Festivals in Osaka you should never miss

Festivals in Osaka you should never miss

Osaka is known as the third-largest city in Japan, and the prefecture has a lot of sightseeing spots and attractions that bring in massive crowds from all over the world every year.

Compared to its neighbouring prefecture, Osaka doesn’t have as many festivals as Kyoto, but there are some iconic festivals like Tenjin Festival and Danjiri Matsuri held in Osaka every year.

We have listed up some of the best festivals in Osaka for you to experience, which will no doubt become one of the best memories of your trip to Japan!

Index : Festivals in Osaka you should never miss

1. Tenjin Matsuri
2. Doya doya
3. Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
4. Danjiri Matsuri

1. Tenjin Matsuri 

Tenjin Matsuri is Osaka’s biggest festival, annually from July 24 to July 25. The festival is known as one of Japan’s three major festivals, and it’s been celebrated for over 1000 years.

The festival is celebrated the same way before, beginning with rituals at the shrine and river. These rituals include Hokonagashi Ritual, a ritual where a sacred sword is thrown by the Hokonagashi Bridge, shishimai lion dance, and prayers for Osaka’s safety and prosperity. Once the preparations are completed, men in red hats start the festival by playing drums.

The festival is held to honour the god of learning, Sugawara Michizane, who was enshrined at Tenmangu, which is moved from the shrine to an omikoshi (portable shrine) that is carried through Osaka city during this festival.

Back To Index

2. Doya doya

Doya Doya Festival is a festival in Tennoji area, Osaka, which is held to celebrate the end of 14 days of worship after the new year. The festival is sometimes called the “Naked Man Festival” because you can see dozens of men wearing fundoshi (Japanese traditional underwear), doused in very cold water while competing in teams for banknotes.

The participants of this festival are students from local high schools who have a historic connection with the temple. They chant “doya doya”, which is a Japanese onomatopoeia for the sound of thundering footsteps, as they soak in water.

Back To Index

3. Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival

Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is one of the top 10 most popular fireworks festivals in the Kansai region, and it is held on the first Saturday of August every year.

This fireworks event started in 1989, and ever since then, it’s been attracting over 500,000 visitors every year, making it one of the most awaited events in Osaka. Various fireworks are decorating the dark summer sky, and since there are a lot of people coming from all over Japan, you might want to find an excellent spot to see the fireworks to avoid the crowd.

Back To Index

4. Danjiri Matsuri

Danjiri Matsuri is a festival in Osaka, which takes place at Kishiwada Castle, near Namba. The festival involves a procession of more than a hundred men rushing down the street, pushing and pulling a handcrafted danjiri float.

Danjiri weighs about four tons, and traditional danjiri floats are crafted with wood with detailed carvings of ancient battles and myths. There are 35 floats paraded around from each neighbourhood in Kishiwada.

Read more article

• Japanese phrases to use when asking directions
• Colorful Flower Festivals to Enjoy at Nabana no Sato and Shima City Tourist Farm
• Recommended festivals in Shikoku for you to experience

Back To Top