Tokyo Explorer

The area around the Osaka Mint is also popular for Tenmangu Shrine, one of the most famous Tenjin shrines in Japan, along with Dazaifu Tenmangu in Fukuoka and Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto. The shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane; patron of literature and the arts.

The shrine was founded in 949 AD, but has been rebuilt several times with the most recent version dating to 1845. Sugawara Michizane was himself said to be fond of plum (ume) trees so Tenjin related shrines usually have a collection of ‘ume’ trees located somewhere in their grounds, their deep-pink blossoms coming into flower a few weeks before the lighter, more delicate shades seen on the cherry trees.

As Sugawara was a scholar, these shrines are particularly popular with students preparing for examinations.

Tenjin Matsuri

Tenmangu Shrine is also the base of the renowned Tenjin Matsuri, a 1000-year-old festival held annually on July 24th and 25th and ranked as one of the top festivals in Japan.

As the biggest festival in Osaka, celebrations at this time of year involve the whole city, with music and theatre performances occurring throughout the nation’s second city at this time. The opening and closing ceremonies for the festival are performed at Tenmangu Shrine, from where the land procession to the river begins. This procession involves 3000 people dressed in traditional Imperial dress dating to the 8th - 12th centuries.

On arrival at the river in the evening, the procession takes to the water and into a parade of boats illuminated with naked flamed torches that appear to dance atop the swell of the bay.

Sailing upstream from Tenmabashi Bridge, accompanied by a traditional summer fireworks display, crowds line the banks of the river, enjoying the usual food and drink stalls long into the night.

For more information: http://www.osaka-info.jp/tenjin_matsuri/main_en.html

Access: Tanimachi / Sakaisuji Subway line: Minamimorimachi Station – 5 mins on foot