Winter Festivals
The highlight of the Doya-Doya Festival at Shitennoji, held annually at Shitennoji Temple on Jan. 14th, is the battle of two groups of young men fighting for a cow god amulet. The two groups of naked young men, one group clad in red headbands and loincloths, the other in white, shout “Doya! Doya!” as they struggle for the amulet.
The Toka (10th day) Ebisu Festival is when visitors pray for good business in the coming year. Shrine visitors buy good luck charms from Maidens of Fortune. At midnight on the 10th, geisha on palanquins turn out from the Minami district, with carriers shouting time.
Spring Festivals
Viewing Sakura, cherry blossom is a spring ritual for most Japanese. Visit at day or at night during the spring season any shrine or park for various hanami, blossom viewing activities which include traditional dances, lantern lighting, and food and drink.
Summer Festivals
It is a celebration of Aizen-myo-oh, the principle image of Sho-man-in Temple, which is a branch of Shitennoji Temple. During the festival, on Hoe-kago, palanquins unique to Osaka decorated with red and white cloths and artificial morning glories, girls wearing Yukata on it, surrounded by shouts of "Hoekago hoi" parade to Aizen-do.
The Tenjin Festival is one of Japan's three major festivals originating in year 949. This all day-night festival features purification ceremonies, a sacred halberd release, car procession, and traditional musical and cultural performances. In the evening the boat parade featuring over 100 lighted and decorated boats cruise down the rivers of Osaka accompanied by traditional music, fireworks and various performances.
The finale of the summer festivals in Osaka, this event features a large thatched ring through which people pass in the cleansing ritual.
Fall Festivals
“Kappo” means “to stride”. It takes place on the Midosuji Avenue to demonstrate its local attractions to both domestic and international communities. The event is also designed to invite citizens of Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City to visit Midosuji and rediscover the appeal of Osaka.
This festival is a modern reenactment of early cultural exchange and trade between Japan and its Asian neighbors.
For more information on the festivals in Osaka, visit the Osaka Tourist Guide Web Site.