As July rolls around, festival season in Kansai kicks into high gear! Japan is home to countless festivals, and some have become famous nationwide—and even internationally. Two of Japan’s most celebrated festivals, Gion Matsuri and Tenjin Matsuri, take place right here in Kansai. But summer in Kansai is about more than its famous festivals. One of the joys of living here is discovering the local traditions, seasonal rituals, and hidden spots that residents return to year after year. Beyond the headline events, there are plenty of ways to experience the season like a local. In this edition of Exploring Kansai, we’ll introduce two of Kansai’s most iconic summer festivals, along with a lesser-known local favorite recommended by ZenGroup employees.
Two of Japan’s Most Famous Festivals Are Right Here in Kansai
Japan’s three most celebrated festivals are:
- Gion Matsuri (Kyoto)
- Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka)
- Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo)
Living in Kansai means having easy access to both Gion Matsuri and Tenjin Matsuri. Whether you’re visiting on the weekend or stopping by after work, it’s a rare opportunity to experience traditions that have been celebrated for over a thousand years.
Gion Matsuri (Kyoto)
Gion Matsuri takes place throughout July and is one of Japan’s most iconic cultural celebrations. Located less than an hour from central Osaka, Kyoto makes for an easy day trip and offers a glimpse into the history and traditions that have shaped the city for centuries.
Highlights: During the Yoiyama evenings, magnificent yamaboko floats stand throughout the festival area, while the sounds of Gion-bayashi festival music echo through Kyoto’s historic streets, creating an atmosphere that feels both vibrant and timeless.
Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka)
Another festival that defines summer in Kansai is Tenjin Matsuri, held by Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. Various ceremonies and events take place from late June through July 25, making Tenjin Matsuri one of Osaka’s defining summer traditions. Its central location also makes it easy to stop by after work.
Highlights: The festival reaches its peak during the final two days, known as Yoimiya and Honmiya. On the evening of Honmiya, the Okawa River becomes the stage for a traditional river procession, followed by a fireworks display that lights up the Osaka skyline. Lantern-lit boats glide across the water while fireworks burst overhead, creating a breathtaking scene often referred to as the “Festival of Fire and Water.” It’s one of the most iconic sights of summer in Osaka.
A Local Favorite: Shimogamo Shrine’s Mitarashi Festival
While the major festivals attract visitors from across Japan and around the world, some of Kansai’s most memorable summer experiences come from local traditions that residents have cherished for generations. One event frequently recommended by ZenGroup employees is the Mitarashi Festival, held every July at Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto. The festival’s biggest attraction is the chance to walk through Mitarashi Pond, an area that is normally closed to visitors. Kyoto summers can be extremely hot, but stepping into the cool spring-fed water provides instant relief from the heat. It’s a surprisingly simple experience, but once you’ve felt that crisp, refreshing water, it’s easy to see why so many people return year after year.
The photo on the right shows the sacred spring water offered to visitors after walking through the pond. It can also be safely enjoyed as drinking water.
What Our Employees Say:
“The thing I remember most is how cold the water was. Even though it was incredibly hot outside, standing in the pond felt so refreshing that I completely forgot about the heat. Another great thing is that the Mitarashi Festival is much less crowded than Gion Matsuri, so you can enjoy it at a more relaxed pace.”
“Shimogamo Shrine is often said to be the birthplace of mitarashi dango (sweet soy-glazed rice dumplings). After visiting the festival, I highly recommend trying some while enjoying a summer day in Kyoto.”
Closing Thoughts
Kansai offers much more than famous tourist destinations. You can spend one day enjoying festivals that attract visitors from around the world, and another experiencing local festivals where people cool off and enjoy a different side of summer. That variety is one of the things that makes Kansai such a great place to live. At ZenGroup, employees come from all over the world, and many enjoy discovering these uniquely Kansai experiences as part of everyday life in Japan. This summer, we encourage you to look beyond the famous festivals and find your own favorite place in Kansai. You may find that the moments you remember most are the ones you never expected to discover.
