Tenjin Matsuri 2024

The “Tenjin Matsuri” is a festival held at various Tenmangu shrines (Tenjin shrines) throughout Japan, commemorating the death anniversary of Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning and scholarship. The festival usually takes place around the 25th of the month, closest to Michizane’s death anniversary, and grand celebrations occur in certain months such as the First Tenjin Festival in January. Among the Tenjin festivals held at various shrines, the Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka, centered around Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, is particularly famous.

It is one of the Three Great Festivals of Japan, alongside the Gion Festival in Kyoto and the Kanda Festival in Tokyo. Together with the Seikoku Reitaisai of Sumiyoshi Taisha and the Sumiyoshi Festival of Ikuta Shrine, the Tenjin Matsuri is one of the Three Great Summer Festivals in Osaka. The festival spans approximately one month from late June to July 25th.

Notably, on the night of the 25th, a river procession called “Funatogyo” takes place on the Okawa River (formerly the Yodo River), featuring numerous boats and dedicatory fireworks. The picturesque scene of bonfires, lanterns reflecting on the river, and the fireworks has earned the festival the nickname “Fire and Water Festival.” Other ceremonies during the festival include the Hoko Nagashi Shinji (Procession of Decorated Floats) and the Riku Togyo (Land Procession). The 24th is the eve ceremony (Yoiya) and the 25th is the main ceremony (Honmiya).

 

 

 

 

Event Overview

• Dates: July 24, 2024 (Evening Rituals, Hoko Nagashi Shinji, Suwataiko, Shishi-mai Shijishin Gyoko), July 25 (Main Rituals, Shinrei Igyo, Riku Togyo, Funatogyo, Dedication Fireworks).
• Venue: Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

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