The Kawanishi Genji Festival celebrates the classic work of Japanese literature Tale of Genji, by 11th century author Murasaki Shikibu.
What happens
The highlight is a parade that features various characters dressed in Heian period garb — considered to be the height of classical Japanese culture. Genji himself (or is it a woman?) is the highlight of the procession atop a white horse.
Schedule
The parade begins at 11 a.m. in front of Kawanishi City Hall (Kawanishi Shiyakusho) and reaches Kisera Kawanishi Seseragi Park around 12:30 p.m.
How to get there
Kawanishi is in Hyogo Prefecture, just north of Osaka. To get to the festival from Osaka, take a Hankyu-Takarazuka Line express train from Osaka’s Hankyu-Umeda station in the direction of Takurazaka for Kawanishi Noseguchi Station. The journey takes 20 minutes and costs around ¥270. Both Kawanishi City Hall and Kisera Kawanishi Seseragi Park are within a 10-minute walk of the train station.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.