Sayamaike Festival

Festival highlights

The Tōka-rin, a line of lights along the embankment of Sayamaike Pond, is one of the festival’s signature attractions.

The venue features the Ryujin Stage, music events, food stalls, food trucks, garage sales, and more.

In 2026, the “Water Garden × Akari Project” was also held at the Sayamaike Museum, and the Water Garden at night and the circular court were specially opened to the public.

Source: 狭山池まつり - Wikipedia

Two days of community, lights, and connection at Sayamaike Pond

What to expect

At the festival, you can visit the stages and community plazas around Sayamaike Pond and enjoy music, performances, food stalls, and more.

At the Sayamaike Museum, activities included a quiz where participants could receive an explorer’s certificate and a can badge, as well as an activity where they could draw their own picture and make a can badge.

There are also activities where you can build an arch bridge with bricks, as well as events featuring lights at night.

Source: 狭山池まつり - 狭山池博物館 協働運営いいんかい

How to take part

Several activities are available for general visitors to enjoy.

At the Sayamaike Museum’s 2026 activities, the lantern-making workshop was open to “anyone,” and a quiz rally and can badge-making were also announced.

However, participation in roles such as performing or volunteering requires a separate application or sign-up.

Activities for general visitors are accessed by going to the reception desk at each venue during the event hours.

In 2026, information about the Explorer Team activity and pin badge making was available at the North Embankment tent and the reception desk at Sayamaike Museum.

The lantern-making activity is limited to the first 150 people and ends when materials run out. Separate registration is required to participate as a volunteer or performer.

Source: 狭山池まつりパフォーマンス – 大阪狭山市・狭山池まつり実行委員会パフォーマンス部会

Source: 【定員に達しました】狭山池まつり2026 探検‼ 狭山池博物館 １Dayボランティアスタッフ募集！ | 大阪府立狭山池博物館

Location and access

Venue and address

Sayamaike Park (Sayamaike embankment), Sayaka Park, and Osaka Prefectural Sayamaike Museum.

Train and bus

A short walk from Osakasayamashi or Kongo Station on the Nankai Koya Line.

Get off the Osaka Sayama City Loop Bus at Fukuike-mae, Sayamaike Museum-mae, City Hall, Kitamura, or Kamenoko.

By car

Nearby municipal free parking lots will be closed on the day of the event.

Parking

On the day of the event, nearby municipal free parking lots will temporarily be used as bicycle parking.

Event venue 大阪府大阪狭山市 狭山池公園

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

2026 Event Information (the listed dates have passed)

The 2026 Sayamaike Festival was held on April 25 (Sat) and the 26th (Sun).

The explorer activities at the Sayamaike Museum ran from noon to 5 p.m. on the 25th and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 26th.

The Akari Project took place on the 25th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., making it a schedule that also offered nighttime events.

Source: 令和8年4月／大阪狭山市ホームページ

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The venues are spread across Sayamaike Park, the embankment, the museum, and other locations, so comfortable walking clothes are recommended.

On the day of the event, nearby municipal free parking lots will be closed and used temporarily as bicycle parking.

Some outdoor activities are canceled in rainy weather. Some activities, such as making lanterns, are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and end when materials run out.

Origins and History of Sayamaike Festival

Sayamaike Festival began following the major Heisei-era renovation of Sayamaike Pond.

After flooding caused by Typhoon No. 10 in 1982, work was carried out to convert the pond into a flood-control dam. The first festival was held in 2002 to celebrate the completion of renovations that continued from 1988 to 2002.

Since then, the event has continued for over 20 years, with involvement from local residents, organizations, high school students, university students, and others.

Official information

Event dates and details of various recruitment calls are posted in announcements from the Sayamaike Festival Executive Committee.

The committee introduction page on the Osaka Sayama City website provides information about the festival’s origins, when it is held, and how it is run with local residents’ participation.

The Sayamaike Festival Executive Committee website is also listed as an official source of information.

Sayamaike Festival at a Glance

Sayamaike Festival began as a resident-led event celebrating the completion of renovations to Sayamaike Pond. It remains a major local event that draws visitors from both inside and outside the city.

Along with stages, music, food stalls, and community activities, you can enjoy the Tōka-rin and hands-on activities at the museum.

In 2026, it was held on April 25 and the 26th, with a variety of events taking place from daytime into the evening.