Takatsuki Matsuri, a Summer Tradition With Over 50 Years of History, Returns for Its 57th Year

Takatsuki City will hold its summer highlight, the 57th Citizens Festa Takatsuki Matsuri, over two days on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, 2026. About 130 groups, including a children's Iwami Kagura troupe and the Takatsuki City Band's wind instrument section, will take part in a parade and performances on the road in front of Daiichi Junior High School (Municipal Road Nomi-Hachiman Line) and at the South Building of Takatsuki Castle Park Arts and Culture Theater. Around 100 food stalls and kitchen cars will also set up at Momozono Elementary School, Daiichi Junior High School, and Johoku-dori Shopping Street.

History

Takatsuki Matsuri began in 1970 under the name "Ejanaika Takatsuki Matsuri," created to strengthen a sense of community as the city urbanized rapidly during Japan's period of high economic growth. This year marks its 57th edition, held over the two days across five venues: the South Building of Takatsuki Castle Park Arts and Culture Theater, Momozono Elementary School, Daiichi Junior High School and the road in front of it (Municipal Road Nomi-Hachiman Line), and Johoku-dori Shopping Street. The Daiichi Junior High School venue area has been expanded this year, and the number of food stalls and kitchen cars there has grown from about 10 last year to about 30, with each venue offering its own distinct programming.

Performances at Torishima Hall

At Torishima Hall in the South Building of Takatsuki Castle Park Arts and Culture Theater, about 40 groups will perform, including a children's Iwami Kagura troupe from Hikimi, Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture — a sister city of Takatsuki — and the Takatsuki City Band's wind instrument section.

Matsuri Street

On the road in front of Daiichi Junior High School, known as "Matsuri Street" for the event, around 80 groups will take part, with dance groups performing the Takatsuki Ondo and Takatsuki Wave, plus a parade and a mikoshi (portable shrine) procession for children.

Food Stalls and Kitchen Cars

Momozono Elementary School will host about 60 stalls for children to enjoy, including food vendors, shooting galleries, and super ball scooping. Daiichi Junior High School will have about 10 food stalls plus roughly 20 kitchen cars. Johoku-dori Shopping Street will add over 10 more food stalls to the mix.

Event Overview

More details are available in the official announcement on the Takatsuki City website.