Two days of Kamigata rakugo laughter and artistry at Ikukunitama Shrine
Hikohachi Festival
The 2026 edition of Hikohachi Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/05/16 〜 2026/05/17Ended
- Season / frequency
- May / Once a year
- Location
- Ikukunitama Shrine
- Area
- Osaka Prefecture・Osaka City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 30 min–3 h · bullet train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Free admission. Events on the 2nd floor of the Sanshuden cost 3,000 yen for sessions 1–3 and 4,000 yen for session 4.
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Hikohachi Festival is an annual event that brings together Kamigata rakugo performers at Ikukunitama Shrine. Through dedicatory rakugo performances, an outdoor stage, and Rakugo Performers’ Fun Food Stalls, visitors can discover the many charms of rakugo.
About Hikohachi Festival
Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: Ogiyoshisan from Japan File:三代目桂春蝶 in 彦八まつり2009 (8642134467).jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 三代目桂春蝶 in 彦八まつり2009Display size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Hikohachi Festival is an annual fan appreciation event organized by the Kamigata Rakugo Association.
The festival honors Yonezawa Hikohachi, regarded as the founder of Kamigata rakugo, and has continued at Ikukunitama Shrine as a place where people can experience rakugo traditions up close.
In addition to performances by rakugo artists, the festival brings Kamigata rakugo performers and local people together through traditional arts offered to the shrine and food stalls.
Festival highlights
Highlights include the dedicatory rakugo performance in Shusanden Hall and outdoor events in the .
The 2026 program was set to include Sumiyoshi Odori dance, a rakugo performers’ band concert, festival music, a rakugo performers’ karaoke contest, and rakugo performers’ arm wrestling, offering entertainment and competitions beyond rakugo.
Rakugo Performers’ Fun Food Stalls will also be there on both days, creating the kind of atmosphere unique to a festival where you can get close to the performers.
Source: 第33回 上方はなし 彦八まつり｜5月16日（土）〜5月17日（日）大阪・生國魂神社で開催
Two days of Kamigata rakugo laughter and artistry at Ikukunitama Shrine
What to expect
The festival takes place in the shrine grounds, with a program featuring a dedicatory rakugo performance in the Shusanden Hall and events on an outdoor stage.
The 2026 program was announced to run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days, with dancing, music, festival music, singing, and other events alongside the rakugo performance.
Rakugo Performers’ Fun Food Stalls line the shrine grounds, offering visitors a chance to experience the many arts of Kamigata rakugo performers alongside the outdoor events.
How to take part
This festival is open for everyone to enjoy and includes activities for general participants.
You can explore the events in the grounds free of charge, while events on the 2nd floor of the Sanshuden have different prices depending on the seat type and session.
In 2026, the event will go ahead in the rain, but may be canceled in severe weather.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Ikukunitama Shrine (13-9 Ikutama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka).
- Train and bus
A 4-minute walk from Tanimachi 9-chome Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi and Sennichimae Lines, and a 9-minute walk from Osaka-Uehommachi Station on the Kintetsu Line.
Address 13-9 Ikutama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
The 2026 event was announced for May 16 (Saturday) and the 17th (Sunday), from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event dates have now passed.
The event proceeds in the rain, but may be canceled in severe weather, so check conditions on the day.
Source: 彦八まつり - 公益社団法人 上方落語協会
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Tips for your visit
The 2026 information says that the event will go ahead in the rain, but may be canceled in severe weather.
Events on the 2nd floor of the Sanshuden are ticketed, with different prices for sessions 1–3 and session 4. Seating is by chair, unreserved, and admission is in order of numbered tickets.
An outdoor stage and yatai are also planned, so it’s a good idea to check the times and venues of the events you want to see in advance.
Nearby attractions
難波八阪神社
大阪市にある神社
ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン
日本の大阪府大阪市此花区にあるテーマパーク
Sumiyoshi Taisha
大阪市住吉区の神社
国立国際美術館
大阪市北区中之島にある美術館
坐摩神社
大阪市中央区の神社
大阪ビジネスパーク
大阪市中央区にある超高層ビル群
大阪城公園
大阪市の公園
大阪天満宮
大阪市北区にある神社
大阪市立東洋陶磁美術館
大阪市北区中之島にある美術館
大阪市立科学館
大阪市北区中之島にある科学館
大阪市立美術館
大阪市天王寺区にある美術館
大阪歴史博物館
大阪府大阪市中央区にある博物館
Origins and History of Hikohachi Festival
Hikohachi Festival began as an event honoring Yonezawa Hikohachi, regarded as the founder of Kamigata rakugo.
It has been held since 1991, following the establishment of the “Hikohachi Monument” at Ikukunitama Shrine in 1990.
It was originally held on the first Saturday and Sunday of September, but from the 31st festival onward, it was moved to May to take weather conditions such as extreme heat and typhoons into consideration.
Official information
Check the Hikohachi Festival information from the Kamigata Rakugo Association, a public interest incorporated association, for official details.
The 33rd festival in 2026 is listed as taking place on May 16 (Saturday) and the 17th (Sunday), in Reiwa 8.
Hikohachi Festival at a Glance
Hikohachi Festival is an annual event at Ikukunitama Shrine where visitors can enjoy Kamigata rakugo performances, traditional arts, and food stalls.
In 2026, the program was announced for May 16 and 17, with a dedicatory rakugo performance, Sumiyoshi Odori dance, music, danjiri festival music, a rakugo performers’ karaoke contest, and more.
Admission is free, but some events on the second floor of Shusanden Hall require a fee.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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