The Danjiri Kaikan is an interactive and fun museum located in Kishiwada, Osaka, near Kishiwada Castle. It provides information and activities on the famous Kishiwada Danjiri Festival that is held every year. Not only do visitors learn about the history and structure of the Danjiri (floats), but they can also watch a Danjiri Festival movie.
What To Do in Danjiri Kaikan
There are real Danjiri exhibits that dating from the end of the Edo Period until today. In addition, some of the musical instruments used in the great celebration are shown. There is a hall dedicated to the explanation of the carpentry process used to build the Danjiri, as well as a broad illustration of the stories that are carved on the floats’ surfaces.
On the third floor of the museum, there is a small gallery that shows miniature models of the Danjiri, made of the same types of wood, cloth, and strings that are used in reality. On the fourth floor, you can directly experience the Danjiri festival yourself. There, the roof and the main body of a Danjiri are shown separately. Visitors can climb the roofs and pose for photos with traditional happi coats.
We can also try playing the distinctive instruments and taiko drums used in the Festival. In addition, there is a virtual reality attraction where visitors can experience what it feels like to drive a Danjiri. Likewise, they can climb on the roof of the exhibited Danjiri and experience the same as the daikugata, the men who jump and dance vigorously on the rooftops of the Danjiri.
On the first floor of the museum, there is an area dedicated to the novel ‘Carnation’ of NHK television, which is about the life of one of the most famous dressmakers in Japan. She lived all her life in Kishiwada and strongly supported the Danjiri Festival. The museum is both interactive and informative, with many attractions for adults and children to enjoy.
Danjiri Matsuri Festival
It is said that the Danjiri Matsuri (float festival) has its origin in the Inari Matsuri that was celebrated in the year 16 of the Genroku era (1703). It was created by the Lord of Kishiwada Castle to pray for an abundant harvest. The festival, from its beginnings, had great local support.
With 300 years of tradition, the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is proudly celebrated in September each year. 34 Danjiri teams bring their sacred float on a quick tour through Osaka. It is a race of strength, endurance, and celebration. Each Danjiri is handmade, entirely made of zelkova wood. It weighs about 4 tons, measures 3.8 meters high, 4 meters long, and 2.5 meters wide. The traction rope is 100 to 200 meters long and is dragged by about 500 to 1000 people.
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Access Information
Access:
From Takojizo (Nankai Line) station
Entrance fee:
Adults 600 yen, Junior high and Elementary students 300 yen
Hours:
From 10 am to 5 pm (last entry 4 pm)
Closed on Mondays