MATSURI CALENDAR
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June 29th (Thurs) , 2017
Scheduled for July Grand Kabuki Boat Parade
In 1978, “Association for Promoting Kabuki in Kansai” was formed (renamed as “Association of Kabuki Admirers” in 1992) to revive Kabuki performances in Kansai, the birthplace of Kabuki. Next year, before the first performance was given in Asahi-za, Funanorikomi (Boat Parade) made a come back after 55 years of its absence.
Funanorikomi is the traditional opening ceremony in which Kabuki actors from Edo or Kyoto parade along the river on board, greet Kabuki fans at the riverside, and head to the playhouse in Dotonbori. Actors and participants board a boat decorated with colorful flags and lanterns, land in Ebisu Bridge while greeting to their fans along the river, and parade to the theater along the streets where local residents welcome their visits. The event has become an early-summer tradition in Naniwa.
| Date | Scheduled for June 29th (Thurs) |
|---|---|
| Description | Near Dotonbori River/Ebisu Bridge The July Grand Kabuki, which will be the 26th performance for the Kansai Kabuki Lovers’ Society, will be performed at the Osaka Shochiku-za Theater (July 3rd ~ 27th). This year marks the 20th anniversary of the construction and opening of the Osaka Shochikuza building, which will make the event even more showy and bustling. For the occasion, the performers of a July Grand Kabuki drama, the governor of Osaka Prefecture, the mayor of Osaka, and presidents of local shopping arcades will board a boat that docks near Dotonbori River and Ebisu Bridge. After delivering messages, they will parade from the promenade to Osaka Shochiku-za where the performance will be given. |
| Access | 1-9-19, Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka (1 minutes walk from “Namba” subway station and “Osaka Namba” station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line) |
| Website | http://www.kabuki-bito.jp/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Visitors can enjoy the parade by one’s favorite Kabuki actors from Ebisu Bridge, Tonbori River Walk to Osaka Shochiku-za.
June 30 (Fri) to July 2 (Sun), 2017
The Aizen Festival
This is one of Osaka’s three major summer festivals, and it is held at Aizen-san (Shomanin Temple), which enshrines the god of charm, popularity and matchmaking and has been designated as a cultural asset by the City of Osaka. It starts with the rarely seen--special exposition of the Buddhist images of Aizenmyoo and Dainichi Daisho Kongoson, then on to a very popular parade with groups of Aizen girls dressed in yukatas riding on "Hoekago" palanquin's that are decorated in red and white cloth and "Aizen Katsura" flowers, and together with groups of boys yelling out the phrase," AIZEN-SAN JA-HOEKAGO-GO!" , as they parade down the Tanimachi-suji on the first day.
Entertainment competitions and festive music will be played every night from 6pm. The Summer Festival may be held earlier due to the force of the rainy season and or very high winds.
| Date | June 30 (Fri) to July 2 (Sun) |
|---|---|
| Description | June 30(Fri) approximately 11:30am-2:00pm Hoekago palanquin's will be paraded from the Q's Mall in Abeno to the Aizendo. June 30 (Fri) at approximately 3pm (for a 30 minute period)- A large Buddhist memorial service called "Natsukoshi Harae" will be conducted to ward off evil spirits, to cure and recover from a diseases(Byokiheiyu), to win good luck (Shori Kaiun) and to gain divine favor for prosperous business. Also, there will be a special viewing once a year of the "Aizenmyoo and Dainichi Taisho Kongo Mikoto". Additionally, Granting "Flower Amulet of Aizen Katsura" by Aizen Musume(paid), entertainment event and Miss Aizen-Musume Contest, etc. are held. |
| Access | Subway line: 3 min. walk from Shitennojimae Yuhigaoka Station, #5 exit 15 min walk from the JR Tennoji Station going north towards Tanimachi-suji |
| Website | http://www.aizendo.com/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
July 1 (Sat) to August 31 (Thurs), 2017
Dotombori Lantern Festival 2017
Numerous lanterns decorated along Dotonbori River, the city’s symbol, create a seasonal charm of summer in Osaka. The event was planned by Junior Chamber International Osaka in 1999, with support from shopping arcades of Minami district in Osaka, associations, companies, and individuals.
| Date | July 1 (Sat) to August 31 (Thurs) 19:00pm-2:00am |
|---|---|
| Description | The 800-meter-long riverside block between Fukari Bridge(Yotsubashi-suji) and Nippon Bridge(Sakai-suji) will be decorated with 1,300 lanterns. |
| Access | Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka (4 minutes walk from “Namba” subway station and “Osaka Namba” station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 6 minutes walk from “Namba” station in Nankai line) |
| Website | http://www.ittoko-minami.net/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Walking along the riverside in yukata (light cotton kimono), visitors can feel the seasonal charm. Choose your favorite style to appreciate the view: arrange the visit when summer festivals are held across Minami district, have lunch or dinner at one of the riverside restaurants against the view, or board a Tombori River Cruise which provides a guided tour on Dotonbori River for 20 minutes. The night view of Minami after evening is especially recommended. (For more information about the cruise, visit http://www.ipponmatsu.co.jp/cruise/tombori.html
July 1 (Sat) to August 18 (Fri), 2017
Namba Shopping District Lucky Illumination
In the Edo period (1603 - 1867) when Ebisu Bridge was built across Dotonbori River, Ebisubashi Shopping Arcade was crowded with visitors to Imamiya Ebisu Shrine. Decorated with LED lightening and a bamboo branch known as fukuzasa, the route inside the Shopping Arcade creates a beautiful summer illumination in Minami district.
| Date | July 1 (Sat) to August 16 (Fri) 15:00pm-24:00pm |
|---|---|
| Description | Please pass through the shopping center street that rains good luck...See the "Horn of Plenty" made with 10,000 LED lightbulbs, "Ebitan" the Ebisubashi Suji mascot character, "Manekineko"(beckoning cat), Fukumi(bamboo Ki Bok), and other such decorated bamboo lucky charms. |
| Access | 1-3, Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka (Within easy access of "Namba" subway station, "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, "Namba" station in Nankai line) |
| Website | http://www.ebisubashi.or.jp/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Please enjoy shopping or dining in the Shopping Arcade that is beautifully decorated for the occasion.
July 11 (Tue) and 12 (Wed) , 2017
Namba Grand Shrine, Ikukunitama Shrine Ikutama Summer Festival
Procession to Osaka Castle, the old site of Ikukunitama Shrine, is counted as one of the three major summer festivals in Osaka. Over a course of time that began during the Meiji era and ended at the beginning of Showa (approximately the late 1860s to the 1920s), the migration to Osaka Castle in the old sanctuary involved a huge procession of 2,000 people crossing over the central part of the city. Although many sacred treasures used in the festivals were destroyed in the Osaka Air Raids, restoration was conducted in 2014 after 70 years. Even today it is a festival which is beloved by Naniwakko, drawing over 200,000 visitors to the grounds alone.
| Date | July 11 (Tue) and 12 (Wed) |
|---|---|
| Description | 11th/ Yoimiya starts from 9:30. Drummers, portable shrines and lion dancers dedicated by Hideyoshi Toyotomi will parade through Uemachi Daichi including Hachikenya-hama and Teramachi before entering the shrine in the early evening. 12th/ At Honmiya, procession to Osaka Castle, the shrine's old site, will be staged from 9:30. 500 men and horses following behind a movable taiko drum float that seats 6 people depart at 10A.M., arriving at the Ikutama-Jinja Shrine enshrinement ruins within Osaka Castle at noon, passing through Honmachibashi in Chuo Ward and the Otabisho resting place before returning back to the main shrine at 5P.M. |
| Access | Ikukunitama Shrine, 13-9, Ikutama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka (7 minutes walk from Exit 8 of "Nipponbashi" subway station in Sakaisuji line, 4 minutes walk from Exit 3 of "Tanimachi 9 chome" subway station and "Tanimachi 9 chome" subway station in Tanimachi/Sennichimae line) |
How to Enjoy
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- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
* The festival reaches its climax when procession is staged inside the grounds of the shrine at 19:00 on each day, especially with dynamic performance of Makura-Daiko.
* At Honmiya Festival on the 12th, visitors can enjoy the procession to Osaka Castle as well as 1,000 stalls along the route.
July 13 (Thurs) , 2017
Namba Yasaka Shrine Summer Festival Funatogyo
Funatogyo (Boat Procession) is a Water Metropolis festival both dynamic and elegant. Numerous boats, some Shinto-styled, others carrying shrine parishioners, and still others carrying drummers, sail up and down the Dotonbori River. In the Edo period (1603 - 1867), Funatogyo used to be one of the city’s greatest festivals along with Tenjin Festival and then was discontinued since the mid-Edo period. In 2001, the festival returned to the scene after 230 years of its absence with support of shrine parishioners and local companies.
| Date | July 13 (Thurs) |
|---|---|
| Description | From 6PM to 9PM (subject to change) there will be over 20 ferries carrying visitors from Hiyoshibashi to Nipponbashi. |
| Access | Across Dotonbori River (4 minutes walk from “Namba” subway station and “Osaka Namba” station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 6 minutes walk from “Shinsaibashi” subway station and “Namba” station in Nankai line) |
| Sponsor | Namba Yasaka Shrine Summer Festival Funatogyo Preservation Society |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
The festival reaches a climax before 19:00 when more than 20 boats cruise between Ebisu Bridge and Nipponbashi (Bridge) until 21:00 (planned).
Close at hand from Ebisubashi Bridge and the Dotonbori Riverwalk, you can enjoy boats displaying jazz performances and dancing – preferences very typical of Minami – as well as the sight of high-spirited Dondoko Boats coming and going and exchanging “Osaka Jime,” (an Osaka-style ceremonial hand‐clapping) in addition to ceremonial boats such as the Kagaribi Boat, Horen Boat, Shinsen Boat, Taiko (drum) Boat, Jiguruma Boat, etc.
July 14 (Fri) , 2017
Namba Yasaka Shrine Summer Festival & Rikutogyo (Land Procession)
Namba Yasaka Shrine, the ancient guardian deity of the Namba area, was once called Namba Shimonomiya. The summer festival that celebrates it is also known as Namba Festival. Rikutogyo (Land Procession), also known as Namba Gion Festival, is a summer festival of the shrine that features a parade by the shrine parishioners through the territory of the shrine, following Funatogyo on the day before. A Shinto ritual and dedication are held inside the grounds of the shrine.
| Date | July 14 (Fri) |
|---|---|
| Description | On the 14th, there is a parade from Shiokusa, Inari, Tateba, around Horie, Sennichimae through Dontobori and Ebisubashi Suji . Drums centered in the mikoshi (portable shrines), Shishimai(lion) dancing around and lines and lines of local children stretching a hundred meters or more also participating. At 6:00pm on both days at the Shishimai stage, visitors can see the shishimai “lion stage” dance, various performances and Mochimaki ritual (dropping rice cakes to the gathering people). |
| Access | 2-9-19, Motomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka (15 minutes walk from “Namba” subway station and “Osaka Namba” station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 6 minutes walk from “Shinsaibashi” subway station and “Namba” station in Nankai line) Across the area from Sennichimae - Dotonbori (southern part) - Namba - Horie |
| Website | http://nambayasaka.jp/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
On July 14, Rikutogyo procession will march through Sennichimae, Dotonbori, and Ebisubashi Shopping Arcade. Enjoy the parade during your visit to the area for shopping or dining.
July 14 (Fri) and 15 (Sat) , 2017
Mitsu Hachiman Shrine
Mitsu Hachimangu Shrine is the local Shinto deity of Shinsaibashi area, and while it is surrounded by America-Mura the grounds have a subdued and peaceful appearance. Shops of the Shinsaibashisuji shopping district and the Amerikamura area are cooperating to return the shrine's summer festival to its former bustling level of activity, putting on the portable shrine procession, and a local youth group is putting on a night fair in the shrine grounds.
| Date | July 14 (Fri) and 15 (Sat) |
|---|---|
| Description | 14th/ Parade of portable shrines from 14:30 to 17:30 15th/ Night stalls (game) by local youth group from 18:00 to 20:30 * For more information for participants of portable shrines, please contact Mitsu Hachiman Shrine. |
| Access | 2-10-7, Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka (3 minutes walk from “Shinsaibashi” subway station, 7 minutes walk from “Namba” subway station and “Osaka Namba” station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line) |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Mikoshi procession which used to be a big festival in the Edo period made a come back as a children’s parade on portable shrines, then due to a population decline, has been taken over by the shrine parishioners as well as female participants, the energetic volunteers from neighborhood shops since 2000.
July 15 (Sat) and 16 (Sun) , 2017
Osaka Minami Summer Festival 2017 and Nigiwai Square
Introduce events, etc. within Chuo Ward, host quiz rallies, musical performances, ninja stage performances, Sakaiminato City, Hokuei-cho, Iga City PR events, and Sakaiminato City, Hokuei-cho, Iga City product expos, etc.
| Date | July 15 (Sat) 10:45 ~20:00 and 16 (Sun) 11:00 ~20:00 each day * Canceled only in case of heavy rain or severe weather |
|---|---|
| Description | Tonbori Riverwalk (Dotonbori Riverwalk/ Dotonbori Bridge ~ Tazaemon Bridge)The following events will be held on stage. The 15th = Japanese taiko drum stage performances, SO.ON project, Suzuki Tomoki Ukulele live performance, kids' dance, ninja stage performances, etc. 16th = Kamon Tatsuo live performance, character live performance, Yosakoi performance, etc. *According to circumstances, the contents may partially change. |
| Access | Transportation Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka City (4 min on foot from “Namba” Subway Station and “Osaka Namba” Station of the Hanshin Electric Railway and Kintetsu Railway), 6 min on foot from “Shinsaibashi” Subway Station and from “Namba” Station on the Nankai line.) |
| Sponsors | Osaka City Chuo Ward Office, Osaka Revitalization Project 2017 Executive committee TEL 06-6267-9832 Chuo Ward Office Civic Collaboration Section (Nigiwai Creation) |
How to Enjoy
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- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
“Nigiwai Square” introduces the bustle and activity (nigiwai) of Chuo-ku (such as events and festivals) all in one place. Why not have some fun this summer spending time together in the center of Osaka?!
July 17 (Mon, Holiday) and 18 (Tue) , 2017
Naniwa Kozugu Shrine Grand Festival (Summer Festival)
Kouzu Shrine, the setting for the classic Rakugo, “Lottery of Kouzu”, provides many events throughout the year and is popular among people.
Grand Festival is the most sublime and popular among all the events. Many people participate in the festival featuring a Shinto ritual for disaster prevention, a children’s parade on portable shrines that represents a ritual celebration, various types of entertainment dedicated to the gods of the shrine, or night stalls.
| Date | July 17 (Mon, Holiday) and 18 (Tue) |
|---|---|
| Description | On the 17th, Yoimiya will start from 15:00. On the 18th, Honmiya will start from 10:00. The portable shrine carried by young children, elementary and junior high school students, technical college students, local residents of Kuromon Shopping Arcade and Karahori district will enter the shrine around 15:00 and 17:00. In the afternoon, dragon dances and floats carrying musicians who provide lively music will be performed at a hall for ema (votive tablet). The program from early evening features a dedication including dances, songs, the demonstration of martial arts, musical performances (admission free), an exhibition of children’s paintings inside the grounds of the shrine, Summer Festival Rakugo Performance (18th, admission charged) at the meeting hall, and many stalls until 21:00 on each day. |
| Access | 1-1-29, Kouzu, Chuo-ku, Osaka (5 minutes walk from Exit 2 of "Tanimachi 9 chome" subway station) |
| Website | http://www.kouzu.or.jp/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
At this shrine festival, the “Gosaiba (Mallotus japanicus),” which grows within the precincts of the shrine, and “ice” are given in offering. At the conferment location within the precincts of the shrine, leafed bamboo switches with an attached lion’s head are given (for a fee) to ward off evil spirits of summer, and crushed ice is served (for free) to help you forget the summer heat. The offered entertainment on specially installed stages includes a variety of enjoyable programs. This is a nostalgic, old-style summer festival with many night stalls lining the area.
July 20 (Thurs) and 21 (Fri) , 2017
Nanba-Jinjia (Shrine) Himuro Matsuri (Festival)
Naba Jinjia was relocated to its current location during the Osaka castle fortification. On the premises, there is a camphor tree with an age of 400 years or more, the Osaka Preserved Trees No. 1; it survived the Showa's war damage and was worshipped as a source of strength. In addition, Bakuro Inari Shrine, a deity for prosperous business, is an Inari-san (god of harvest) that represents Osaka. Himuro matsuri (Ice storehouse festival) originated from a story: in one summer, a person found an ice storehouse in a field during his hunting, and he contributed this ice to Emperor Jintoku. The emperor was very happy and established the ice storehouse system thereafter. In the same day, ice-making companies will offer icicles, and crushed ices will be offered to shrine visitors in the evening (free). It is said that eating the ice prevents you from suffering from the summer heat.
| Date | July 20 (Thurs) and 21 (Fri) |
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| Description | 20 (Thurs) = Yoimiya (festival's eve) from 15:30, 21 (Fri)＝Kangyosai (return festival ) from 11:30 * The Nagoshi-no-oharai traditional Shinto music and dancing will be performed by miko (shrine maidens)on both of these two days. (Admission-paid / Accepted from 18:00 to 21:30). From 19:00 on 20 (Wed), an amateur Taiko drum contest will be held. See passionate performances by those confident in their skills coming from across the country. From 19:00 to 19:30 and from 20:30 to 21:00 on 21 (Thurs), there will be a powerful performance by the professional Taiko player group "Wadaiko Hiryu" (May be cancelled due to rain). |
| Access | 4-1-3, Bakuroumachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka (5minutes walk from "Hommachi", 5minutes walk from "Shinsaibashi") |
| Website | http://www.nanba-jinja.or.jp/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
July 22 (Sat) and 23 (Sun) , 2017
The 22th Somemon-cho Summer Festival
Developing as Hanamachi, Osaka Minami Soemon-cho has about 400 years of history. Based on the concept of "Soemon-cho, a town with food, alcohol, and a river", it is a shopping district where more than 500 eating and drinking establishments have gathered. Throughout the year, a variety of events and campaigns are conducted. The Soemon-cho Summer Festival" bustles with a total of 5,000 visitors (over the 2 days it is held), making it the largest local event held in the Soemon-cho area each year.
| Date | July 22 (Sat) and 23 (Sun), 18:00 to 22:00 on each day |
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| Description | Centered around an "Outdoor Live Stage", in which a diverse array of musicians and performers appear over 2 days, it also includes an "Outdoor Beer Hall" which features 10 famous and popular shops from Soemon-cho shopping street. At the “open-air live stage”, this year’s special guest is scheduled to be Tomogoro Yamamura, master of Yamamura-ryu Rokusei-Souke Japanese dance, so that visitors may at least partially enjoy the traditional culture of the flower town Nanchi. |
| Access | Special site on Aiau Bridge - Soemon-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka (6 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station and "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 5 minutes walk from "Nipponbashi" subway station) |
| Website | http://www.soemon-cho.com/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Various musicians and performers on the "open-air live stage" will offer a complete entertainment from classical Japanese dance, Enka (folk songs) to jazz, pops, and chansons. In the "open-air beer hall", visitors can enjoy popular menus of famous restaurants in Soemon-cho Shopping Arcade. For more information regarding applications to Miss Soemon-cho Contest, please visit our website.
July 22 (Sat) and 23 (Sun) , 2017
Imamiya Ebisu Shrine Children's Ebisu
Children's Ebisu, the summer festival that was organized together with Hirota Shrine to provide entertainment for children, commemorates the 39th anniversary this year.
The program includes a special corner where children can play in the snow in the middle of the summer, a Hoekago Parade, a handmade playground, an exhibition of children's paintings, a dance performance, a storytelling with picture cards, and an annual "Imamiya Ebisu Shrine's New Comic Duo Contest" on the stage.
| Date | July 22 (Sat) and 23 (Sun) |
|---|---|
| Description | Yoimiya Festival on July 22 (Sat), Honmiya Festival on July 23 (Sun), 17:00 to 21:00 on each day * On both days, there will be a Yukagura steam ritual where visitors can go to touch the steam and pray to ward off summer illnesses. * Snow section provides a 20-meter-long oversized snow slide and a special slope where children can play in the snow. * Handmade playground features a paper fishing, a darts, a paper Sumo match, a portrait, an Origami, a children's Ema (votive picture tablet), and the 'happy bazaar'. * At the exhibition, children's pieces that are painted in the big traditional Japanese papers will be displayed inside the grounds of the shrine. During the night, these paintings will be beautifully projected on lanterns. * The stage program includes various dance performances and a storytelling with picture cards. The 38th Comic Duo Contest, a competition where unknown duos or groups compete to receive the award, has been a gateway to many famous comic duos such as 'Down Town' or 'Kei and Shu'. |
| Access | 1-6-10, Ebisunishi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka (5 minutes walk from Exit 3 of "Daikoku-cho" subway station in Midosuji/Yotsubashi line, 5 minutes walk from Exit 5 of "Ebisu-cho" subway station in Sakaisuji line, within easy access of "Imamiya Ebisu" station in Nankai Koya line) |
| Website | http://www.imamiya-ebisu.jp/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
The festival features exciting programs for both adults and children from early evening to night: the oversized snow slide attracts many children every year, various handmade playgrounds make the time pass quickly, and together with night stalls, Japanese paper lanterns projecting children's paintings create a beautiful and dramatic night view.
July 24 (Sat) and 25 (Sun) , 2017
Dondoko Boats
On the day of Teijin Festival, "Dondoko Boat" create a gorgeous scene as they sail across the Dotonbori River to mark the beginning of the festival.
| Date | July 24 (Sat) and 25 (Sun) |
|---|---|
| Description | The "Dondoko Boat" and "Children's Dondoko Boat" are unique, majestic, and gorgeous hand-rowed boats which will make the festival more exciting and which can be boarded freely by lining up in the Funatogyo line. The origin of the name "Dondoko Boat" is said to be related to the fact that the boat makes a sound resembling "dondoko" as it moves, letting people know that the Tenjin Festival is being held. The "Children's Dondoko Boats" are boats rowed by children with power that you wouldn't expect from elementary school and middle school students called "kowaka" who have practiced over many months. The boats are dispatched on the July 24 festival eve vigil and July 25 main shrine to the Dotonbori River. Please take this chance to get an up-close experience with the Minami Tenjin Festival! |
| Access | Dotonbori River (5 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station and "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 8 minutes walk from "Namba" in Nankai line) |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/Bunrakubune |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Visitors can enjoy seeing festival boats come and go as they make their way along the promenade and myriad of shops. We hope you will send the appreciative clapping “Osaka jime” to these boats and take part in this Osaka festival.
July 29 (Sat) , 2017
Hozenji Temple Mizukake Fudoson Omotesando Summer Festival
Lane in front of the statue Mizukake Fudo at Hozen Temple is lined up with restaurants and bars that are popular among Osaka locals. Since the renovation into a stone-paved lane in 2007, it holds a festival every summer featuring handmade night stalls organized by each shop.
| Date | July 29 (Sat) |
|---|---|
| Description | Each shop will serve elaborate dishes and organize a flea market at night stalls. The festival is also enlivened by “concerts on stage” and “festival drummers on floats.” Special incense of Mizukake Fudo will be offered to the first 100 visitors. |
| Access | 1, Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka (5 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station and "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 8 minutes walk from "Namba" in Nankai line) |
| Website | http://nanchinakasuji.com/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
This year the Bon-Odori Event will return for the first time in 2 years. The "Kawachi Ondo" will enliven the festival.
August 10 (Thurs) and 11 (Fri, Holiday) , 2017
Hozenji Yokocho Festival
Hozenji Yokocho (Hozen Temple Lane) festival was organized in 1982 to commemorate the revival of a stone-paved lane which used to be paved with asphalt. Featuring a dedication such as performing arts or Bunraku (Japanese puppet show) staged inside the grounds of Hozen Temple and handmade night stalls where each shop enjoys contact with visitors, the festival creates a Naniwa-styled ambience.
| Date | August 10 (Thurs) and 11 (Fri, Holiday) |
|---|---|
| Description | Festival will start at 14:00 on the first day in front of the statue Mizukake Fudo where a the chief priest of Hozen Temple pray for safety, crack a barrel of sake accompanied by festival music. Other programs include a dedication of Bunraku play by a national living treasure Minosuke Yoshida, Senryu (humorous poem) contest and the announcement of its winner, and a special stage of rakugo (storytelling) performance by volunteers from Kansai Performing Arts Association. Between 16:00 and 21:00, each shop will organize unique handmade night stalls. |
| Access | 1, Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka (5 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station and "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 8 minutes walk from "Namba" in Nankai line) |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
In Hozenji Yokocho where the sentiments of Naniwa from olden days remain, visitors have an access to Kamigata (Kansai area) entertainment and can enjoy elaborate dishes at night stalls served by famous restaurants in Yokocho. You may also encounter well-known celebrities, writers, or TV personalities who are related to Hozenji Yokocho.
August 12 (Sat) and 13 (Sun) , 2017
Dotonbori Bon-Odori Dance International 2017
As an effort to draw the 2025 Japan World Expo to Osaka, please enjoy the more international "BON-DANCE" in addition to the traditional Bon-Odori. This year "Karaoke Tournament Final Selection" will be conducted on a stage on the Dotonbori River.
| Date | August 12 (Sat) and 13 (Sun) |
|---|---|
| Description |
On the Dotonbori River Stage you can enjoy the Karaoke Tournament Final selection and the Kamon Tatsuo's "Welcome Osaka World Expo Stage" on the 12th, and performances such as the Koiya Festival and Osaka Evessa's dance performance as well as the traditional "Bon-Odori" where everyone dances in a circle on the 13th. On the Tonbori Riverwalk, a "World Market" is held all day where you can enjoy foods from around the world. |
| Access | Dotonbori River (4 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station and "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 6 minutes walk from "Shinsaibashi" subway station and "Namba" station in Nankai line) |
| Organizer | Dotonbori Bon-Odori Dance International 2017 "Welcome Osaka Expo" Steering Committee Executive Office ＝Dotonbori Bon-Odori Dance International Secretariat （World Bon-Odori Alliance）TEL.06-6214-5665 |
| Website | http://www.dotonbori.or.jp/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
You can enjoy bon-dancing along the Dotonbori River. Participation is open to all, so please feel free to come even if you are not wearing a yukata.
August 12 (Sat) and 13 (Sun) , 2017
Sennichimae "Minyamin" Summer Festival
This is an event related to the Sennichimae shopping district mascot Minyamin, a maneki-neko (beckoning cat). It is fun for the whole family. The origin of the place name is the 1,000-day Buddhist memorial services (sennichi eko) held at Hozen-ji and other temples in the Edo period. It is also the birthplace of Osaka's first moving picture production company.
| Date | August 12 (Sat) and 13 (Sun) |
|---|---|
| Description | Festival features programs such as a face painting (admission free) organized by drawing class members or a special corner selling "Minyamin" original goods between 13:00 and 18:00 on each day. |
| Access | In front of the old site of "Round 1 Building" inside Sennichimae Shopping Arcade - 1-3-1, Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka (5 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station and "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 8 minutes walk from "Namba" station in Nankai line) |
| Website | http://www.sennichimae.com/ |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
"Minyamin", mascot of the shopping arcade bringing happiness, will also appear during the festival.
August 23 (Wed) and 24 (Thurs) , 2017
Shusse Jizo, Jizobon
Located on the west side of Mido-suji Avenue, today's Dotonbori 2-chome area has been called Kurouemon-cho and crowded with people as an entertainment area since the Edo period (1603 - 1867). Ojizo-san (stone statue) is an ancient symbol in the area. Its nickname "Shusse Jizo" (stone statue symbolizing success) derives from the fact that many geiko and actors have visited the statue to pray for their success. Although the statue was once lost in the Bombing of Osaka during the war, it was found in soil a few years after the war and situated in the present location. Many people still visit the statue today praying for their good fortune. Jizobon Festival is held every year to pray for local children's healthy growth.
| Date | August 23 (Wed) and 24 (Thurs) 14:00-18:00 |
|---|---|
| Description | Jizo-do hall will be decorated with lanterns, sutras will be recited at 15:00, and cold drinks will be served at 17:00 for the occasion (admission free). |
| Access | 2-1, Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka (3 minutes walk from "Namba" subway station and "Osaka Namba" station in Hanshin/Kintetsu line, 6 minutes walk from "Namba" station in Nankai line) |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Please visit Dotonbori lined with sacred zelkova trees and the Ojizo-san decorated with tasteful lanterns.
August 24 (Thurs), 2017
Jizobon and Gomahoyo
Sennichimae was once the place where the temples gathered around "Teramachi". Presently, all have been lost. Then last year, the wish for reconstruction speed from the earthquake and prosperous business for the Minami area, Rokujizo tours and memorial services are being held.
| Date | August 24 (Thurs) |
|---|---|
| Description | Traditional Buddhism Priest, Rokujizo Tour and Buddhist right of cedar-stick burning (about 100 people) 5pm -6:30pm Rokujizo Tour 7pm -8:30pm Buddhist rite of cedar-stick burning ceremony on the Aiaubashi bridge |
| Access | Aiaubashi (6 minutes-walk from "Namba" subway station, a 6-minute walk from Kintetsu, Hanshin, and " Osaka Namba" Subway: 5 minutes-walk from Nipponbashi Station |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
October 16 (Sat) to 23 (Sat) , 2010
Osaka Minami Film Festival
= The cradle of box-office movie, Minami =
| Date | October 16 (Sat) to 23 (Sat) |
|---|---|
| Description | Osaka Minami Film Festival screens as theme that autumn of Minami is colored by famous works. Since the film's inception as Osaka Minami Film Festival at Seika Little Theater, remain of Seika Elementary School in 2005, the film festival has been held at this time of year. The 6th film festival of this year will be held at six places for 7 days. |
| Access | See website |
| Website | http://ameblo.jp/osaka-minamieiga/theme-10027357739.html |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
There are several stages such free stages needed for ticket pass or not required it.
October 30 (Sat) , 31 (Sun) , 2010
Minami Jazz Walk
= Old capital of Jazz, Minami =
| Date | October 30 (Sat) , 31 (Sun) |
|---|---|
| Description | In 2000, "the town of jazz, Minami" came into being, the city was born as "Jazz City Osaka" at Seika Elementary School and has performed musical activities obtaining partnership with the local shopping malls, companies and volunteers. Now, the presence is known as "Minami Jazz Walk" in the whole city and the city is growing up into a festival combined street-walking, delicious foods and jazz by rich staging of Osaka. In the fiscal year, the city is going to increase the number of free stages and perform in six places. Various performance such as trad jazz, big band, modern jazz and performances by female vocalists will be held at each site of Minami including Seika Little Theater and the city will be filled with jazz. |
| Access | See website |
| Website | http://minami-jazz.jp/about/index.html |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
There are several stages such free stages needed for ticket pass or not required it.
From Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, to Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014
Thank you very much for your continued patronage! Osaka Minami Hikari Masse!
Osaka's Minami, one of the largest shopping areas in the world, is full of sightseeing spots with the personality of Osaka. Osaka Minami Hikari Masse is underway. The event allows you to shop and enjoy gourmet cuisine while taking a walking tour of the fanciful lighting displays set up in all 14 meeting places in the area that continues from Shinsaibashi to Dotonbori to Namba.
| Date | From Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, to Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014 Note: Some meeting places will have different beginning and end dates. See the map. |
|---|---|
| Description | Osaka Minami Hikari Masse home page Nankai Electric Railway - How to Enjoy Osaka Note: The map is here. -->Minami Hikari Walking Tour map |
| Access | From Shinsaibashi to Dotonbori to Namba in Chuo-ku, Osaka (Shinsaibashi and Namba stations on the Midosuji [subway] Line, Osaka Namba Station on the Kintetsu Namba Line and Hanshin Namba Line, and Namba Station on the Nankai Electric Railway) |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
Take an enjoyable stroll through the variegated lighting displays of Shinsaibashi, Dotenbori and Namba. During your lighting-themed visit to Namba, stroll through the elegant lighting of Shinsaibashi-suji; the florid lighting that incorporates the neon of Dotonborigawa; the lucky charm motif lighting of the Ebisubashi-suji and Namba station-front shopping areas; and the "forests" and "rivers" of the Namba Parks "mountains" (rooftop) and "valley" (mall).
Friday, Jan. 10, 2014
2014 - Shrine - The Hoekago (palanquin) Parade of Minami, Osaka
Imamiyaebisu Shrine's Tokaebisu festival celebrating Ebisu (the god of prosperous business), got its start during the Edo Period, more than 200 years ago, when the geisha of Minami, Osaka, set out in merry fashion to visit the shrine.
The tradition is followed even today, with puppeteers, the stars and celebrities of Shochiku Shin Kigeki and Shochiku Geino, baseball and judo athletes and others from the sports world, a fukumusume (good fortune girl, named every year) and the shops of the Minami area participating, palanquins come together in a large parade of fifty people total.
Those attending can rub shoulders with kabuki actors, entertainers, celebrities of note and geisha.
| Date | Friday, Jan. 10, 2014 |
|---|---|
| Description | According to custom, the palanquins set out on the right and to the north at 10 a.m., and after 10:30, their start is celebrated on Ebisu-bashi's Ebisu Butai (the Ebisu stage), with bunraku puppets and speeches from kabuki actors and celebrities, who all then head directly south. The parade pushes its way through the people in the arcade of the shopping area and enters the grounds of Imamiyaebisu Shrine. In front of the main shrine, the geishas get out of their palanquins and visit the shrine. The return route north includes a street bustling with food carts. Proceeding north through the Namba City shopping center, Takashimaya department store and the Namba Marui fashion shopping center and the road Ebisubashi-suji, the palanquins arrive at Ebisu-bashi around 1:30 p.m. Details - 2013 version Imamiyaebisu Shrine Night palanquins On the same day, beginning at 7 p.m., four festival floats will move from Soemoncho to Dotonbori. The sight of the floats circulating, lit by paper lanterns, gives a feeling of the fascinating elegance of Minami. In front of Hotel Metro The 21 at 6:30 p.m. Note: The map is here. --> Parade route map |
| Access | From Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka to Namba and Ebisunishi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka (Shinsaibashi and Namba stations on the Midosuji [subway] Line, Osaka Namba Station on the Kintetsu Namba Line and the Hanshin Namba Line, and Namba Station on the Nankai Electric Railway) |
How to Enjoy
- Watching
- Dancing
- Eating
- Buying
- Participating
There is no plan.
