Three days of fireworks at the port and dancing to brighten Takamatsu’s summer
Sanuki Takamatsu Festival
The 2026 edition of Sanuki Takamatsu Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/08/12 〜 2026/08/14Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year from August 12 to the 14th / Every year
- Location
- Anabuki Arena Kagawa main arena; stone stage in Sunport Takamatsu multipurpose plaza; area around Tamamo Breakwater
- Area
- Kagawa Prefecture・Takamatsu City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 15 min–1 h 35 min · flight time only)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
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Free viewing areas available. Paid viewing seats range from ¥5,000 to ¥12,000 per seat.
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
For 3 days, the city of Takamatsu is wrapped in summer festivities, with fireworks over the harbor and a grand dance as the main events. The festival carries on the long-standing Minato Festival and competition, with a variety of events including stage performances and music.
Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: Vanvelthem Cédric File:Japan - Takamatsu Awa Odori Bon Festival 13.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 Own work by the contributorDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: Vanvelthem Cédric File:Japan - Takamatsu Awa Odori Bon Festival 12.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 Own work by the contributorDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.About Sanuki Takamatsu Festival
The Sanuki Takamatsu Festival is a summer celebration held every year in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture.
The festival began in 1964 by bringing together the Takamatsu Port Festival, which started in 1951, and a Bon Odori competition held on Mount Yashima from 1947.
Centered on the fireworks display and So-Odori, the festival features a variety of events, including stage performances, music, and dance, brightening Takamatsu’s summer.
Source: さぬき高松まつり - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
The main highlights are the fireworks display lighting up the night sky around Takamatsu Port and the So-Odori, where dancers perform.
In 2026, the fireworks were scheduled to launch 6,000 shots over 30 minutes, and 24 open-entry groups—with around 750 dancers—put on performances in distinctive costumes as part of the So-Odori.
Venue changes also made the use of an arena and Sunport Takamatsu, unlike in previous years, a distinctive feature.
Source: 市長定例会見（令和8年8月6日）｜高松市
Three days of fireworks at the port and dancing to brighten Takamatsu’s summer
What to expect
The festival runs for 3 days. Opening events and stage performances take place on the first and second days, followed by the fireworks display on the evening of the second day and the So-Odori on the final day.
In 2026, the opening and stage events were held in the main arena at Anabuki Arena Kagawa, and the So-Odori took place on the stone stage in Sunport Takamatsu’s multipurpose plaza.
The fireworks were launched from Tamamo Breakwater, with free viewing areas and paid seating available.
Source: 市長定例会見（令和8年4月27日）｜高松市
How to take part
As for participating as a dancer, open-entry groups were recruited for the 2026 So-Odori.
The circle dance to “Ichigo Maita” was also planned as part of a shopping arcade-sponsored event, with the general public welcome to join.
The main way to enjoy the fireworks and stage events is as a spectator.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Events were held at the main arena in Anabuki Arena Kagawa, the stone stage in Sunport Takamatsu’s multipurpose plaza, and Tamamo Breakwater, among other locations.
- Train and bus
Visitors are advised to use public transportation, including JR, Kotoden, and local bus services, to reach the venues.
- By car
Roads and parking lots around Sunport Takamatsu are expected to be congested during the festival, and visitors are advised to avoid using private cars wherever possible.
- Parking
Visitors are advised to use “Doko Chushajo Navi Takamatsu,” which provides information on parking availability in the city center.
Event venue 香川県高松市 あなぶきアリーナ香川 メインアリーナ
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
2026 event information (the dates listed have passed)
The festival was held for 3 days, from August 12 (Wednesday) to August 14 (Friday), in 2026.
Opening events and stage performances are scheduled for the first and second days, the fireworks display for the 13th, and the So-Odori for the 14th.
The official page for the 59th festival states that the 2026 event was held successfully and has ended.
Source: 第59回さぬき高松まつり公式ホームページ｜高松市
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Kagawa Prefecture / Takamatsu City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
High temperatures were expected in summer 2026, so large fans, mist tents, and emergency vehicles were provided at the venue.
Drink water and replenish salt regularly when visiting to help prevent heatstroke.
Drone flights and filming are prohibited around the venue. If an earthquake or tsunami warning is issued, evacuate according to staff instructions.
Nearby attractions
ジョージナカシマ記念館
香川県高松市にある記念館
四国村
香川県高松市にある博物館
四国村ギャラリー
香川県高松市の四国村にある美術館
新屋島水族館
香川県高松市にある水族館
栗林公園
香川県高松市にある日本庭園
瀬戸内海歴史民俗資料館
香川県高松市の五色台山上にある博物館
田村神社
香川県高松市にある神社
香川県立ミュージアム
香川県高松市にある博物館
高松城
香川県高松市の城
高松市美術館
香川県高松市に所在する日本の美術館
高松港玉藻防波堤灯台
香川県高松市にある灯台
Origins and History of Sanuki Takamatsu Festival
The Sanuki Takamatsu Festival has two predecessors.
The Takamatsu Port Festival began in 1951 with a fishing-boat parade and fireworks display, and later became the Commerce, Industry and Port Festival with the participation of Takamatsu Central Shopping Street.
Meanwhile, Bon Odori competitions had been held on Mount Yashima since 1947. These two festivals were combined to create the present-day festival in 1964.
Official information
The official information for 2026 is available on Takamatsu City’s “59th Sanuki Takamatsu Festival Official Website.”
It includes information on the dates, venue changes, fireworks display, So-Odori, and viewing seats.
For inquiries about the event’s operation, contact the Takamatsu City Tourism and Exchange Division.
Sanuki Takamatsu Festival at a Glance
The Sanuki Takamatsu Festival is a 3-day celebration centered on portside fireworks and dancing, offering a way to enjoy summer in Takamatsu.
In 2026, due to redevelopment work at Central Park, the festival was held mainly at Anabuki Arena Kagawa and Sunport Takamatsu.
You can take part in your own way: watch the fireworks, enjoy the So-Odori, or join a circle dance.
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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