Tenjin Festival

The Tenjin Festival in Osaka, ranked as one of Japan's top festivals, is known for its dual land and river processions, which are capped off by a spectacular fireworks display. While the festivities stretch for a month, the major event takes place on July 24-25, with over one million people expected to attend.

Tenjin festivities, which have a 1,000-year history, are conducted on the 25th of each month at Tenmangu Shrines around Japan to commemorate the deity of scholarship, Sugawara Michizane.

The processions on the 24th, with drums and men wearing red hats crowding the streets in the afternoon to signal the conclusion of festival preparations, are also worth seeing. On the 25th, a 3,000-strong costumed audience will march from Tenmangu Shrine, led by red-hatted men who will bang taiko drums while balancing on see-saw-like supports. It makes for an exciting two days in Osaka, with plenty of dances, unusual costumes.

Location: Osaka, Japan

Date: Late June - July 25th