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September 13, 2026 at 12:40 pm
Event date:
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October 12, 2026 at 12:44 pm
Event end:
An Iconic Festival Rooted in 300+ Years of Tradition
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Contact Jasumo Now →Held in the vibrant castle town of Kishiwada, Osaka, the Danjiri Festival is Japan’s ultimate display of speed, strength, and community pride. Dating back to the Edo period, this high-energy event began as a harvest prayer led by the local lord and has grown into one of the country’s most intense and beloved festivals.
What to Expect
Picture massive, hand-carved wooden floats—each weighing close to 4 tons—being yanked through narrow streets at breakneck speed by teams of 500+ locals. Drums thunder, flutes pierce the air, and chants echo as the floats whip around sharp corners in perfectly timed chaos. The star of the show? The daikugata—a fearless carpenter who dances atop the speeding danjiri, striking dramatic poses like the famous “Hikokinori” (Airplane Dance) high above the crowd.
Where the Action Unfolds
The heart of the festival beats in the Haruki district and the Old Castle Town.
- Hotspot: Kispa La Park – packed with food stalls, live screens, and electric energy.
- Best Views: Backstreets behind Kispa (less crowded) or the rooftop parking deck (panoramic).
How to Get There
From Kansai International Airport: Take the Nankai Main Line → Haruki Station or Kishiwada Station (both drop you right into the action).
2026 Festival Schedule
Main Festival (September 13–14, 2026)
- Test Pulls:
- Sunday, September 6: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Friday, September 11: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Evening Parade: Saturday, September 12 – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Main Parades:
- Sunday, September 13: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Monday, September 14: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Autumn Festival (October 11–12, 2026)
- Test Pull: Sunday, October 4 – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Evening Parade: Saturday, October 10 – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Main Parades:
- Sunday, October 11: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Monday, October 12: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Note: Times may vary by neighborhood.
Pro Tips for Visitors
- Arrive early – prime spots vanish fast.
- Wear sturdy shoes – you’ll be on your feet all day.
- Stay hydrated – September heat + crowds = intense.
- Escape the chaos – slip into side streets for breathing room and great photos.
Miss the Dates? No Problem.
Visit the Kishiwada Danjiri Museum year-round:
- Full-size floats on display
- Heart-pounding archive footage
- Deep dive into craftsmanship and history
Pair it with a stroll to Kishiwada Castle – a serene Edo-era gem just minutes away.
Contact
- Old City Area: Kishiwada Tonban HQ (Danjiri Theater) – 072-436-0358
- Haruki Area: Haruki Tonban HQ – 070-1046-1740
Don’t Miss It
This isn’t just a festival—it’s a living tradition where history, adrenaline, and community collide. Mark your calendar:
- Main Festival: September 13–14, 2026
- Autumn Festival: October 11–12, 2026
Come feel the rush. Kishiwada is calling.
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