Sumiyoshi Matsuri Festival

Summer is the perfect time to engage in this festival of purification at the Sumiyoshitaisha Grand Shrine.

During the balmy period of late July and early August this celebration allows children and young geisha to carry portable shrines on a trek up to the Grand Shrine.

Traditionally participants will walk through a 'magic grass ring' and emerge purified. The procession runs through the streets of Osaka and heads to Sakai City where a traditional ceremony takes place.

Held in late July or early August at the Sumiyoshitaisha Grand Shrine, the noble ancient rites of the Sumiyoshi festival include nagoshi oharai (purification in summer) with the participation of nagoshi girls, children and citizens of the area.

After the spirits are transferred to the mikoshi portable shrine and Horen palanquin, the procession makes its way through the streets all the way to Sakai. When the mikoshi reaches its destination, a ceremony takes place.

It is similar to many other festivals across Japan, but with a distinctly Osaka flavor. This festival is a great opportunity to see some of the ancient customs of Naniwa still in practice today.

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Contact Information

Sumiyoshi Matsuri Festival
Sumiyoshi Matsuri Festival
558-0045 Osaka

Tel. +81666720753

http://http://www.sumiyoshitaisha.ne