Sumiyoshi Festival

The Sumiyoshi Festival is a summer festival held annually at Sumiyoshi Taisha in Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City. It is regarded as one of Osaka's three major summer festivals, alongside the Aizen Festival and the Tenjin Festival, and is highly prestigious. This is not only due to its large scale, but also its historical significance, cultural influence, and the deep faith of the citizens. These festivals are deeply involved in shaping Osaka's urban identity, and the Sumiyoshi Festival has long been cherished as a symbol of summer in Osaka.

This festival has the significance of 'purification' for the entire region and has long been called 'Oharai.' From Marine Day in July to August 1, multiple Shinto rituals are held, attracting about 300,000 visitors. Traditional ceremonies such as the purification of the portable shrine, the grand mikoshi procession, and the Nagoshi-harai ritual are highlights.

The origins of the Sumiyoshi Festival date back to the Nara period. According to the 'Sumiyoshi Taisha Kamiyo-ki,' it was held as the June purification ritual. This ritual was intended to ward off summer epidemics and disasters. Over time, it came to be held from July to August, and by the Edo period, it had become a summer tradition in Osaka. The festival involves transferring the spirit of the Sumiyoshi deity to a mikoshi and parading it to the Otabisho, symbolically purifying all of Osaka. In the Meiji period, the dedication of a giant mikoshi expanded the scale of the festival. Even today, while maintaining its traditional form, it is loved by local residents and tourists alike.

The Sumiyoshi Festival is usually held from the third Monday of July to August 1. The main events are concentrated on July 30, July 31, and August 1. In 2025, it is scheduled from July 21 to August 1.

During this period, Sumiyoshi Taisha and its surroundings are filled with the excitement of the festival and crowded with many visitors.

The main venue is Sumiyoshi Taisha, but events are also held at nearby Sumiyoshi Park and the Otabisho (Shukuin Tongu). Sumiyoshi Taisha is a historic shrine known for its lush grounds, four National Treasure main halls, and Taiko Bridge.

The mikoshi procession is the climax of the Sumiyoshi Festival and is also called 'Owatari,' a grand sacred parade. On August 1, a massive mikoshi weighing about 2 tons is carried from Sumiyoshi Taisha to Shukuin Tongu in Sakai City. This mikoshi was dedicated in 1881 and is carried by 300 to 400 bearers. The sight of it crossing the Taiko Bridge and parading along the Yamato River is spectacular and moving for spectators. Revived in 2016 after 70 years, this event is a symbol of the Sumiyoshi Festival.

On the night of July 30, the Yoimiya Festival is held. This is the eve of the main festival and is a solemn ritual to welcome the deities into the mikoshi. As dusk falls, the shrine grounds are enveloped in a solemn atmosphere, and anticipation and tension rise as the festival approaches its climax. This quiet and reverent time is an important moment to prepare for communion with the gods, which is the essence of the festival.

One of the essential pleasures of Japanese festivals is the food stalls, but the situation regarding stalls at the Sumiyoshi Festival has changed in recent years. According to information from 2023 and 2024, official stalls within the grounds of Sumiyoshi Taisha have tended to be canceled. In the past, there were as many stalls as at the Tenjin Festival, creating a lively atmosphere, but this change may affect the festival's ambiance.

With no stalls in the shrine grounds, there may be a more solemn atmosphere, allowing greater focus on the rituals themselves. On the other hand, for those seeking the lively and fun aspects of the festival, it may feel a bit lonely. However, according to information, local stalls may be set up in the surrounding areas such as Sumiyoshi Park next to the shrine and around Sumiyoshi Torii-mae Station. Therefore, the 'lively' part of the festival may have spread outside the shrine.

Access to Sumiyoshi Taisha is very convenient by public transportation.

• Nankai Main Line 'Sumiyoshi Taisha Station': 3 minutes walk east
• Nankai Koya Line 'Sumiyoshi Higashi Station': 5 minutes walk west
• Hankai Tramway Hankai Line 'Sumiyoshi Torii-mae Station': right in front

Access by car is also possible, but during the festival period, surrounding roads are very congested and parking lots are often full, so public transportation is recommended.

To fully enjoy the Sumiyoshi Festival, it is important to keep a few points in mind.

• Arrive Early: Especially the mikoshi procession and Nagoshi-harai ritual are crowded, so arrive early to secure a good spot.
• Comfortable Clothing: Choose comfortable shoes and clothes, and prepare a hat or sunscreen for the summer heat.
• Prepare Cash: Many food stalls and festival games require cash, so it's convenient to have coins ready.
• Check the Weather: Osaka in summer is hot and sudden rain is possible, so check the weather forecast and prepare an umbrella and drinks.
• Respect Shrine Rules: Be quiet during rituals and follow instructions. Photography is often allowed, but be considerate of others.
• Explore the Shrine Grounds: Take your time to see the National Treasure main halls and Taiko Bridge of Sumiyoshi Taisha and feel the history.

• Q: Is there an admission fee for the Sumiyoshi Festival?
  A: No admission fee is required to view the Sumiyoshi Festival. Entry to the grounds of Sumiyoshi Taisha is also free.
• Q: Can families with children enjoy the festival?
  A: Yes, festival food and games are very popular with children, making it an event families can enjoy together.
• Q: Will the festival be canceled if it rains?
  A: The festival is usually held as scheduled in light rain, but some rituals may be canceled or changed in case of typhoons or severe weather. Please check the official website in advance.

For the latest information on the Sumiyoshi Festival, detailed schedules, and traffic restrictions, please check the official website below.

• Sumiyoshi Taisha
  • http://www.sumiyoshitaisha.net/