Ueno Tenjin Matsuri
Sugawara no Michizane was a famous Japanese scholar, poet, and politician. Japanese people have always respected him for his great services as a politician, as a poet, as well as a Japanese scholar.
Therefore, Ueno Tenjin Matsuri celebrates Sugawara No Michizane and his selflessness and kindness on a special day. If you want to know more about this day, its history, and how Japanese people celebrate it, you must read this article to the end. I’ll tell you everything about Ueno Tenjin Matsuri Day in this short article.
If you are interested in learning about more secular holidays then click on the given link Japanese Festivals/ East Asian Holidays
Let’s dive into the topic now.
What’s Ueno Tenjin Matsuri?
Ueno Tenjin Matsuri is the world’s famous Japanese festival, celebrated in Japan for over 1000 years. It’s one of the oldest festivals that are still celebrated in Japan. This festival is celebrated to honor and celebrate the great Sugawara No Michizane, a famous Japanese poet, scholar, and politician.
In Japan, he was quite famous and served the country for a long time. So, to honor him, Japanese people have made a specific day, which they’ve named Ueno Tenjin Matsuri Day. This festival is celebrated in Tokyo’s Yushima Tenmangu Shrine. Now, let’s talk a little bit about the history of this day.
History of Ueno Tenjin Matsuri Festival
The Ueno Tenjin Matsuri is a cherished Japanese festival held at Tokyo’s Yushima Tenmangu Shrine, honoring Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning. Dating back to the Edo period, this festival embodies a rich cultural tapestry, celebrating art, academics, and community.
With vibrant mikoshi processions, traditional performances, and heartfelt prayers for success, it creates an atmosphere brimming with reverence and joy. This festival pays homage to a revered scholar and unites people in a shared passion for knowledge and culture, making it a truly enriching experience for all who participate. However, in how many countries is Ueno Tenjin Matsuri Day celebrated?
In how many Countries Ueno Tenjin Maturi is Celebrated?
As mentioned above, Ueno Tenjin Matsuri is a Japanese festival, so it’s only celebrated in Japan, not in other countries.
Japanese people in other countries have yet to celebrate this day. When is Ueno Tenjin Day going to be celebrated in Japan?
When is Ueno Tenjin Matsuri 2023,2024,2025,2026?
Many of you may now be wondering when Ueno Tenjin Matsuri Day will be in Japan in 2024. Well, I’ve mentioned its dates below in the table. Let’s take a look at the table now.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2023 | July 23 – July 25 |
| 2024 | July 23 – July 25 |
| 2025 | July 23 – July 25 |
| 2026 | July 23 – July 25 |
Best Events at Ueno Tenjin Matsuri Festival
The Ueno Tenjin Matsuri festival is celebrated in different ways in Japan. People have divided this festival into three main days in which three different things are done. I will tell you about the events that happen each day so that you can get a clue about how this day is celebrated in Japan. Let’s dive right into the events now.
1. July 23rd – Tenjin Matsuri Women’s Mikoshi
The day starts on July 23rd when the women’s mikoshi, which means the women’s parade is done. In this parade, women carry a shrine through the bustling Tenjinbashisuji shopping street. All people come together at this event and cheer up the ladies parading.
2. July 24th – Yomiya Matsuri
On the 24th, the second part of the festival, done on water, starts. On July 24th, the festival comes alive with Shinto floats lifted from boats. These floats create a beautiful scene against the evening sky. The event includes ancient rituals, like casting wooden spears into the river for good health. The night gets even more exciting with traditional Japanese Taiko drumming and the mesmerizing Lion Dance parade.
3. July 25th – Hongu Matsuri
July 25th marks the pinnacle of the Ueno Tenjin Matsuri with the Hongu Matsuri. This day is steeped in ancient Shinto traditions, where priests conduct elaborate ceremonies honoring spirits and gods.
As the sun sets, the atmosphere crackles with anticipation. As nightfall approaches, fireworks blast into the sky, illuminating it with color and sound. The crowd gathers in awe, their faces lit by the dazzling spectacle, capturing the essence of the festival’s magic and leaving a lasting imprint of wonder in the hearts of all who witness it.
That’s how this day is celebrated.
Conclusion
Ueno Tenjin matsuri is a beautiful festival celebrated in Japan. This festival has been around for over 1,000 years, according to the sayings of Japan. To date, this day is celebrated gloriously throughout Japan. People of Japan take off from their work these three days of the festival and enjoy it with their friends by enjoying the parades, crowds, and the waterboats creating scenes.
