Tenjin Matsuri

The festival of Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine and one of Japan's three great festivals. Spanning the entire month of July, its highlight is the magnificent Yamaboko float procession. Originating in 869 as a ritual to ward off plague, it boasts over 1,100 years of history. The yamaboko floats are a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, often called 'moving museums.'

One of Japan's three greatest festivals, held every July at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. With over 1,000 years of history, its highlights include the land procession and boat procession, where over 100 vessels traverse the Okawa River beneath a sky illuminated by fireworks. It captivates countless people as a quintessential summer event in Osaka.

A festival of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, one of Japan's Three Great Festivals. Held annually on July 24-25, the spectacular 'Funatogyo' with about 100 boats crossing the Okawa River and dedication fireworks are breathtaking. Since its founding in 951, it has been beloved as Osaka's summer tradition, symbolizing the 'City of Water.'

One of Japan's three major festivals, held in July at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine in Kita ward, Osaka. Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, with traditions spanning from the Edo period to today. Distinctive for its kawatogyo (boat procession) on the river illuminated by countless lanterns. Popular with students and examination takers.

A dynamic festival held every September in Kishiwada, Osaka. Its highlight is the 'yarimawashi,' where four-ton danjiri floats are pulled at high speed and turned at sharp right angles at intersections. This thrilling festival, in which over 500 pullers move as one, is passed down as a source of deep local pride.

A festival of Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo, one of Japan's Three Great Festivals. Called 'Tenka Matsuri' in the Edo period, it was a prestigious festival granted the shogun's viewing. During the main festival held every other year, over 200 portable shrines parade through central Tokyo including Akihabara, embodying the vitality of modern Tokyo.

The fireworks display that crowns the climax of the Tenjin Festival. About 5,000 fireworks reflect on the Okawa River surface, combining with the lights of the boat procession to create a fantastical scene. Called the 'Festival of Fire and Water,' it is one of the most beautiful summer night spectacles among Japanese festivals.