Domyoji Tenmangu Usokae Festival 2027

Dates & time: January 25, 2027 (Mon) 9:00–16:00 (Usokae ritual at 11:00 and 15:00) (typical hours; 2027 schedule to be confirmed by the shrine)
cost: Free to attend. Usodori bird figure: 500 yen offering (available on the day only, no mail order)
Venue & access: Domyoji Tenmangu Shrine grounds About 3 minutes on foot from Domyoji Station on the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line. By car, about 5 minutes from Fujiidera IC on the Nishi-Meihan Expressway.

There are 2 public restrooms within a 8-minute walk of Domyoji Tenmangu Shrine grounds. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

Calendar

Add it to your calendar so you can check back on it later.

Google Calendar Apple Calendar (.ics)

We hope it gives you a reason to head out together.

X FB LINE

Why You Should Visit

Held on 25 January, the first Tenjin day of the year, this ritual at Domyoji Tenmangu is a charm against misfortune. Priests spend a year hand-carving small wooden bullfinch figures called usodori, which are handed to worshippers who then swap their sealed bags with each other while calling out 'kaemasho'. When the drum sounds, bags are opened and a few lucky people find gold or silver birds. The custom recalls a legend of bullfinches saving Sugawara no Michizane from a swarm of bees. The exchange takes place at 11:00 and 15:00, and an antique market fills the grounds the same day.

History Heritage Culture Art Plum Blossoms Sightseeing Family

出典: 道明寺天満宮公式サイト（時刻・料金は公式掲載の例年値）

Kobe · Gluten-free

Events

Where to go next

View Recommended Events →

2/25

Domyoji Tenmangu Plum Blossom Festival 2027

Main Hall, Domyoji Tenmangu Shrine

3/25

Domyoji Tenmangu Natane Goku Festival 2027

Domyoji Tenmangu Shrine grounds

10/31 - 11/1

Neyagawa Culture & Arts Festival 2026

Around Neyagawashi Station (under the east-side deck, Alkas Hall, Chuo Elementary, Sawayaka Road, Hatsuhonmachi Park, Civic Hall, Higashi Elementary)

11/1

Shitennoji Wasso: Naniwa Palace Stage 2026

Naniwa Palace Site (Naniwanomiya Ato Park)

11/7 - 11/8

Osaka Castle Autumn Festival

Honmaru Plaza, in front of Osaka Castle Main Tower

Next 11/7 +9 more

Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks 2026–27 | Weekend Fireworks off Meriken Park

Meriken Park

Today 10/31 +8 more

EAT LOCAL KOBE Farmers Market

Suma Beach, south of JR Suma Station, Suma-ku, Kobe

10/10 - 11/30

Moomin × Kobe Port Tower: a part of KOBE

Kobe Port Tower and 20+ locations across Kobe

FAQ

How do I take part in the bird exchange?

Arrive before the ritual time (11:00 or 15:00), join the line and receive your bird in turn. After the swapping, open your bag when the drum sounds. Birds are also available outside the ritual times.

Are the plum blossoms out yet?

The plum garden usually opens in early February, and on 25 January only the earliest trees are starting to bloom. Peak season is late February to early March.