Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri

Name: Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
Start: 2025-09-12
End: 2025-09-13
Location: Kishiwada

Roaring Wheels and Fiery Passion—Osaka’s Festival of the Soul

2025/09/12 - 2025/09/13

Every September, the city of Kishiwada in Osaka Prefecture is engulfed in the thunder and excitement of the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival. For two days, massive wooden danjiri floats are pulled at breakneck speed through narrow streets by teams of local men, their powerful shouts echoing as the entire town is swept up in a wave of energy and tension. This festival, where tradition and spectacle collide, is a true “experience-based” autumn celebration that lets you feel the pride and spirit of Kishiwada.

Held annually on the weekend before Respect for the Aged Day (the third Monday in September), this is one of the largest festivals in Kansai, drawing over 500,000 visitors from across the country. If you love energetic festivals and want to experience authentic Osaka culture, this is an event you simply can’t miss.

Main Attractions

The Danjiri Yarimawashi (Cornering)

The festival’s biggest highlight is the “yarimawashi,” or cornering. Teams from each neighborhood race their enormous danjiri floats—each weighing over four tons—at full speed, whipping around sharp corners in a breathtaking display of skill and teamwork. The creaking of the carved wooden floats, the thunderous drums, and the cheers of the crowd all combine into an overwhelming sensory experience.

Key Events

The festival begins with solemn rituals and processions at the shrine, followed by the “miya-iri” (shrine entry) and “miya-dashi” (shrine departure) in the early morning. In the afternoon, each neighborhood’s danjiri races through the city, competing in speed, beauty, and teamwork. The grand finale is a massive parade where all the danjiri gather for a spectacular procession.

Costumes and Decorations

Pullers wear matching happi coats, white headbands, and traditional festival trousers, while leaders and musicians atop the floats don more elaborate attire. The danjiri floats themselves are masterpieces, adorned with intricate carvings of dragons, warriors, and legendary scenes. Lanterns and banners flutter in the wind, while the scent of fresh wood and incense fills the festival air.

Traditional Food & Drink

Festival stalls line the streets with Osaka favorites such as takoyaki, kushikatsu, yakisoba, and grilled corn. The savory aroma of sauce and the sweetness of shaved ice help cool and refresh festival-goers amid the heat and excitement.

Cultural and Historical Background

The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival traces its origins back to 1703, when the local feudal lord dedicated danjiri floats to the shrine in prayer for a good harvest. For over 300 years, the festival has been a symbol of local pride, craftsmanship, and competitive spirit. The danjiri runs represent both prayers for a bountiful harvest and the unity of the community.

For the people of Kishiwada, the Danjiri Festival is a milestone in life and a special time to reaffirm family and community bonds. It is the very soul of Kishiwada, passed down through generations.

Participant Voices

I came from Tokyo to see the festival, and was overwhelmed by the power and energy of the danjiri. A local explained the meaning behind the carvings, dressed me in a happi coat, and even took a commemorative photo with me—it was an unforgettable experience.

Fun Facts

Some danjiri weigh over four tons and stand up to four meters tall.
The fastest yarimawashi turns can reach speeds over 15 km/h.
More than 30 neighborhoods in Kishiwada participate, each with their own original danjiri and team colors.
The danjiri carvings are masterpieces of craftsmanship, sometimes taking years to complete.
The festival is sometimes called “the most dangerous festival in Japan” due to its intensity and risk.