturday of January (fireworks from around 18:15 in the evening, ignition around 18:30)

Photo coming soonJanuary–February

Kobe Luminarie

Kansai ・ Kobe & Arima Onsen

Usually about 10 days from late January to early February (lit from dusk to around 21:30)

2027 (32nd): Jan 29 – Feb 7

February

Baikasai (Plum Blossom Festival)

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Every year on February 25 (outdoor tea ceremony 10:00–15:00)

Every year on February 25 (Feb 25 in 2027)

May

Aoi Matsuri

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Every year on May 15 (postponed to the 16th if it rains; if it also rains on the 16th, the procession is canceled). Preliminary rites such as Yabusame horseback archery (May 3) and the Saio-dai purification ceremony (May 4) are held in early May

2027: May 15 (held every year on May 15; postponed to the 16th if it rains)

May–October

Noryo Yuka / Kawadoko (Kamogawa & Kibune)

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Kamogawa Noryo Yuka usually runs May 1 – October 15, and Kibune Kawadoko usually runs May 1 – September 30 (season and hours vary by restaurant). In 2026, Kamogawa Noryo Yuka runs until October 15

July

Gion Matsuri

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Usually July 1–31 (Yamahoko procession: Saki Matsuri July 17, Ato Matsuri July 24; Yoiyama eves: Saki Matsuri July 14–16, Ato Matsuri July 21–23)

Photo coming soonJuly

Nachi Fire Festival (Nachi no Ogi Matsuri)

Kansai ・ Shirahama & Nanki

Every year on July 14 (held during the day; Yoimiya offering events are also held the day before, on the 13th)

2027: Jul 14 (held every year on July 14)

August

Koyasan Candle Festival (Mando Kuyo-e)

Kansai ・ Koyasan

Every year on August 13 (the candle festival runs from evening into the night; the Mando Kuyo-e memorial service starts at 20:00)

2027: Aug 13 (held every year on August 13)

September–October

Kishiwada Danjiri Festival

Kansai ・ Osaka

The September festival is usually on a weekend in mid- to late September, and the October festival on a weekend in early to mid-October (2 days each)

Next: 2026 October festival (Higashi-Kishiwada district and others), Oct 10 – Oct 11. The 2026 September festival was held Sep 19 – Sep 20

Photo coming soonOctober–November

Annual Exhibition of Shōsōin Treasures

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually late October to early November (about 2–3 weeks)

2026 (78th): Oct 24 – Nov 9, open every day during the exhibition

October

Kanname-sai

Kansai ・ Ise & Shima

Usually October 15–17 (Geku first, then Naiku). Hatsuhobiki is usually on October 15 and 16

2026: Oct 15 – Oct 17 (Geku: night of Oct 15 – Oct 16; Naiku: night of Oct 16 – Oct 17)

Photo coming soonDecember

Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri Festival

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually December 15–18 (the Owatari-shiki starts at noon on December 17)

2026: Dec 15 (Tue) – Dec 18 (Fri); Owatari-shiki on Dec 17 (Thu)

See all events →

Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.

Last checked: 2026-09-30

PRKlookKimono & Yukata Rental and Photo Shoot (Osaka Castle / Osaka Tenmangu) by Kimono Rental MisakiRent a kimono or yukata in the Osaka Tenmangu / Osaka Castle areaView