When it comes to solo trips in Kansai, most people think of eating and shopping in Osaka, touring famous world heritage and historical sites in Kyoto, feeding crackers to the deer in Nara, or enjoying the stunning “million-dollar night view” in Kobe. But have you ever wondered what else you can do beyond the usual tourist spots? Today, we invite you to discover the breathtaking Yagura Festival, a unique autumn event in Hannan, one of Osaka’s southernmost cities.Get ready to immerse yourself in a rich culture like never before!
Setting the scene: Hannan City
Geographical Information
Hannan City is located at the southern tip of Osaka Prefecture, adjacent to Wakayama Prefecture to the east and facing Osaka Bay to the west. Its quaint townscape is surrounded by the ocean and mountains with a beautiful coastline and rolling hills.
Transportation
Hannan City is located approximately 45km from the center of Osaka. The city’s main hub, Ozaki Station, can be reached from Namba in 40 minutes by Nankai Line express train, or from Kansai International Airport in as little as 20 minutes. Since the city center is located along the Nankai Line, transportation is relatively convenient.
Sightseeing Features and Seasonal Highlights
Hannan City is an area rich in nature, history, and culture. Its beautiful natural coastline is studded with gems like Hakotsukuri Beach, which opens every summer and attracts many tourists with its various marine activities. The city center is also home to numerous historical sites and old traditional shrines, including the Hata Shrine, which is not only a vital part of the local community's faith, but also an important site for the grand “Miyairi“ event during the autumn Yagura Festival.
What is a “Yagura“?
“Yagura “ is the generic name for floats* pulled in the Senshu area (Hannan City, Sennan City, Misaki Town, part of Izumisano City, and part of Tajiri Town), which includes Hannan City.
*These special decorative parade floats are traditionally pulled during festivals.
The yagura floats are beautifully constructed from wood, then decorated with ornate carvings, colored paintings, woven fabrics, and lanterns, and equipped with drums. Each district has its own Yagura, which is built and maintained through cooperation between communities, giving each float its own unique and distinctive character. These Yagura are also important symbols of the Senshu Regional Festival.
In the Yagura Parade, festival participants pull and spin the Yagura along with the leaders' slogans, drums and music, expressing a strong sense of unity and creating a truly amazing festive atmosphere.
Here you can see 20 yagura floats lined up in a row - a spectacular sight that will definitely amaze you!
Head to the Yagura Festival in Hannan City for a uniquely Kansai festival experience!
The Yagura Festival in Hannan City mainly consists of three parts: the Yagura Parade, the “Miyairi“ event, and the “Mikoshi Togyo“ procession.
Yagura Parade
In the evening, the yagura floats from each district enter one by one and line up in front of Hannan City Hall. The sight of the 20 yagura floats swaying and the sounds of float-pullers calling out to each other are both spectacular. After the opening ceremony, the yagura float-pullers follow the leader's calls and circle the city, moving up, down, left and right. The impressive sight of the yagura racing around corners at high speed is simply incredible.
- Location: 35-1 Ozaki-cho, Hannan City, Osaka Prefecture
- Date: Sunday of the week before Sports Day (the second Monday of October) every year
*The 2024 event was held on Sunday, October 6.
Miyairi
Yagura floats brought from all over the city gather at the local landmark, Hata Shrine. Then, amid deafening drumbeats and shouts, they rushed up the stairs in front of the worship hall, filling the venue with electrifying energy and excitement.
- Location: Hata Shrine 167 Ishida, Hannan City, Osaka Prefecture
- Date: The day before Sports Day every year
*The 2024 event was held on Sunday, October 13.
Mikoshi Togyo Procession
On Sports Day, a ceremony called the“Mikoshi Togyo” is held. After the Shinto ritual at Hata Shrine, a portable shrine is carried to Ebi-no-hama Beach in Ozaki to enter the sea to pray for a good harvest and cleanse all bad luck. The custom of carrying the portable shrine into the sea is a rare and valuable sight that is not often seen at festivals throughout Japan.
- Location: Ozaki Ebi-no-hama
- Date: Sports Day every year
＊The 2024 event was held on Monday, October 14.
What was the 2024 Yagura Parade like?
I was lucky enough to join a special guided tour of the Yagura Parade, which included reserved seating, live commentary, and a boxed dinner featuring local specialties!
In the afternoon, we gathered at the “Takumi no Ippin“ regional products exhibition next to Hannan City Hall (near Ozaki Station on the Nankai Main Line) . Around 3:00pm, the staff led us to the starting point of the Yagura Parade. Before the parade began,, visitors had the chance to try on traditional “happi“ coats, take commemorative photos with the yagura floats, and even give drumming a try. We also had the opportunity to admire the huge and intricately designed yagura floats up close.
The yagura floats were organized by district, with everyone—from children to adults—, dressed in the “happi“ coats of their own district, creating a wonderful sense of community. From the preparation stages to when the floats finally entered the venue, there was a strong and infectious energy that seemed to unite the entire crowd as they played instruments and shouted loudly, lifting everyone's spirits and spreading joy.
As the start time approached, we were directed to our paid seats on a raised platform in front of the City Hall, which offered a panoramic view of the entire venue. When the yagura floats finally entered, accompanied by drums and lively music, we watched as the floats swayed to the cheers of the group leaders and float-pullers. A total of 20 yagura floats and their local communities filled the huge plaza, creating a scene reminiscent of a New Year's Eve fireworks display. Witnessing each district work together so passionately was truly moving and deepen my appreciation for the unique community spirit found in traditional Japanese festivals.
After the opening ceremony, the yagura floats paraded into the city center, turning the streets into a lively festival ground. The towering floats zoomed pastOzaki Station at high speed, propelled by float-pullers who tugged with all their might in response to the leader’s shouts. Whether the floats went straight or turned sharply was all decided in a split second, creating a truly thrilling and dynamic sight. The floats were tailed by children running as fast as they could to keep up. It’s hard to believe that these towers stand about two stories high, making it awe-inspiring to see them hurtling down the narrow streets.
For safety reasons, not all the yagura were moving at full speed, most of them were set to a steady and calm pace.. However, the frenzied atmosphere was enough to get your heart racing. I recommend visiting the event and experience the excitement for yourself.
“Takumi no Ippin“ Regional Products Exhibition
“Takumi no Ippin“ is a local products exhibition held adjacent to Hannan City Hall. Here, visitors can view displays of culture and crafts related to yagura floats, and browse through a wide selection of local products and souvenirs from Hannan City and the Osaka suburbs. The exhibition features a diverse and high-quality lineup, including “Naniwa Black Beef“, which has been served to world representatives at the G20 Summit, and “Tsukigesho“, an iconic Osaka souvenir that is a popular staple at airports and major train stations. The oldest sake brewery in Osaka, Naniwa Sake Brewery, is also located near the exhibition.
- Location: 1F, Hannan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 35-4 Ozaki-cho, Hannan City, Osaka Prefecture
- Business hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (weekdays, 2nd and 4th Saturdays/Sundays of each month)
- Closed: 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month / Sundays and national holidays
- Access: 3-minute walk from Ozaki Station on the Nankai Main Line
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takumino_ippin?igsh=cWRscG95cW54OHZu
Participating in local festivals throughout Japan is a great way to experience traditional culture, discover unique attractions, and create unforgettable memories. Why not take part in the Yagura Festival in Hannan City, Osaka Prefecture, next October?
See the sight of yagura floats lined up in a row!
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