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Daigaku Festival (Ikune Shrine Summer Festival)
A summer festival featuring Japan's only surviving traditional "Daigaku" performance.
This annual summer tradition takes place at Ikune Shrine in Tamade, Nishinari Ward, Osaka City, every July 24 and 25.
Ikune Shrine houses Japan’s only surviving traditional “Daigaku”, a tall ceremonial structure historically used in rain-making rituals. Displayed only during this two-day summer festival, the Daigaku stands approximately 20 meters tall, adorned with 79 lanterns, and weighs around four tons. Due to its historical significance, it was designated as Osaka Prefecture’s first tangible folk cultural asset in 1972.
The festival brings the full spectacle of the Daigaku full draped in sacred lanterns as it stands on the shrine grounds. The top lantern-bearing section rotates majestically in sync with the beat of traditional drums, drawing a burst of cheers from those around. Just next door in Tamade-Nishi Park, smaller-sized Daigaku structures are carried energetically by participants through the park, accompanied by lively chanting, as part of the vibrant “Daigaku-katsugi” procession.
Highlights
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A prestigious summer festival at Ikune Shrine, boasting over 1,200 years of history.
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Japan’s only surviving Daigaku is publicly displayed exclusively for two days each year during this festival.
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The energetic "Daigaku-katsugi", featuring both male and female carriers, is a must-see event.
Photos
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Japan's only surviving Daigaku displayed exclusively for two days.
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The Daigaku, beautifully illuminated with red lanterns, creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
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Don't miss the spectacular "Daigaku-katsugi," in which the massive structure is carried while being rotated through the streets.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- だいがく祭り（生根神社夏祭り）
- Postal Code
- 557-0045 (Ikune Shrine)
- Location
- Ikune Shrine, 2-1-10 Tamadenishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka City, Osaka
- Telephone
- 06-6659-2821 (Ikune Shrine)
- Schedule
- July 24th and 25th
- Access
- Approximately a 3-minute walk from Exit 1 of Osaka Metro Tamade Station and from the Tamade Exit of Kishinosato-Tamade Station on the Nankai Line.
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)