Winter Festivals

Shitennoji Temple "Doya! Doya!" Festival (Mid-January)
Doya-doya (Shushoe Order Memorial Service) is a dynamic event on the final day of the Shushoe Order Memorial Service. Two groups of young men wearing headbands and clad only in loincloths confront each other and struggle for possession of Goo Hoin, a cow god amulet. With their brave shouts of "doya-doya," the so-called "strength water" poured on them is said to evaporate quickly from their bodies due to the heat and energy exerted by the young men.

Toka Ebisu Festival (Early January)
The Toka 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

Cherry Blossom Festivals
Cherry Blossom Festivals or "Sakura" bloom around Osaka. Viewing Sakura is a ritual for most Japanese with both day and night viewings. Visit any shrine or park for various Sakura viewing activities including traditional dances, lantern lighting, and food and drink.

Summer Festivals

Aizen Festival (Late June)
It is a celebration of Aizen-myo-oh, the principle image of Shoman-in Temple, which is a branch of Shitennoji Temple. During the festival, on Hoekago, palanquins unique to Osaka decorated with red and white cloths and artificial morning glories, groups of geisha wearing yukata surrounded by shouts of "Hoekago hoi" parade to Aizen-do.

Tenjin Festival (Late July)
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.

Sumiyoshi Festival (Late July / Early August)
The noble ancient rites of the Sumiyoshi festival include Nagoshi Ohharai (purification in summer) with the participation of Nagoshi girls from Imazato-shinchi, children and citizens. After the holy spirits are transferred to the mikoshi portable shrine and Horen palanquin, Togyo Matsuri, a procession to Shukuin Tongu (Angu) in Sakai, takes place. After the mikoshi reaches Shukuin and a ceremony is conducted, Aranigo-no-Ohharai is conducted at Iigaibori, as with Nagoshi Ohharai..

Fall Festivals

Midosuji Parade (October)
This event features marching bands, colorful floats, and traditional ethnic performances by participants from around Japan and around the world.

Shitennoji Temple "Wasso!" Festival (Early November)
Is a modern reenactment of early cultural exchange and trade between Japan and its Asian neighbors.

For the more details on Osaka's Great Festivals and exact dates, please click here for the Osaka Tourist Guide Web Site.

You may next want to find out about Osaka's many venues for traditional Japanese Arts.

Toka Festival

Tenjin Festival

Tenjin Festival Boat Promenade

Sumiyoshi Festival