The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is one of Japan’s most thrilling and high-energy traditional events. Held annually in Kishiwada City, Osaka, this festival features massive wooden floats (danjiri ) racing through the streets at breakneck speeds.
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How to Get to Kishiwada Danjiri Festival
By Train
From Osaka (Namba Station): Take the Nankai Main Line to Kishiwada Station (25 minutes).
From Kansai International Airport (KIX): Take the Nankai Main Line to Kishiwada Station (40 minutes).
By Bus
10 minutes from Higashi Kishiwada Station on the JR Hanwa Line to Nankai Kishiwada Station.
By Car
Not recommended due to heavy traffic and road closures during the festival.
Check the latest weather forecast before your visit: [weathernews ]
Recommended Itineraries
Trial Run
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Main Festival
Day 1: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Two days before and the day before Respect-for-Senior-Citizens Day.
Half-Day Plan
6:00
Hikidashi
The “Hikidashi”, marking the start of the two-day festival, features all danjiri performing dynamic yarimawashi at the famous Kankanba corner.
9:00
Morning Danjiri Parade
Experience the thrilling energy of the danjiri parade in the morning. Even just a half-day visit allows you to witness the festival’s excitement up close.
12:00
Best Time to Leave
The morning parade ends around 11:00 AM. The station gets extremely crowded right after, so heading there around noon will be more comfortable.
Full-Day Plan
Follow the half-day plan, then continue exploring nearby attractions:
13:00
Afternoon Danjiri Parade
The seaside area tends to be less crowded, making it a great spot to take a break and observe the danjiri floats up close while they rest.
19:00
Lantern-Lit Danjiri Parade
As night falls, enjoy the illuminated danjiri floats in a majestic and solemn atmosphere. Unlike the daytime parades, the floats do not race at night, creating a more relaxed and enchanting experience.
Must-See Spots and Experiences
Yarimawashi (Sharp Turns)
The festival’s most intense moment. Watch as massive danjiri floats make high-speed turns at intersections.
Nighttime Parade
Floats are illuminated with lanterns, creating a magical evening spectacle.
Danjiri Memorial Museum
You can take a closer look at the detailed carvings and decorations of Danjiri in the museum.
Best Local Foods to Try
Osaka is famous for its street food, and Kishiwada is no exception.
Takoyaki – Octopus-filled dough balls with savory sauce.Kushikatsu – Crispy skewers of meat and vegetables, served with dipping sauce.Taiyaki – A fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste.
Food Trend: Many local vendors now offer fusion takoyaki with cheese and truffle oil for a modern twist.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels around Kishiwada Station, so it is recommended to take a train and stay in the Tennoji or Namba area, where you will find a variety of accommodation options.
FAQ
When is the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival?
The festival takes place annually in mid-September and early October.
How much does it cost to attend?
The festival is free, but some areas offer paid seating.
Can I use credit cards at food stalls?
Most vendors accept cash only, so bring Japanese yen.
Is it safe for children?
Yes, but the festival gets crowded. Consider watching from a safe viewing area.
Are there English-speaking guides?
Some tourist spots provide English information, but festival staff mainly speak Japanese.
Conclusion
The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is an adrenaline-filled event that showcases Japan’s rich traditions and craftsmanship. Whether you’re witnessing the high-speed danjiri races or enjoying local street food, this festival promises an unforgettable experience.
Start planning your trip and immerse yourself in this spectacular festival!
