The Start of Osaka’s Summer, Filled with Hōe Kago and Prayer
Aizome Matsuri
The 2026 edition of Aizome Matsuri has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/06/30 〜 2026/07/02Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year from June 30 to July 2 / Every year
- Location
- Aizendo Shoman-in Temple (Aizendo)
- Area
- Osaka Prefecture・Osaka City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 30 min–3 h · bullet train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A summer festival in Osaka featuring a Hōe Kago parade and religious ceremonies at Aizendo Shoman-in Temple.
About Aizome Matsuri
Aizome Matsuri is a summer festival hosted by a Buddhist temple at Aizendo Shoman-in in Tennoji-ku, Osaka.
Counted as one of Osaka’s 3 major summer festivals, it includes prayers to Aizen Myōō for finding a good match, business prosperity, and other blessings.
The festival also features the grand Natsukoshi purification service and a special viewing of the principal image, bringing together religious devotion and local festivities.
Source: 愛染堂 勝鬘院 更新情報
Festival highlights
The main highlight is a parade in which Aizome Musume, dressed in , ride in a Hōe Kago palanquin from Tennoji to Aizendo.
The palanquin is also raised high in front of the main hall in a display called “kago-age” when it arrives at Aizendo.
On the , visitors can enjoy special viewings of Aizen Myōō and Dainichi Daishō Kongōson, the grand Natsukoshi purification service, food stalls, festival music, and the Suzume Odori dance.
The Start of Osaka’s Summer, Filled with Hōe Kago and Prayer
What to expect
The festival runs for 3 days: Yoimiya, the main festival day, and the day for the remaining blessings. The opening day centers on the Hōe Kago parade and the grand Natsukoshi purification service.
During the festival, Aizendo holds special viewings of its principal image, Aizen Myōō, and other figures, and visitors can pray and receive amulets and other items.
In 2026, Aizome Musume were scheduled to appear in the afternoon on July 1 and 2, and the festival was scheduled to end at 9 p.m.
Source: 愛染まつり - Wikipedia
How to take part
General visitors can enjoy exploring the special openings and Buddhist services at Aizendo, the parade, and the evening stalls.
The Hoekago and the activities of the Aizen Musume, which are central to the festival, are events carried out by selected Aizen Musume and others.
For 2026, applications were accepted and a selection process was held for the Aizen Musume; the announced total was 10, including 8 open-application places and 2 places for foreign applicants.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Aizendo Shoman-in (Aizendo), 5-36 Yuhigaokacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City.
- Train and bus
About a 3-minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line.
From JR Tennoji Station, it is a 15-minute walk north along Tanimachisuji.
- By car
Directions indicate that it is about 1.5 km, or about 5 minutes, from the Hanshin Expressway Tennoji Exit.
However, during the 2026 festival period, vehicles cannot enter or park on the temple grounds.
- Parking
There is no parking or bicycle parking on the temple grounds.
Visitors are advised to use public transportation.
Address 5-36 Yuhigaokacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 Festival Information (the listed dates have passed)
In 2026, the festival was scheduled to run for 3 days, from June 30 to July 2.
June 30 is the opening day, July 1 is the main festival day, and July 2 is the day for the remaining blessings.
Aizome Musume were scheduled to appear in the afternoon on July 1 and 2, and the festival was scheduled to end at 9 p.m.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Osaka Prefecture / Osaka City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
In 2026, the Aizen Musume appearances on July 1 and the 2nd were scheduled to begin in the afternoon, so take note of the timing if there is something specific you want to see.
The festival ends at 9 p.m., and visitors were asked to avoid staying for a long time after it ended.
Visitors are advised to use public transportation, as parking and bicycle parking cannot be secured for those arriving by car or bicycle.
Nearby attractions
The route to the venue includes Aizome-zaka, a slope named for the path leading to Aizendo.
Osaka City’s guide also introduces the “Yūhioka” monument at Oe Shrine atop the slope, as well as the sunsets seen from the surrounding area.
The tahoto pagoda on the grounds of Aizendo is designated an Important Cultural Property, offering visitors a chance to experience the area’s historic scenery along with their festival visit.
Source: 大阪市天王寺区：愛染坂(あいぜんざか) （イベント・にぎわい>観光）
難波八阪神社
大阪市にある神社
ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン
日本の大阪府大阪市此花区にあるテーマパーク
Sumiyoshi Taisha
大阪市住吉区の神社
国立国際美術館
大阪市北区中之島にある美術館
坐摩神社
大阪市中央区の神社
大阪ビジネスパーク
大阪市中央区にある超高層ビル群
大阪城公園
大阪市の公園
大阪天満宮
大阪市北区にある神社
大阪市立東洋陶磁美術館
大阪市北区中之島にある美術館
大阪市立科学館
大阪市北区中之島にある科学館
大阪市立美術館
大阪市天王寺区にある美術館
大阪歴史博物館
大阪府大阪市中央区にある博物館
Origins and History of Aizome Matsuri
Aizendo Shoman-in Temple is said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku in 593, the first year of Empress Suiko’s reign.
The temple’s tahoto pagoda was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1597, and its main hall was rebuilt by Tokugawa Hidetada in 1618.
Aizome Matsuri is said to have continued for centuries as a festival carrying on Prince Shotoku’s wishes, with prayers for health and protection from illness.
Official information
Official information is available on the website of Aizendo Shoman-in Temple.
Information is available on the 2026 festival dates, highlights, advice on using public transportation, and recruitment for Aizome Musume.
Aizome Matsuri at a Glance
Aizome Matsuri is a traditional Osaka festival where visitors can experience both prayer and summer festivities at Aizendo Shoman-in Temple.
The main highlights are the Hōe Kago parade, Aizome Musume, special viewings, and the grand Natsukoshi purification service.
In 2026, the festival was scheduled to run from June 30 to July 2, with visitors advised to travel to the venue by public transportation.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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