The largest festival in Sakai City, it is held every year on the third Saturday and Sunday of October. It began in 1974 with a citywide parade under the theme “A Festival to Discover Sakai’s Pride,” and today it is held as a participatory street festival with Oshoji Street turned into a pedestrian-only zone.
The venue features a variety of programs showcasing Sakai’s history and culture. One of the highlights is a live demonstration by the teppo troop, which performs matchlock gun firing. You can experience Sakai’s history as one of Japan’s leading gun production centers during the Edo period through this powerful performance. Another exciting attraction is the Futon Taiko Story, in which towering futon taiko floats, Approx. 4 m tall and weighing Approx. 2 t in total, parade through the streets with lively chants, heating up the festival atmosphere.
Other events include the “Rikyu no Furusato Sakai Grand Tea Gathering,” where visitors can experience tea ceremony culture unique to the hometown of Sen no Rikyu, as well as stage performances. Kitchen cars serving gourmet food from southern Osaka also appear.
Highlights
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Sakai’s biggest event, where you can experience its history and culture.
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Highlights include the teppo troop demonstration and futon taiko floats.
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The “Rikyu no Furusato Sakai Grand Tea Gathering,” connected to Sen no Rikyu, is also held.
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A wide variety of stage performances are also presented.
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Kitchen cars featuring Sakai gourmet food also appear.
