Aizendo Shomanin Temple

One of Osaka's three greatest summer festivals, Aizen Matsuri is held every year from June 30 to July 2 at its namesake Aizendo Shomanin Buddhist temple in Shitennoji. The main highlight occurs on the first day, when eight women dressed in yukata are carried in their respective hoekago (literally means ‘treasure basket’) for a parade along Tanimachisugi street. These women, also known as Aizen Musume, were traditionally geisha back in the Edo period (1603–1867). Today they’re selected by the organisers and occasionally include local celebrities.  On Tuesday June 30, the parade will begin at Tennoji Park at 12 noon and arrive at Aizendo Shomanin Temple around 1pm. Once there, the Aizen Musume maidens will participate in the traditional palanquin-lifting ceremony, which has become an iconic feature of the Aizen Festival. Throughout the three-day celebration, visitors will have a rare opportunity to view the Aizen Myoo, also known as the Wisdom King of Passion, who is the principal deity of Aizendo Temple.