Osaka is Japan's second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, home to about 7% of the country's population. Furthermore, about 10% of foreigners living in Japan reside in Osaka, making it a culturally diverse city.
Osaka is also famous as the "nation's kitchen" and a "food paradise." There are many affordable and delicious Osaka-specific dishes, with octopus dumplings called Takoyaki being the most popular. Okonomiyaki, often introduced as "Japanese pizza," and Kushikatsu, deep-fried skewers, are also very famous. There are also many areas known for producing delicious sake.
Moreover, Osaka is a city where "Owarai" (comedy) is deeply rooted in the culture. The city center is filled with high-rise buildings, showcasing development befitting Japan's second-largest city.
Osaka is home to many famous festivals, with the nationally renowned "Tenjin Matsuri" attracting people from all over the country. In this article, we'll focus on the Tenjin Matsuri and other Osaka traditional festivals happening in 2024.
What is the highlight of Osaka traditional festivals, "Tenjin Matsuri"?
Source: Official website
Tenjin Matsuri is Osaka's representative festival and is counted as one of Japan's three major festivals. It is held at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. The festival period runs from late June to July 25th every year, with various events and celebrations taking place over a month.
The most famous part of the festival occurs on the nights of July 24th and 25th, when many boats traverse the Okawa River, and fireworks light up the sky, creating an exciting atmosphere. With bonfires, lanterns, and other traditional Japanese festival lights, along with fireworks, it's also called a festival of fire and water.
The festivities begin in earnest on the 24th with the Yoimiya (eve) celebrations, including parades, and reach their climax with the fireworks on the night of the 25th, known as Honmiya (main festival).
Popular spots for watching the fireworks include the central plaza of Sakuramiya Park, OAP Plaza, and Genpachi Bridge. However, be aware that these areas can get extremely crowded, so choose your location carefully.
Brief History of Tenjin Matsuri
The history of Tenjin Matsuri dates back about 1000 years to 951 CE. It is said to have originated when a Kamihoko, an ancient weapon associated with deities, was floated down the river soon after the construction of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, and rituals were performed where it washed ashore.
On that occasion, local residents rode boats to welcome the deity, which evolved into the current festival where numerous boats traverse the river.
As time passed, the festival became increasingly grand, with more boats participating and fireworks being added. Throughout its long history, there were times when natural disasters and wars threatened its continuation, but the passion of the people of Osaka has kept it alive. Tenjin Matsuri is a festival where you can experience the unique traditions and culture of Osaka.
Eight Osaka Traditional Festivals in 2024
Festivals in Osaka in August
Dotonbori Bon Odori International 2024 (August 17th and 18th)
Source: WALKER PLUS
Dotonbori Bon Odori International is a major summer event representing Dotonbori, the heart of Osaka. Bon Odori is a traditional local dance event held during the summer period when people remember their ancestors, and it takes place all over Japan.
The Dotonbori Bon Odori International is notable for its large scale and central location in Osaka, attracting many locals, tourists, and international participants.
In 2024, the event will be held on August 17th and 18th, starting at 12:00 PM. Music performances will take place on a special water stage set up on the nearby river, but the main Bon Odori dance will start at 5:00 PM on the 17th and 6:00 PM on the 18th. The dance is simple, so please feel free to join in!
- Location: Tombori River Walk, Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Date: August 17th and 18th, 2024
- Official website
Gangara Fire Festival and Daiichi Monji Lighting / Daimonji Dedication Fire (August 24th)
Source: Ikeda City Official website
The "Gangara Fire Festival and Daiichi Monji Lighting / Daimonji Dedication Fire" (Gangarahimatsuri・Daiichimonjitento・Daimonjikentoka) is a traditional festival held annually on August 24th in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture. The Gangara Fire Festival takes place around Ikeda City Hall. The Daimonji lighting occurs on the mountainside, but you can view the fires lit in the shape of the Japanese kanji character for "big" from the city area.
The Gangara Fire Festival is said to have started in 1644 to pray for household safety. On the day of the festival, a large torch weighing 100 kilograms and 4 meters long is paraded through the town while burning. It's a very impressive festival.
This year, the Daiichi Monji lighting and Daimonji dedication fire will start at 7:30 PM, with the character "大" (big) appearing on the mountainside. The torch will then depart and make its way through the city. It is expected to arrive at the Ikeda Station East Exit intersection around 8:45 PM and in front of Ikeda City Hall around 9:00 PM.
- Location: Around Ikeda City Hall, 1-1-1 Jonan, Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture
- Date: August 24th, 2024
- Official website
Festivals in Osaka in September
Hassaku Festival (September 1st)
Source: Official website
The "Hassaku Festival" (Hassakusai) is a traditional event that has been held for over 400 years at Nose Myokensan Mountain, which offers a view of the sea. In this festival, many prayers are offered each year for the fulfillment of wishes and business prosperity.
Hassaku refers to the first day of August in the old Japanese calendar. On this day, farmers used to present the first harvested rice ears to people they were indebted to as a gesture of gratitude. From this custom, it became a day to express gratitude and pray to the deity of Myokensan.
This year, on September 1st, 2024, there will be a rakugo (traditional comic storytelling) performance at the temple office from 11:00 AM. Lucky charm prayers will also be held from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with reception from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Please note that Nose Myokensan is located away from the city area.
- Location: 661 Noma-naka, Nose-cho, Toyono-gun, Osaka Prefecture
- Date: September 1st, 2024
- Official website
Mozu Hachimangu Shrine Autumn Festival & Futon Taiko Dedication Event (September 17th, 21st, and 22nd)
Source: Official website
The Mozu Hachimangu Shrine Autumn Festival & Futon Taiko Dedication Event (Mozuhachimangu Futondaiko Hono Event) is an annual festival held at Mozu Hachimangu Shrine in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.
The festival is centered around the day corresponding to August 15th in the old Japanese calendar, so it's also known as the Moon Viewing Festival (Tsukimimatsuri). It has long been beloved by local residents. It's said that the current form of the festival is a combination of prayers for a good rice harvest and the custom of celebrating the full moon.
The highlight of this festival is the "Futon Taiko" (Futondaiko) dedication event. The "Futon Taiko" is named after the five layers of cushion-like pads resembling Japanese "zabuton" placed under the drum. On top of this drum stand, which is about 4 meters high and weighs about 2 tons when decorated, townspeople beat the drums to pray for a good harvest and good health.
The elaborately decorated Futon Taiko is carried by 60-70 people and paraded around the shrine grounds. Each town has its unique decorations, making it a spectacular sight. The main events are on the 21st and 22nd, with the Futon Taiko viewable from late morning until around 10:00 PM on both days.
- Location: 5-706 Mozu Akahata-cho, Kita-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture
- Date: September 17th, 21st, and 22nd, 2024
- Official website
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri September Festival Parade (September 8th to 15th)
Source: Kishiwada City Official website
The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is a festival with over 300 years of history held every September in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture. "Danjiri" refers to the floats used in Japanese festivals, which is a dialect term used in western Japan. These floats are often elaborately carved and are pulled by hand through the town to pray for the prosperity of the community and a good harvest.
The appeal of the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri lies in the powerful sight of giant danjiri racing through the town. Particularly impressive is the "Yarimawashi," where the danjiri turns corners at full speed, which is a highlight of this dynamic festival.
The festival takes place throughout Kishiwada City, but you can access the main venues on foot from Kishiwada Station. September 8th and 13th are test runs, the 14th is the eve of the festival called Yoimiya, and the 15th is the main festival day called Honmiya. The festival is at its peak on the 14th and 15th.
- Location: Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture
- Date: September 8th, 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2024
- Official website
Moon Viewing Festival (October 1st)
Source: Official website
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka City holds an annual Moon Viewing Festival (Kangetsusai) in autumn. This festival is based on the elegant custom of enjoying traditional performing arts along with the moon, which is particularly beautiful in autumn.
The event takes place on the grounds of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, where the illuminated bridge, shrine buildings, and the full moon reflected in the pond create a fantastical landscape. On the bridge, Shinto priests recite tanka and haiku poems collected from all over the country in the traditional manner. Traditional court music and dance are also offered to the deities.
This is recommended for those who want to experience a traditional Japanese event on a mystical full moon night at a shrine. You can feel the traditional Japanese tranquility and beauty. Please note that this festival is more about enjoying a quiet atmosphere rather than lively celebration. It's a bit different from the other festivals introduced in this article, so keep that in mind.
- Location: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Date: October 1st, 2024
- Official website
Festivals in Osaka in October
Semba Festival (Date TBA)
Source: Official website
The Semba Festival (Sembamatsuri) is an annual event held in October in the Semba area of Osaka. Various events take place at numerous shops in the Semba area and shrines such as Namba Shrine. In recent years, it has been held during the three-day holiday in October, so it's likely to be held from October 12th to 14th this year. (Details are yet to be confirmed)
Past events have included lectures, shop sales, photo exhibitions, music and traditional performing arts presentations, encompassing a diverse range of cultural activities. Local shrines have also held their own festivals. In 2023, there were also sports experience events open to everyone, so if you're planning to visit Osaka in October, be sure to check it out.
If you're curious about the dates, check the following link before your trip:
- Location: Semba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Date: TBA
- Official website
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri October Festival Parade (October 6th to 13th)
Source: Kishiwada City Official website
The previously mentioned "Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri" is held not only in September but also in October. The October festival takes place in six districts, including the Higashi-Kishiwada area of Kishiwada City. Each district has its own parade and unique rituals.
In October, the "danjiri" floats also parade through each area. However, the scale is smaller than the September festival and has a more local atmosphere. The September festival is more nationally famous.
Compared to the September festival, the October festival has fewer people and covers a wider area, allowing visitors to enjoy it at a more relaxed pace. You can observe the float processions and decorations of each district without worrying about crowds.
October 6th is a test run where you can watch the trial runs of the floats. The main events are on the 12th and 13th, so these days are recommended if you want to experience the festival.
- Location: Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture
- Date: October 6th, 12th, and 13th, 2024
- Official website
Summary
This article introduced Osaka traditional festivals held from August to October, focusing on the following three points:
- Festivals where you can participate and enjoy together, such as the Dotonbori Bon Odori International: Festivals held in central areas like Dotonbori and Semba, where there are many people and shops, include elements that allow you to participate and enjoy. Experience Japanese festivals together with locals.
- Powerful traditional festivals to observe and enjoy, such as the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (September Festival): Watching these dynamic festivals will give you a new perspective on local Japanese culture.
- Festivals where you can quietly enjoy traditional Japanese culture, such as the Hassaku Festival and the Moon Viewing Festival: Experience the beauty that Japan has cherished since ancient times.
My recommendation is the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (September Festival). However, please note that this festival is often held on hot days and can be very crowded, so take care of your health and be prepared when participating.