Aizen Festival

The Aizen Festival is a traditional event that marks the start of summer in Osaka. It’s also known as the “Yukata Festival” because many people wear colorful summer kimonos. Held every year from June 30th to July 2nd at Aizendo Shomanin Temple in Tennoji, the festival attracts both locals and many visitors.

The highlight is the parade of “Aizen Musume” – young women dressed in beautiful yukata, riding in decorated palanquins called “Hoe-kago.” The temple grounds and nearby streets are filled with food stalls, festival music, and performances, creating a lively summer atmosphere.

People visit the festival to pray for good relationships, business success, and good health. It’s especially popular with couples and families. As one of Osaka’s three major summer festivals, the Aizen Festival is full of energy and loved by the community.

The Aizen Festival has a long history, dating back to the year 593, when Prince Shotoku founded Aizendo Temple. The festival began as a religious ceremony to pray for health and happiness, held on the day dedicated to the temple’s main deity, Aizen Myo-o.

During the Edo period, the festival was featured in famous works of literature and became a beloved event for ordinary people. In Osaka, summer is said to start with the Aizen Festival and end with other big festivals like Tenjin and Sumiyoshi.

Even today, the festival continues a tradition of over 1,400 years. It’s a special time when you can feel the energy of Japanese summer and the warmth of the local people. If you’re visiting for the first time, don’t miss the chance to experience this unique festival at a historic temple.

• Dates: June 30th – July 2nd, 2025

The Aizen Festival is held every year for three days from June 30 to July 2 at the Aizendo Shoman-in Temple in Tennoji Ward, Osaka City.

The festival is easy to reach, just a short walk from JR or subway “Tennoji Station” or “Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station.”

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aWREtLZqm7ckhiRw8

The festival is lively and crowded with both locals and tourists, celebrating the start of summer in Osaka.

The festival opens with the colorful Hoe-kago Parade. “Aizen Musume” in yukata ride in beautifully decorated palanquins from Tennoji Park (Tenshiba) to Aizendo Temple, accompanied by lively cheers. This parade is a symbol of summer in Osaka, drawing big crowds and lots of excitement. Even first-time visitors will be impressed by the energy and tradition.

In 2022, students who evacuated from Ukraine also joined the parade.

Schedule (June 30th):

• 12:00: Departure ceremony at Tennoji Park (Tenshiba)
• 12:10: Parade heads north along Tanimachi-suji
• 13:00: Arrival at Aizendo Temple

On the second night, the “Miss Aizen Musume Contest” is held. The Aizen Musume show off their talents and charm on stage, and one is chosen as Miss Aizen Musume for the year. The winner helps promote the festival until the next year.

Anyone can apply online, but you must be able to wear a yukata by yourself. This is not just a beauty contest – it’s a unique tradition of the Aizen Festival.

Schedule (July 1st):

• 19:00: Special stage at Aizendo Temple

Over 100 food stalls line the temple grounds and nearby streets.

You’ll find Osaka favorites like takoyaki, yakisoba, grilled squid, candied apples, and frankfurters. These are always popular with visitors.

You can also enjoy traditional festival games like shooting galleries, ring toss, and goldfish scooping.

• Stalls get crowded after 5pm, so go early for a smoother experience.
• If it’s too crowded to walk and eat, use benches or rest areas.
• Stay hydrated—bring drinks or buy cold treats like shaved ice.
• Always throw away trash in the designated bins and keep the festival clean.

⭐️ Due to past issues with litter and bad behavior, there were no food stalls from 2018 to 2022. Please follow the rules and enjoy the festival responsibly.

The festival takes place at Aizendo Temple and nearby streets in central Osaka. It’s best to use public transport.

• Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line “Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka” Station (Exit 5): 2–3 min walk
• JR Tennoji Station: 15 min walk north
• Kintetsu Uehommachi Station: 15 min walk south

No parking at the temple. Please use public transport or nearby paid parking.

• Arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Bring cash for food stalls (credit cards may not be accepted).
• Talk with locals for a deeper experience.
• Restrooms can get crowded, especially for women in the evening, so use them early.

The Aizen Festival is also known locally as the Yukata Festival. Many women wearing traditional yukata gather at the Aizen Festival every year. Participants are recommended to wear a yukata so they can feel like they are part of the festival!

Of course, men can wear a jinbei, which is seen as the traditional male counterpart to the yukata. Both men and women can enjoy the Aizen Festival even more by wearing traditional Japanese garb!

• Always take your trash home or use the bins provided.
• Don’t enter restricted areas or disturb ceremonies.
• Keep noise down and respect the atmosphere.

• Shitennoji Temple: One of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, 10 min walk from Aizendo.
• Tennoji Park & Zoo: Great for families, 15 min walk.
• Abeno Harukas: Japan’s tallest skyscraper with an observation deck, directly connected to Tennoji Station.
• Tsutenkaku & Shinsekai: Osaka’s famous tower and retro district, also within walking distance.

• Miyako City Osaka Tennoji: Directly connected to Tennoji Station, comfortable rooms and great service.
• Hotel Ichiei: Japanese-style business hotel, a few minutes from Tennoji Station, budget-friendly.
• Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel: Luxury hotel in Abeno Harukas, amazing views and service.
• Guesthouses & Hostels: Many affordable options in Tennoji and Shinsekai areas.

Entry to the temple grounds is free.

The festival is held even in the rain. Some events may change or be canceled for safety, so check the official website for updates.

During the Aizen Festival, you can purchase a variety of special charms and lucky items, such as Hello Kitty omamori pouches, flower charms, and personalized ema (wooden plaques with your portrait).

These unique items are available at the offering counter inside Aizendo Temple. Some are only offered during the festival, so be sure to stop by and find a special souvenir of your visit.

For the latest news and detailed information about the Aizen Festival, please visit the official website.

https://www.aizendo.com/festival.htm