Tenjin Matsuri – Top Three Festivals in Osaka, Japan

Tenjin Matsuri, literally translated as “Festival of Gods”, is a festival for the deity of learning, enshrined in Osaka Tenmangu to have a check on Osaka’s city prosperity. Tenjin Matsuri is also one of the top three festivals in Japan. Be sure to enjoy the festival if you are in Osaka on the 25th of July, as you would not regret the experience of seeing the culture of Osaka with your own eyes.

About Tenjin Matsuri


Held as a summer festival in Osaka Tenmangu Shrine in Tenma district of Osaka, Tenjin Matsuri is known for being one the tree Japan’s largest festivals. Tenjin Matsuri first started in the year 951, two years after the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine was built, and the festival is being held on July 24 and 25 every year.

The Japanese believed that the deity of learning, Sugawara Michizane, is enshrined in Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. During the festival, the deity of learning will go out of the shrine to have a check on the prosperity of Osaka’s city.

Spot name: Osaka Tenmangu

  • Street address: 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 530-0041, Japan
  • Access:
    • 5-minute walk south of Osaka Tenmangu Station
    • 5-minute walk southeast of Minami-Morimachi Station

Tenjin Matsuri 2018

The main activities of the festival are held on the 25th, the second day of Tenjin Matsuri. The area is filled with a lot of performance, including bunraku theater, kagura music, and Osaka dance performance. But the main highlights are the land procession that goes through the streets of Osaka from the Tenmangu Shrine at 3.30 PM, and also the procession will go onto boats that go through Okawa river at 6 PM and will return back to Tenmangu Shrine by 9 PM.

Tenjin Matsuri Fireworks


The festival is also known for its dedicated fireworks, a 2 hours fireworks display along the Okawa river of Osaka, said to be made as great as possible to please the Gods.

As the river procession continues making its way along the river, the fireworks will start lighting up the sky in the interval from 7pm to 9pm on the 25th of July. Along with the illuminated boats and its reflection on the river’s surface, it is definitely a spectacular sight to be seen.

Tenijn Matsuri Food


Along these 2 days of Tenjin Matsuri, a summer festival is never complete without street foods. There are a lot of street food vendors that can be found. It is a good time to try out Osaka’s delicious street food. Coming to Osaka without trying out Osaka’s Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki is definitely a sad thing. Grab some of these street foods while watching the fireworks and enjoy the festival is a good way to enjoy Tenjin Matsuri.

Restaurants Near Osaka Castle


The Tenjin Matsuri is located not far northwest of Osaka Castle. It will be a good timing to also visit the castle during your stay in Osaka. There are also a lot of restaurants that can be found near Osaka Castle.

The following are some of the recommended restaurants with cheap to moderate pricetags:

Nishihara

If you wanted to try some unagi (eel), come and visit this store. Regardless of it being in Osaka, the unagi is prepared in Kanto-style, where they are usually much softer than the Kansai-style unagi which is crispier.

  • Street address: 4-12 Kitashinmachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 540-0023, Japan
  • Access:
    • 9-minute walk southwest of Tenmabashi Station
    • 7-minute walk northwest of Tanimachi-yonchome Station

Curry Rice Indoya (Morinomiya Branch)

Ever wondered how curry that has been catered for Japanese tastebud tastes like? Try and find out at this store. You can also select the spice level, in case if you think the spiciness is not enough for your tongue.

  • Street address: 1-16-22 Morinomiyachuo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 540-0003, Japan
  • Access: 1 minute walk from Morinomiya Station

Veggie Field Cafe Komachi (VegeBatake Cafe Comachi)

This restaurant offers healthy foods, with lots of veggie-based meals, with cheap price tags.

  • Street address: 1-14-1 Morinomiyachuo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 540-0003, Japan
  • Access: 1-minute walk from Morinomiya Station

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