Plum Festival

One of Japan's three major rice planting rituals. On the stage set up in Kanda, Shinto performing arts such as Tami Mai, Mitashiro Mai, and the Fuyu warrior event are dedicated. In the rice planting dance and the Sumiyoshi dance dance lightly around Kanda. An important intangible folk cultural property of the country that tells Osaka of its summer visit. Image courtesy of Sumiyoshi Taisha

About a 30-minute drive from Shin-Osaka Station is Katsuoji Temple, famous for its late-blooming cherry blossoms. Around the time when the cherry blossoms in the lower world drop their flowers, the cherry blossoms in the mountains greet the see. Step into the 80-thousand-tsubo precinct, and a stunning weeping zakura with a deep green in its back, greets the worshipers. The contrast between several types of cherry blossoms and nature seems to be looking at a wide painting. This temple is also known as "the temple of winning luck", and every day there are no worshipers from all over the country to receive "winning dharma" when praying for luck or success. Dharma, who has been successful in the precinct, is dedicated to the place. Image courtesy of Katsuoji Temple

In ancient times, it was believed that during the flower season, the spirits of epidemics would scatter on the fallen flowers. The imperial court established a ritual to pacify these spirits as the "Hana-tame no Matsuri" in the Jingi-ryō of the Nara period. Traditionally held solemnly, various events are conducted, including the main shrine ceremony on the 25th, offerings of kagura, gagaku, and bugaku. The "Spring Ancestor Festival," which honors the ancestors of the parishioners, is also held. *Depending on the situation, there may only be the sacred rites. As of 2026, the roof replacement work of the main shrine is underway.