Aizendo Shomanin Temple

One of Osaka's three great summer festivals, Aizen Matsuri is held every year from June 30 to July 2 at its namesake Aizendo Shomanin 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.