The Tenjin Festival is a festival held at Tenmangu (Tenjin shrines) throughout Japan.
The Tenjin Matsuri at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is one of Japan's three major festivals (the others being Kyoto's Gion Matsuri and Tokyo's Kanda Matsuri).
It is also one of Osaka's three major summer festivals, along with the Ikukunitama Festival at Ikutama Shrine and the Sumiyoshi Festival at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.
The period spans approximately one month, from the "Ceremony of bestowing ceremonial attire and visiting the shrine" in late June to the Tanabata Festival on July 7th, and continuing until July 25th.
In particular, on July 25th, the main shrine, the procession departs from Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and takes place on land. At night, a boat procession takes place on the Okawa River (formerly the Yodo River), with approximately 100 boats traveling back and forth, and fireworks are launched as a tribute.
The solemn water rituals, illuminated by the flames of bonfires and lanterns reflected on the Okawa River, and the votive fireworks, create a summer night festival where fire and water, light and shadow, stillness and movement are seamlessly intertwined.
In addition, there is the "Hokonagare Shinto ritual," which marks the opening of the Tenjin Festival on July 24th, the eve of the festival.
July 24th, Eve of the Festival: Procession through the parish including the Eve Festival, Hoko-nagashi ritual, portable shrines, phoenix portable shrine, jewel portable shrine, lion dance, etc., and the Dondoko boat procession into the shrine.
July 25th, Main Shrine: Main Shrine Festival, transfer of the divine spirit, land procession, boat procession, fireworks display, etc.