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Event Guide · Kansai

Kishiwada Danjiri Festival

September–OctoberOsakaNext: 2026 October festival (Higashi-Kishiwada district and others), Oct 10 – Oct 11. The 2026 September festival was held Sep 19 – Sep 20
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Overview

Overview

A festival in Kishiwada, Osaka, with more than 300 years of history, in which large teams of pullers race zelkova-wood danjiri floats weighing several tons through the streets. It is held twice a year, in September (Kishiwada and Haruki districts) and October (Higashi-Kishiwada district and others), and is also known for its well-organized structure, with everyone from children to elders taking on roles according to age.

When
The September festival is usually on a weekend in mid- to late September, and the October festival on a weekend in early to mid-October (2 days each)
Confirmed dates: Next: 2026 October festival (Higashi-Kishiwada district and others), Oct 10 – Oct 11. The 2026 September festival was held Sep 19 – Sep 20
Venue
Around Kishiwada city (September festival: Kishiwada and Haruki districts; October festival: Higashi-Kishiwada district and others)
Official website
https://www.city.kishiwada.lg.jp/site/danjiri/
Highlights

Highlights

The biggest highlight is the "yarimawashi," when a danjiri makes a sharp 90-degree turn at an intersection while running at full speed. In contrast to the thrilling daytime runs, at night the floats are lit with lanterns and move slowly through town, completely changing the atmosphere.

Times

Times

October festival – Yoimiya (eve)6:00–22:00

October 10, 2026 (Kishiwada City official)

October festival – Honmiya (main day)7:00–22:00

October 11, 2026. Varies by district (Kishiwada City official)

October festival – trial run (Shikenbiki)13:00–17:00

October 4, 2026 (Kishiwada City official)

September festival – Yoimiya (eve)6:00–22:00

September 19, 2026 example. Starts with the floats setting off at 6 am

September festival – Honmiya (main day)9:00–22:00

September 20, 2026 example

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Kankanba (about a 10 min walk from Nankai Kishiwada Station) is the best-known yarimawashi spot for the September festival. Head here to watch the daytime runs
  • ✓Yarimawashi is extremely dangerous. Never stand on the outside of a corner or in the path of a danjiri, and follow the instructions of security and staff
  • ✓The September and October festivals take place in different districts. The October festival is centered on the eastern part of the city, such as the Higashi-Kishiwada district (along the JR Hanwa Line)
  • ✓The city's official website publishes a Danjiri Festival map and traffic restriction information (PDF). Check them in advance to decide where to watch and how to get back
  • ✓Seeing both the powerful daytime runs and the lantern-lit night runs gives you the full appeal of the festival
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Kishiwada Station (Nankai Main Line)About a 10 min walk to KankanbaThe center of the September festival (Kishiwada district)
  • Takojizo Station (Nankai Main Line)Within walking distanceToward Kishiwada Castle and Kishiki Shrine
  • Higashi-Kishiwada Station (JR Hanwa Line)Within walking distanceFor the October festival (Higashi-Kishiwada district)
From major stations
  • Namba Station: Nankai Main Line (Express, etc.) to Kishiwada Station (About 25–30 min)
  • Tennoji Station: JR Hanwa Line to Higashi-Kishiwada Station (October festival) (About 30 min)
  • Kansai Airport Station: Nankai Line to Kishiwada Station (change at Izumisano Station or similar) (About 25–35 min)
IC cards (Suica etc.)
IC cards such as ICOCA and Suica can be used on Nankai and JR
Getting back
  • Stations get crowded around 22:00 when the night runs end. Buy your return ticket or top up your IC card in advance
  • Traffic restrictions are in place across the city during the festival, making travel by car or taxi difficult. Plan on using trains
  • Danjiri routes are closed to traffic, so allow plenty of time when choosing your way back to the station
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
Daytime on the Yoimiya and Honmiya of the September festival, especially around famous yarimawashi spots such as Kankanba
Quieter times
The trial-run day (fewer people than the main days, but you still get the atmosphere) and just after the floats set off early on the Yoimiya morning
Saving a spot
Crowds form early at popular yarimawashi spots. If you want to watch safely from a seat, consider paid viewing seats
Time needed
2–3 hours just for yarimawashi; half a day to a full day to see both the daytime and night runs
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
Using JMA normals for Osaka as a guide, nights are in the low 20s°C in late September and around 16–17°C in mid-October
What to wear
September days are still hot, so bring a hat and drinks to avoid heatstroke. In October, a layer for the evening is handy. Wear comfortable shoes for walking in crowds
Rain, snow & typhoons
Follow official announcements for any cancellations or changes
Where to check for cancellations
Kishiwada City official website (https://www.city.kishiwada.lg.jp/site/danjiri/), Kishiwada City Tourism Division 072-423-9486
☁ Kansai weather in September →☁ Kansai weather in October →
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Do not enter the path of the danjiri or the outside of corners. Do not go inside ropes or barrier lines
  • !Do not touch the pullers or the ropes, and do not block the path
  • !Take your trash home
  • !Do not smoke while walking
  • !Refrain from using selfie sticks and tripods in crowds, and do not fly drones without permission
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
The Danjiri Festival map published by the city shows viewing points, toilets, first-aid stations and more
Lockers & luggage
Coin lockers at Kishiwada Station and elsewhere fill up quickly on festival days. It is best to leave suitcases in central Osaka before coming
Paying at food stalls
Some food stalls are cash only, so bring cash, including small change
ATMs
Convenience store ATMs (Seven Bank, etc.) are available around Kishiwada Station
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
The float routes are extremely crowded and can be dangerous, so viewing with a wheelchair or stroller is difficult
Food

Food

Local favorites
Kashimin-yaki (a Kishiwada specialty similar to okonomiyaki)Watarigani swimming crab (a festival feast)Festival stall food
Vegetarian & halal
Food stalls rarely have vegetarian or halal labels. If this concerns you, it's safest to eat beforehand in central Osaka or elsewhere
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

There are few places to stay in Kishiwada. Staying in central Osaka, such as Namba or Tennoji, or near Kansai Airport and traveling by train is the realistic option

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Kishiwada Danjiri FestivalPR

PRSee more places to stay near Kishiwada Danjiri Festival on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Attractions

Attractions in Osaka

Theme park

Universal Studios Japan

Kansai ・ Osaka

This large theme park in Osaka’s Bay Area lets you step into the worlds of Hollywood movies and popular characters. Ride attractions, shows, and seasonal events can easily fill a full day.

Aquarium

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Kansai ・ Osaka

Located in Tempozan Harbor Village in Osaka, this is one of the world’s largest aquariums. Tanks recreating the natural environments of the Pacific Rim are arranged along a route that leads from the top floors down. It houses about 30,000 creatures of some 620 species.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Photo coming soonAquarium

NIFREL

Kansai ・ Suita

A "living museum" inside EXPOCITY, the large entertainment complex next to Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka. Blending elements of an aquarium, zoo, and art museum, it's built around the theme of "touching" the individuality of living creatures. It's run by the same company as Kaiyukan.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Zoo

Tennoji Zoo

Kansai ・ Osaka

Opened in 1915, this urban zoo run by the City of Osaka has more than 100 years of history. It sits in Tennoji Park right next to Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower, and keeps about 1,000 animals of some 170 species across roughly 11 hectares. Admission prices were revised in July 2026.

Amusement park

Hirakata Park

Kansai ・ Hirakata

Opened at its current location in 1912 (Taisho 1), it's the oldest continuously operating amusement park in Japan. It has about 40 kinds of attractions and is just a short walk from Hirakatakoen Station on the Keihan Main Line. It's about 30 minutes by train from both Osaka and Kyoto.

See all attractions →
Events

Events & festivals in Kansai

January

Wakakusa Yamayaki

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually the fourth Saturday of January (fireworks from around 18:15 in the evening, ignition around 18:30)

Photo coming soonJanuary–February

Kobe Luminarie

Kansai ・ Kobe & Arima Onsen

Usually about 10 days from late January to early February (lit from dusk to around 21:30)

2027 (32nd): Jan 29 – Feb 7

February

Baikasai (Plum Blossom Festival)

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Every year on February 25 (outdoor tea ceremony 10:00–15:00)

Every year on February 25 (Feb 25 in 2027)

May

Aoi Matsuri

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Every year on May 15 (postponed to the 16th if it rains; if it also rains on the 16th, the procession is canceled). Preliminary rites such as Yabusame horseback archery (May 3) and the Saio-dai purification ceremony (May 4) are held in early May

2027: May 15 (held every year on May 15; postponed to the 16th if it rains)

May–October

Noryo Yuka / Kawadoko (Kamogawa & Kibune)

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Kamogawa Noryo Yuka usually runs May 1 – October 15, and Kibune Kawadoko usually runs May 1 – September 30 (season and hours vary by restaurant). In 2026, Kamogawa Noryo Yuka runs until October 15

July

Gion Matsuri

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Usually July 1–31 (Yamahoko procession: Saki Matsuri July 17, Ato Matsuri July 24; Yoiyama eves: Saki Matsuri July 14–16, Ato Matsuri July 21–23)

July

Tenjin Matsuri

Kansai ・ Osaka

Every year on July 24 (Yoimiya) and 25 (Hongu). Related events from late June

2027: Jul 24 (Yoimiya) & Jul 25 (Hongu) (held on the same dates every year)

Photo coming soonJuly

Nachi Fire Festival (Nachi no Ogi Matsuri)

Kansai ・ Shirahama & Nanki

Every year on July 14 (held during the day; Yoimiya offering events are also held the day before, on the 13th)

2027: Jul 14 (held every year on July 14)

August

Koyasan Candle Festival (Mando Kuyo-e)

Kansai ・ Koyasan

Every year on August 13 (the candle festival runs from evening into the night; the Mando Kuyo-e memorial service starts at 20:00)

2027: Aug 13 (held every year on August 13)

Photo coming soonOctober–November

Annual Exhibition of Shōsōin Treasures

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually late October to early November (about 2–3 weeks)

2026 (78th): Oct 24 – Nov 9, open every day during the exhibition

October

Kanname-sai

Kansai ・ Ise & Shima

Usually October 15–17 (Geku first, then Naiku). Hatsuhobiki is usually on October 15 and 16

2026: Oct 15 – Oct 17 (Geku: night of Oct 15 – Oct 16; Naiku: night of Oct 16 – Oct 17)

Photo coming soonDecember

Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri Festival

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually December 15–18 (the Owatari-shiki starts at noon on December 17)

2026: Dec 15 (Tue) – Dec 18 (Fri); Owatari-shiki on Dec 17 (Thu)

See all events →

Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.

Last checked: 2026-09-30

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