Introduction

Among Japan's traditional festivals, the Danjiri Festival is known for being particularly intense. The Danjiri Festival in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture, captivates people from all over Japan with its power and passion. However, the appeal of the Danjiri Festival is not just in watching. Along with the excitement of the festival, tasting the exquisite gourmet "soul food" beloved by the locals is also a great pleasure of this trip. In this article, we will introduce a special trip where you can experience the excitement of the Danjiri Festival and the delicious cuisine unique to the region.

1. The excitement and power of the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival

The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is a traditional festival with over 300 years of history, held every September. Large wooden floats called "Danjiri" are pulled by many people and run through the city. The greatest attraction of this festival is the unique technique called "Yarimawashi," in which the Danjiri turns corners with great force.

The powerful "Yarimawashi"

"Yarimawashi" is the technique used to change the direction of a danjiri, which weighs up to four tons, while it is moving. When it approaches a corner, the people running in front of the danjiri pull on the ropes, while the people steering it from behind work together to apply force. At that moment, the danjiri slides on its wheels and changes direction as if dancing. The excitement reaches a climax as the spectators erupt in loud cheers and applause. The success of this "yarimawashi" is a source of pride for the town, and you can feel the passion of everyone involved in the festival.

People who support the festival

The Danjiri Festival is supported by strong ties within the community. People of all ages, both men and women, cooperate in everything from festival preparation to cleanup, working together to make the festival a success. The people pulling the Danjiri floats wear matching costumes called happi coats and work together in unison in unison, chanting along with the crowd. One of the great attractions of the Danjiri Festival is seeing their serious expressions and seeing the passionate feelings they have for the success of the festival.

2. Taste the delicious soul food at the Danjiri Festival

During the Danjiri Festival, the town of Kishiwada is bustling with energy, with many food stalls set up. The local cuisine you can sample amidst the excitement of the festival is exceptionally delicious.

Kishiwada's soul food: "Fried Gatcho"

"Gaccho" is the local name for a fish called goby. Deep-fried this fish is a standard menu item at the Danjiri Festival stalls. The crispy batter and soft texture of the meat are exquisite, and the delicious flavor of the fish fills your mouth. It goes perfectly with beer, and tastes even better when eaten in the heat of the festival.

Kashimin Yaki: Perfect for eating on the go

Kashiminyaki is a dish similar to okonomiyaki, made by mixing chicken kashiwa (kashiwa), minced pork, and cabbage. When eaten with plenty of sauce and mayonnaise, the fragrant aroma will whet your appetite. It's easy to eat, so it's perfect for satisfying your hunger while touring the festival.

A nostalgic taste: "Water eggplant pickles"

The Senshu region, including Kishiwada, is famous for producing water eggplants. Water eggplant pickles are characterized by their thin skin, high moisture content, and refreshing taste. Eating them during the heat of the festival will quickly cool your body and soothe your tired body. Locals typically enjoy them with tea.

3. Tips for enjoying the Danjiri Festival even more

Learning history before the festival

By visiting the Danjiri Hall, you can learn about the history and culture of the Danjiri Festival. Inside the hall, actual danjiri floats are on display, allowing you to experience their power up close. Visiting before the festival will give you a deeper and more enjoyable perspective on the festival.

Visit a local sake brewery

Kishiwada is home to several sake breweries. It's a great way to sample local sake amidst the excitement of the festival. During the Danjiri Festival, some breweries are even open to the public, allowing you to enjoy tastings.

4. The Danjiri Festival is a special place where you can feel the history and bonds of the region

This is an important event where local people join forces to pass on traditions to the next generation. The gorgeous danjiri floats and impressive "yarimawashi" (traditional Japanese poles) are symbols of the strong pride and passion of the people of Kishiwada.

If you want to experience traditional Japanese culture, the Danjiri Festival is the perfect opportunity. By interacting with locals in the excitement of the festival and sampling soul food, you'll be able to get a real feel for the depth of Japanese culture.

summary

The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is a rare festival in Japan that overwhelms spectators with its power and enthusiasm. However, that's not all that's attractive about this festival. Another important part of this trip is tasting the soul food that the locals have cherished and continued to preserve.

This autumn, why not take a special trip to experience the excitement of the Danjiri Festival and sample the delicious soul food of Kishiwada? It's sure to be an unforgettable memory that will stay with you forever.