Kishiwada Danjiri Festival: The Power of Running Art and a Wild Festival
Photo：Kishiwada Danjiri Festival ©Kishiwada City
Every autumn, the “Danjiri Festival” is held in Kishiwada, Osaka. Each town owns a massive wooden float called a danjiri, and people pull them through the streets with great speed and energy. During the day, the danjiri shows a brave and powerful face; at night, illuminated with lanterns, it shows a fantastic beauty. This festival, continuing for over 300 years since the Edo period, is supported by local faith and pride. It is truly a “running art piece” that you should witness at least once.
Overview of the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival
The Danjiri Festival is a traditional event held every September and October in Kishiwada. A danjiri is a wooden float about 4 meters tall and weighing over 4 tons. Hundreds of people pull it with shouts of “Sorya! Sorya!” running through the streets.
History and Origin of the Danjiri Festival
The festival began in the mid-Edo period, when Kishiwada lord Okabe Nagatomo held an Inari festival to pray for a good harvest. For over 300 years, it has been inherited continuously, supported by community ties and faith. The danjiri is not only a float but also functions as a “moving shrine” symbolizing the pride of the town.
Highlights of the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival
Yarimawashi (やりまわし)
The highlight of the Danjiri Festival, where the danjiri is turned sharply at a right angle without slowing down. It tests the unity of the pullers, with loud cheers from the spectators. Success is spectacular, but failure can mean overturning, so the moment is full of tension.
Daikukata no Mai (大工方の舞)
On the roof of the danjiri stands the Daikukata, waving a fan, jumping, and performing a dance. It is one of the symbolic scenes of the festival, exciting the spectators and encouraging the pullers.
Night Lantern Parade
At night, the danjiri decorated with many lanterns advances through the town. The atmosphere is completely different from the daytime, showing a fantastic charm.
Running Art Piece
The danjiri is also admired as a “running art museum.” It is decorated with fine wood carvings of dragons, lions, and warriors, created by master craftsmen. The cost of production is said to exceed 100 million yen per float, a true treasure of each town.
Danjiri Festival Glossary: Key Terms Explained
Yoi-miya (宵宮): The eve festival held the day before the main festival. Danjiri is sometimes pulled through the night.
Hon-miya (本宮): The main day of the festival, when prayers to the deity reach their peak.
Hikou Sekininsha (曳行責任者): The chief responsible for the danjiri procession. In case of accidents, they are legally responsible.
Wakagashira (若頭): A group of adult men in their prime, responsible for managing the danjiri and ensuring safety.
Maeteko / Ushiroteko (前梃子・後梃子): The front and back levers used to steer the danjiri.
■Click here for other festival terms
☛https://www.wtfwasabi.com/traditions/2405/
Kishiwada Danjiri Festival Visitor Points
Viewing Spots: “Kankanba” and the “Station Front Street” are famous for yarimawashi. Arrive early to secure a good place.
Crowd Control: The festival is extremely crowded. Always keep a safe distance from the danjiri.
Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Bring something warm if you plan to watch into the night.
Kishiwada Danjiri Festival Schedule(2025)
September Festival (main Kishiwada area)
- Test Runs (試験曳き): September 7 (Sun), September 12 (Fri) 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Yoi-miya (宵宮): September 13 (Sat) 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
- Hon-miya (本宮): September 14 (Sun) 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
October Festival (areas south of Kishiwada Station)
- Test Runs (試験曳き): October 5 (Sun) 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Yoi-miya (宵宮): October 11 (Sat) 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
- Hon-miya (本宮): October 12 (Sun) 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
※Times may vary by district. Please check official information in advance.
Kishiwada Danjiri Festival Schedule(2025)
2025 September Parade Schedule
Test Parade: Sunday,September 7th , Friday,September 12th
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Eve Parade: Saturday,September 13th
6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Main Parade: Sunday,September 14th
9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
2025 October Parade Schedule
Test Parade: Sunday, October 5th
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Eve Parade: Saturday, October 11th
6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Main Parade: Sunday, October 12th
7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
*Dates may vary by district.
How to Access the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival
By Train: Nankai Main Line “Kishiwada Station” (just outside the station). About 20 minutes from Osaka Namba by express.
By Air: About 20 minutes by Nankai train from Kansai International Airport.
Note: During the festival, traffic restrictions apply. Use of public transport is strongly recommended.
Maps are available in multiple languages. ☛Danjiri Festival Map
*This will likely be updated to the 2025 version as the event date approaches.
Danjiri Festival Experience Off-Season
At the “Kishiwada Danjiri Kaikan” (Danjiri Hall), you can experience the atmosphere of the festival all year round. A large multi-screen theater shows highlight videos, and you can watch 3D footage taken from the top of a danjiri with special glasses. Real danjiri floats from the Edo to Meiji period are on display, along with detailed carvings and historical documents.
The Charm of the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival
Brave and powerful during the day, fantastic with lanterns at night—the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is a traditional event that has continued for over 300 years. It embodies the pride and unity of the local people.
Come and feel the power of this “running art piece” with your own eyes.
Which festival will you go to next?
Editor and writer from Japan. Not the best at English, but I share real stories with heart and honesty — aiming to connect cultures and ideas that matter.
