Kaizuka Danjiri Festival

Festival highlights

The main highlight is yarimawashi: danjiri race along narrow old roads and streets that retain the character of a castle town, then make a sharp turn at an intersection.

Another attraction is the chance to see the imposing wood carvings up close.

The different processions in each district, along with the drums and calls that resonate throughout the town, let you experience the unique character of each festival.

Source: だんじり祭り／貝塚市

An autumn festival where danjiri racing through Kaizuka’s streets meet the artistry of wood carving

What to expect

During the festival, danjiri from each district are pulled through their neighborhoods, moving along the streets to the sound of drums and calls.

Visitors can enjoy yarimawashi, when danjiri make fast turns at intersections, as well as parades in each district.

In 2026, the Yoimiya and Honmiya will be held, with processions and gatherings scheduled at different times in each district.

How to take part

The danjiri are pulled by people involved in the festivals in each area, including Asogo, Minamikogi, Kijima, and Nishikatsuragi.

The whole town, from children to adults, joins in with drums and calls as the danjiri are pulled along.

Most general visitors watch the processions and yarimawashi from the roadside.

When watching, follow the directions of event staff and security guards, and enjoy the festival from a safe location.

Location and access

Venue and address

Held in neighborhoods throughout Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture.

The main areas are around Kaizuka Station for the Asōgō district, around Izumihashimoto Station for the Minami-Kogi district, and in the upland areas along the Mizuma Line of the Mizuma Railway for the Kijima and Nishi-Katsuragi districts.

Train and bus

For the Asōgō district, the nearest station is Kaizuka Station on the Nankai Main Line and Mizuma Railway Mizuma Line; for the Minami-Kogi district, it is Izumihashimoto Station on the JR Hanwa Line.

The Kijima and Nishi-Katsuragi districts are along the Mizuma Line of the Mizuma Railway.

By car

Traffic restrictions are in place while the danjiri are being pulled, so take care when traveling by car.

Visitors are advised to use public transportation.

Address Various locations throughout Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

For 2026, the Yoimiya was scheduled to run from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on October 10 (Saturday), and the Honmiya from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on October 11 (Sunday).

The venues are spread across districts in Kaizuka City, and danjiri processions take place in each district.

As the festival travels through various parts of the city, the progress and timing vary depending on where you watch.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

Danjiri are heavy and turn direction at speed. When watching, stay outside the restricted area and follow the instructions of event staff and security guards.

Roads may be restricted during the processions, so allow plenty of time to get around.

If you are bringing small children, hold their hands in crowds so you do not get separated.

Source: 貝塚だんじり祭2026｜日程・観覧スポット・アクセス完全ガイド | シャインエステート

Origins and History of Kaizuka Danjiri Festival

The Kaizuka Danjiri Festival has its roots in the danjiri tradition that began in the castle town of Kishiwada during the Edo period.

It is believed to have begun in 1745, when townspeople built a small hikidarijiri and pulled it in a festival procession for Kishiwada Gū and Sannomaru Inari Shrine.

It later spread to what is now Kaizuka City, which was then part of the Kishiwada Domain, and in 1952 the dates were unified as an autumn festival for all of Kaizuka City.

Official information

The “Danjiri Festival” page on the Kaizuka City official website provides information on the 2026 dates and times, as well as festival highlights.

The city’s official special danjiri festival website also introduces each neighborhood’s danjiri and happi, as well as the history of the danjiri.

Kaizuka Danjiri Festival at a Glance

The Kaizuka Danjiri Festival is an autumn danjiri festival passed down in districts throughout Kaizuka City.

Its main highlights are the beauty of the wood carvings, the drums and calls, and the yarimawashi turns danjiri make at intersections.

In 2026, the Yoimiya will be held on October 10 and the Honmiya on October 11. As the venues are spread across the city, it is best to check the information for each district before visiting.