Written by Aarohi Narain
This is one of Osaka’s major summer festivals.
What happens?
While Osaka’s famous Tenjin Festival unfolds on the river, the Ikutama Festival is a land-based affair. Held at the Ikutama Shrine, this long-running festival typically features a spirited parade of portable shrines, drumming, and ritual performances.
Over two days in mid-July, the festivities kick off with an evening of children’s taiko drumming and a parade of gold and silver portable shrines carried by locals and students. The following day brings the main event: a two-hour procession from Ikutama Shrine to Osaka Castle, led by a historic drum said to have been donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The parade wraps up with a ceremony in the park.
How to get there
From Osaka Station, first walk about 6 minutes to Higashi-Umeda Station. Take the Tanimachi Line headed for Yaominami and ride for five stops (around 10 minutes), alighting at Tanimachi 9-chome Station. From there, the shrine is a 6-minute walk away. The whole journey should take no more than 25 minutes.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.