Danjiri Festival (September)

The Danjiri Festival (September Festival) is one of Kishiwada City’s traditional cultures, with a history of roughly 300 years. There are various theories about its origin, including one that traces it to an Inari festival held in 1703 by the Kishiwada domain lord Okabe Nagayasu to pray for a bountiful harvest. The highlight of the festival is the “yarimawashi,” where danjiri floats (over 4 tons) are pulled at high speed and then turned sharply at right angles without losing momentum. Corners along the route become especially packed with spectators eager to see this feat. Another major draw is the evening procession after sunset, when around 200 lanterns decorate the danjiri, creating a very different atmosphere from daytime. The floats are also known for their finely detailed carvings. Each year, a test run is held on the first Sunday of September; the main festival (Honmiya) is held on the Sunday before Respect-for-the-Aged Day, and the eve festival (Yoimiya) is held the day before that. To access the festival, it’s convenient to take JR from Osaka Station to Shin-Imamiya, transfer to the Nankai Main Line, and get off at Kishiwada Station.