Festival · Kita Ward, Osaka
Tenjin Matsuri
天神祭
One of Japan's three great festivals, held by Osaka Tenmangu Shrine since 951. On the night of 25 July about 100 lantern-lit boats sail the Okawa river while fireworks burst overhead.
When
24–25 July every year
- 2027 dates
- 24 – 25 Jul 2027
- Main days
- Sun, 25 Jul 2027
- Cost
- Free; some paid river-view seats
- Crowds
- Extremely heavy along the river on 25 July
- Time needed
- Land procession from 15:30, boats and fireworks in the evening of 25 July
- Nearest station
- Osakatemmangu (JR) or Minami-morimachi (subway)
In short
- The big night is 25 July, whatever day of the week it falls on. Come for the afternoon procession and stay by the river for the boats and fireworks.
- Find your riverside spot by late afternoon. Sakuranomiya Park on the east bank is a popular place to watch the boats.
- The fireworks last about an hour and a half, and the trains afterwards are packed. Walk one or two stations away before catching a train.
- Late July in Osaka is hot and sticky. Bring water, a fan and a towel. Check the Osaka weather too.
What happens when
| Date | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 24 July, 7:45 | Yoimiya rite at the main hall opens the festival | Osaka Tenmangu Shrine |
| 24 July, about 8:50 | Hokonagashi: a sacred spear is set adrift from a boat | Dojima River |
| 25 July, from 15:30 | Land procession of drummers, costumed people and portable shrines | From Osaka Tenmangu Shrine |
| 25 July, evening | Funatogyo boat procession of about 100 boats, and offering fireworks | Okawa river |
What the Tenjin Matsuri is
The festival honours Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar who became the god of learning, and is held by Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. It is said to date from 951, when a sacred spear was set adrift on the river and boats came out to greet the god. Its rites start in late June, but the main days are 24 and 25 July.
The festival is often called a festival of fire and water, for the bonfires, lanterns and fireworks reflected on the river. It ranks with Kyoto's Gion Matsuri and Tokyo's Kanda Matsuri as one of Japan's three great festivals.
The boat procession and fireworks
On the evening of 25 July, the god is carried on to a boat and about 100 boats sail the Okawa, some carrying drummers, others performing stages and lantern-lit portable shrines. Fireworks are launched from the river while the boats pass.
Bridges are closed to standing during the procession, so pick a riverbank spot. Some boats and riverside seats can be booked through travel companies, which is the easiest way to get a clear view.
Where it happens
Questions
When is the Tenjin Matsuri?
On 24 and 25 July every year. The boat procession and fireworks are on the evening of 25 July.
Where is the best place to watch?
Along the Okawa river, especially Sakuranomiya Park and around Tenmabashi. Arrive by late afternoon for a good spot.
Which station should I use?
Osakatemmangu on the JR Tozai Line or Minami-morimachi on the subway for the shrine. Sakuranomiya is closest to the riverbank viewing area.
More festivals in July
Plan around it
Sources
We checked the facts on this page against these sources.
Facts checked 24 October 2026