Written by Aarohi Narain
Summer heat, dancing feet — the cross-generational Takatsuki Festival brings community together for two days of parades, performances, and (as is customary at any matsuri) plenty of festival food.
What happens?
The Takatsuki Festival is a classic Japanese summer festival held in Osaka.
On the first evening, locals gather for dancing, with the Takatsuki Ondo dance being the distinctive style in the area. The second day shifts gears with the Takatsuki Wave, a more contemporary group dance set to pop music. It goes without saying, but anyone is free to join in the merry-making.
Beyond the dance floors, you’ll find stage performances, children’s mikoshi (portable shrines), and a variety of food and craft stalls set up around the city centre.
Events take place across several sites, including the Takatsuki Castle Park and nearby schools and shopping streets.
Schedule
The festival is typically held over the first weekend of August each year.
In 2025, that’s August 2 and 3, with events running from 1:30 to 9 p.m. each day.
The Takatsuki Ondo will be performed on Saturday only, while the Takatsuki Wave Parade will take place on both days.
Parades will be held along Nomi-Hachiman City Road (in front of First Junior High School) from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on both days, with an opening ceremony scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 2.
A separate parade will also take place along Takatsuki Center Street from 4 to 7 p.m. on both days.
How to get there
Takatsuki is located between Osaka and Kyoto.
From Osaka-Umeda Station, take the Hankyu-Kyoto Line (Semi-Limited Express) bound for Kyoto-Kawaramachi and alight at Takatsuki-shi Station (4 stops, 21 minutes). From the station, Takatsuki Castle Park is a 12-minute walk via Exit 7. The entire journey should take around 35 minutes.
From Kyoto Station, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Takatsuki Station, then walk around 20 minutes to Takatsuki Castle Park. This route will take around 45 minutes in total.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.