Morning

🌅 Morning — Card Shop Reconnaissance

Nipponbashi / Den-Den Town Walkthrough

Before the festival takes over the city, head to Nipponbashi to scout the card shops. This is reconnaissance — note locations, peek at prices, identify your targets.

What to do:

• Walk past the main card shops (Card Labo, Hobby Station, smaller shops)
• Note which shops have your target cards
• Compare prices — don't buy yet (tomorrow is the focused hunting day)
• Note which shops are cash-only

📍 Nipponbashi Area ⏱️ 1-2 hours

Afternoon

☀️ Afternoon — Rest + Prepare

Rest at Hotel

Tonight will be long and crowded. Take it easy in the afternoon.

• Rest at the hotel
• Eat an early dinner (finding food during the festival is challenging)
• Charge devices — you'll want photos!

Evening — TENJIN MATSURI

🌙 Evening — THE FESTIVAL

Tenjin Matsuri

One of Japan's top three festivals! July 25 is the main day with the boat procession and fireworks.

Key elements:

• Funatogyo (boat procession) — Boats carrying mikoshi travel down the river
• Fireworks — Shot over the river, reflecting on the water
• Festival stalls — Food and games along the riverbanks
• Incredible crowds — Millions attend!

📍 Tenmangu Shrine Area

Where to Watch

Main areas:

• Tenmangu Shrine — The spiritual center
• Along the river (Okawa) — For the boat procession
• Sakuranomiya Park — Good for fireworks viewing

Tip: Stake out a spot early for fireworks. The crowds are massive!

Festival Schedule (Approximate)

Time	Event
Late afternoon	Land procession from shrine
~6:00 PM	Boats depart
~7:00-9:00 PM	Boat procession on the river
~7:30-8:30 PM	Fireworks

Check current year's schedule closer to the date!

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Festival Survival Tips

• Eat before you go — Festival food lines are long
• Bring cash — Stalls are cash-only
• Arrive early for fireworks spot — Like, hours early
• Wear comfortable shoes — You’ll be standing a lot
• Stay hydrated — It’s still July!
• Have a meeting point — In case you get separated (it’s CROWDED)
• Plan your exit — Trains will be packed after fireworks

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No Reservations Needed

Just show up and experience the festival!