[ad_1]
Having lived in each Thailand and the US states of Florida and Texas, I think about myself fairly adept at dealing with warmth and humidity. Moreover, my 2023 summer time journey to Japan was not my first go to to the nation throughout that season.
And but after I arrived on the Osaka Tenmangu shrine one afternoon in late July, I used to be badly struggling. I felt just like the air was stable, my physique liquid and even vapor. Actually, the mess of an individual I noticed throughout the unlucky moments I handed a mirror appeared to mirror this. I regarded sloppy, slovenly.
I say this to not discourage you from attending the Osaka Tenjin Matsuri. Fairly on the contrary: Regardless of how depressing Japan is throughout this time of yr, I completely suppose the pageant is worthy of your time.
When is the 2024 Osaka Tenjin Matsuri?
In comparison with its counterpart up the proverbial street in Kyoto, the Osaka pageant is way much less unruly. It happens over simply two days—July 24 and July 25—with solely the second being related for many international vacationers. The primary day, to make certain, is generally simply preparation work. It’s not till 3 PM on the second day, when a jubilant parade learn south from Osaka Tenman-gu shrine, the the fireworks actually begin.
Not actually—the hanabi don’t start getting set off till round 7:30 PM, by which level it’s greatest when you’ve discovered your approach to Genpachi Bridge. Right here, you may watch the floats (which could have been positioned on floating barges) make their approach up the O River, lit by the colourful explosions within the air above, Osaka Fortress towering within the distance. TIP: En route from the shrine to the bridge, there are many snacks and drinks to maintain you have interaction.
What to Do at Tenjin Matsuri 2024
Begin at Osaka Tenman-gu
As I defined earlier on this publish, Tenjin Matsuri (at the very least as you in all probability think about it) begins at 3 PM, on the street that extends due south of Osaka Tenman-gu shrine. I wish to get to the world a bit early, whether or not to wander across the shrine amid remaining preparations, or to get a snack within the shotengai between the station and the shrine.
Watch (and observe) the procession
Much like different summer time festivals in Japan, Osaka Tenjin Pageant begins with a parade. Particularly, an array of floats, dancers and musicians emerge from the aforementioned shrine; when you get a spot on a nook a block or two south, that is actually greatest for viewing. Sooner or later, you could need to stroll alongside the parade, and even to stroll away from it when you’ve seen sufficient.
Eat your approach alongside the river
When you’ve had your fill of the festivities, head due south till you dead-end into the O River; grasp a proper and start strolling east. Whereas the trail ultimately snakes away from the river, it can ultimately curve north, taking you to the final a part of the town the place you’ll must be for the subsequent section of the pageant. There’s lots to eat alongside this route, from kakigori to takoyaki, plus quite a lot of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Watch the fireworks from Genpachi Bridge
Though the Tenjin pageant isn’t identified for its hanabi, there may be nonetheless a humble fireworks show. To get right here, set your GPS for Genpachi Bridge—which, when you’ve adopted my directions to this point, received’t be such a far stroll. As soon as right here, get as near the center of the bridge as you may, and ideally no later than 7, to get an ideal spot earlier than the present begins.
Get again earlier than in every single place else does
Though the fireworks (and the floats making their approach up the river, on barges, beneath them) final for 90 minutes, I don’t advocate staying on the bridge all the time. Why? Properly, until you’re staying proper by the river, all of the close by practice stations (and the pedestrian paths resulting in them) shall be an absolute nightmare. It’s greatest to depart a bit early, whether or not you head to Dotonbori for a road meals dinner, or simply return to your lodge.
Is Tenjin Matsuri Price It?
So long as you intend to be in Osaka on July 25, Tenjin Matsuri is for my cash the Japanese pageant that’s best to attend. You merely have to get to Osaka Tenman-gu an hour or so earlier than the parade begins, and have the ability to work your approach alongside the river from about 4 PM (the perfect elements of the parade shall be completed, by this level) to succeed in Genpachi Bridge by about 7. If you are able to do this, you get a entrance row seat to the pageant.
As a result of Osaka has so many resorts and plentiful rail and air connections to the remainder of the fan, even the comparatively massive variety of revelers who come for the Tenjin Matsuri makes solely a small affect on them. Against this, you’ll want to order lodging (and perhaps transport) to smaller cities like Tokushima and Aomori weeks and even months upfront. So sure, the Tenjin Matsuri is value it.
Different FAQ About Osaka’s 2024 Tenjin Matsuri
What’s the largest pageant in Osaka?
Tenjin Matsuri is the most important pageant not solely in Osaka, however can be one of many three largest festivals in Japan. Going down throughout two days in late July yearly, it’s moreover a comparatively straightforward pageant to attend, presuming that you can be in Osaka anyway.
What time are the fireworks at Tenjin Matsuri?
The Tenjin Matsuri fireworks start at 7:30 pm each July 25, and are launched from Sakuranomiya Park simply on the east financial institution of the O River. Though some individuals wish to be proper by the place the launch from, I’d keep away from this for varied causes.
The place can I watch Tenjin Matsuri fireworks?
In my view, the perfect vantage level for the Tenjin Matsuri fireworks is Genpachi Bridge. At you look south over the O River, you cannot solely see the hanabi launching into the sky, however the floats making their approach up the river, in addition to Osaka Fortress looming within the distance.
The Backside Line
Though it takes place throughout probably the most depressing time of yr you may go to Japan, Osaka Tenjin Matsuri is totally definitely worth the trouble. For one, Osaka’s massive measurement and comfort imply you received’t have any drawback getting on a practice to the town, or reserving a lodge room for when you get there. Secondly, for the reason that “meat” of the pageant takes place over a single afternoon and night, it doesn’t must be the end-all, be-all of your time there. Whereas attending different festivals in Japan contextualizes your expertise in Osaka, this after all isn’t crucial. One other approach to get probably the most bang on your buck? Rent me to plan your journey!
[ad_2]