JTB Launches Premium Viewing and Onboard Experience Tickets for Osaka's Grand Summer Festival 'Tenjin Matsuri' with Boat Procession and Fireworks

JTB Corporation has launched sales for special viewing seats and a special onboard viewing experience aboard the 'gobusen' (accompanying vessel) for the 'Tenjin Matsuri,' one of Japan's three great festivals, to be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The event features the 'funatogyo' (boat procession) with approximately 100 boats and a 'honnoshibi' (offering fireworks) display of around 3,000 shells, both of which can be enjoyed from premium vantage points. With a history spanning over 1,000 years, Tenjin Matsuri is Osaka's largest summer festival, attracting approximately 1.3 million visitors annually. This year’s event falls on a Saturday, prompting expanded seating for families, including additional table seats and 16 new table seats at Venue B, allowing guests to experience the boat procession and fireworks up close. The special onboard viewing experience offers a spacious, limited-capacity setting of only 100 seats, where guests can witness the iconic 'Osaka-jime'—a ceremonial hand-clapping exchange between passing boats—and enjoy breathtaking fireworks launched directly overhead.

Additionally, JTB plans to release a package combining accommodation and viewing tickets in late June. For details, please visit:

https://www.jtb.co.jp/kokunai-hotel/list/feature/tenjin_hanabi25/

Background of the Initiative

In Osaka, sustaining and promoting the city’s tourism appeal after the conclusion of the World Expo is a key regional challenge. The goal is to maintain and expand inbound and domestic tourism and consumption. As a flagship traditional cultural event, Tenjin Matsuri holds significant value in terms of tourist attraction and media visibility. This initiative aims to transform the festival from a passive 'watching' event into an active 'experiential and consumable' tourism product by reimagining the viewing experience, thereby enhancing regional appeal and boosting tourism spending.

Product Overview

Two products are being offered: Special Viewing Seats and Special Onboard Viewing Seats. The special viewing seats are available across six designated venues, allowing guests to choose based on their preferences. For the special onboard experience, both Japanese and English-speaking guides will accompany guests, providing commentary on the history and highlights of Tenjin Matsuri. Traditional festival attire (happi coats) and fans worn by festival participants will be provided for guests who wish to wear them. During the cruise, guests can enjoy a boxed meal curated by a renowned traditional ryotei (high-end Japanese restaurant) and unlimited drinks, including alcoholic beverages.

<Tenjin Matsuri Special Viewing Seats>

・Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 17:30–21:00

・Location: Six venues along the Okawa River

・Program:

17:30: Gates open

18:00: Boat procession begins

19:30: Fireworks display begins

・Product details:

https://j-lppf2.jp/tenjin/

<Tenjin Matsuri Special Onboard Viewing Seats>

・Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 17:30–21:00

・Location: Okawa River (from Hishobashi Bridge to Tenmabashi Bridge)

・Program:

17:30: Boarding begins

18:00–21:00: Viewing of boat procession and fireworks

Includes guided commentary, a traditional ryotei-curated bento, unlimited drinks, a guidebook, and happi coat and fan

・Price: ¥150,000 (tax included)

・Product details:

https://j-lppf2.jp/tenjin/onboard.html

Organizers and Collaborators

Festival Host: Tenjin Matsuri Procession Preservation Sponsorship Association

Viewing Product Planning and Sales: JTB Corporation

Note 1: The 'hobusen' is the sacred vessel carrying the divine spirit.

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General Inquiries

JTB Osaka First Business Division Tel: 050-1732-4522 (9:30–17:30, closed Dec 30–Jan 3 and weekends/holidays)