Tenjin Matsuri « June « Somewhere in the world today…

A beautiful illuminated river parade in Japan.

When: 24th & 25th July every year.
Where: Tenmangu Shrine, Tenjinbashi, Osaka city, Japan.

This impressive event is deemed one of the major festivals of Japan. The evening torchlight river procession of hundreds of beautiful illuminated boats carrying mikoshi shrines, is certainly a sight to behold.

During the afternoon there is a huge and colourful parade of heavy palanquins carrying historical images and religious figures through the city from the Tenmangu Shrine to the Okawa river accompanied by heavy ritual drumming. You will also hear kagura music, which is performed when paying homage to gods, and there is bunraku theatrical performances using puppets in all parts of the city. The grand finale is an incredible displays of more than 2000 fireworks.

With a history of more than 1,000 years, Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri boat festival is a huge celebration in honour of the leading court scholar and poet Sugawara Michizane, who became a victim of political intrigue and died in exile in the year 903. After his death it is said that his vengeful spirit was responsible for a series of disasters that befell the country. In order to appease him, his name was cleared and he was posthumously reinstated and created the patron god of learning and art.

Japanese Food & Drink

Look out for traditional street food like Yakitori Chicken, always available at any Japanese festival. Sekihan rice is often served on special occasions, holidays and festivals in Japan. Its red colour is considered the colour of happiness. Try our Sekihan or Yakitori recipes. Drink warm Sake or Japanese beer.