Ikutama Shrine Summer Festival

The Ikutama Festival is one of Osaka's three major summer festivals (Ikutama Festival, Tenjin Festival, and Sumiyoshi Festival) held annually in July at Ikutama Shrine. It is known as a vibrant festival that announces the arrival of summer in Osaka. Affectionately called "Ikutama-san," this festival draws large crowds and is a cherished traditional event that beautifully combines solemn Shinto rituals with lively folk celebrations. It is also known for taking place ahead of Osaka's other major summer festivals, such as the Tenjin Festival.

Ikutama Shrine is Osaka's oldest shrine, boasting a history of approximately 2,700 years. Its origins trace back to mythological times, when Emperor Jinmu, Japan's first emperor, during his eastern expedition from Kyushu, enshrined the deities Ikushima-no-Okami and Tarushima-no-Okami, considered the spiritual guardians of the Japanese archipelago itself, at Namba Cape, which included the area where Osaka Castle now stands.

Originally, the shrine was located on the grounds of present-day Osaka Castle. During the Warring States period, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle (around 1583-1585), it was moved to its current location in Tennoji Ward, which was the second highest elevated area after Osaka Castle at the time. The main hall is built in a unique architectural style called "Ikutama-zukuri" and is said to convey the architectural beauty of the Momoyama period, though the current shrine buildings were reconstructed after the war.

The Ikutama Festival is held annually over two days, July 11th and 12th. The festival hours are basically from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though start and end times vary depending on the specific events.

July 11th is called "Yoimiya" (eve festival) and features preparatory events leading up to the main festival the following day. July 12th is the "Honmiya" (main festival), when the festival's highlight, the procession ceremony, takes place. The evening to nighttime period is particularly lively, drawing many people as a summer night tradition. Each day offers distinctive events, so visiting both days allows you to fully experience the charm of the Ikutama Festival.

The center of the festival is Ikutama Shrine, located at 13-9 Ikutama-cho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka City. The surrounding Tanimachi-suji and Osaka Castle Park also serve as festival venues, with many spectators gathering along the approach and routes to Osaka Castle. The area around the shrine bustles with food stalls and vendors, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

The greatest highlight of the Ikutama Festival is the "Land Procession" held on July 12th during the main festival. Led by makura-daiko drums, more than 700 people participate, including lion dancers, portable shrines, mikoshi, and horse-drawn carriages, parading from Ikutama Shrine to the former temporary shrine site at Osaka Castle Park over approximately two hours. At the end of the procession, a traditional hand-clapping ceremony called "Ikutama-jime" is performed, creating a solemn atmosphere. This parade is a religious ceremony praying for the elimination of epidemics and regional prosperity, with the streets lined with many spectators.

The makura-daiko is a festival float said to have been donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, with six "ganji" (wishers) riding on it, beating drums with vigorous movements. The dynamic performance of the float swaying back and forth and tilting left and right captivates the audience. Additionally, the parade of gold and silver mikoshi takes place in the shrine grounds at night, and the sight of the glittering portable shrines racing around the grounds is spectacular. The brave appearance of the ganji symbolizes the expulsion of epidemics and community bonds.

At the Ikutama Festival, over 100 food stalls line up for about 500 meters along the approach and from Tanimachi-suji to Uemachi-suji. You can enjoy a diverse range of cuisine, from classic takoyaki, okonomiyaki, fried chicken, and shaved ice to unique items like grilled sweetfish, grilled bamboo shoots, and cheese hotdogs. The food stall activity peaks after 6:00 PM in the evening, so visiting early is recommended for a leisurely experience.

Besides food stalls, there are plenty of festival games like shooting galleries and ring toss that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Ikutama Shrine can be accessed relatively easily using Osaka's well-developed public transportation system. There are multiple nearest stations, and you can walk to the shrine from each station.

• Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line/Sennichimae Line "Tanimachi 9-chome Station": 4-minute walk
• Kintetsu Osaka Line "Osaka-Uehonmachi Station": 9-minute walk
• Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line "Nipponbashi Station": 9-minute walk. On festival days, the surrounding area gets crowded, so early arrival is recommended. Tanimachi 9-chome Station has particularly good access and is tourist-friendly.

During the Ikutama Festival period, roads around the shrine are expected to be congested. Especially during the procession ceremony, when many spectators gather along the streets, traffic restrictions may be implemented on some roads. Therefore, using public transportation is strongly recommended.

The Ikutama Festival is a popular event that attracts over 200,000 visitors, with the main festival on the 12th being particularly crowded.

• Early Visit: Food stalls and shrine grounds get crowded after 6:00 PM, so visiting in the morning or early afternoon allows for a more relaxed experience.
• Route Planning: The land procession can be viewed on Tanimachi-suji or at Osaka Castle Park, but Osaka Castle Park is recommended for less crowded viewing.
• Advance Check: Check the official Instagram and website for the latest schedule and traffic restriction information.

• Q. About holding the festival in rainy weather
  A. The festival is basically held rain or shine. However, in case of severe weather such as typhoons, it may be canceled without notice or the content may be changed.
• Q. About participating with children
  A. This is a festival that can be enjoyed with children. Children's drums and festival games are popular with kids, and the shrine grounds are relatively spacious, making it possible to move around with strollers. However, caution is needed during crowded nighttime hours. Make use of hydration and rest areas, and enjoy at the children's pace.
• Q: What time do the food stalls start operating?
  A: Food stalls generally start opening around 9:00 AM when the festival begins and operate until around 10:00 PM, but3 operating hours vary by store. Popular stalls may have lines forming early, so if you have a specific stall in mind, we recommend visiting early.

For the latest information about the Ikutama Festival, detailed schedules, and traffic restrictions, please check the following official sites.

• Ikutama Shrine
  • https://ikutamajinja.jp/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikutamajinja/?hl=ja