Why visiting Osaka in September is absolutely a fantastic idea?
It is only and this reason "you can watch the Japanese traditional festival -Kishiwada Danjiri festival".
What is Danjiri?
The term "Danjiri" has 2 meanings; the festival itself, and the Danjiri car (portable shrine).
First, I would like to explain the Danjiri "festival".
It is recorded that the first Danjiri "festival" has conducted approximately 300 years ago in Kishiwada, Osaka.
This is the origin of the Danjiri festival according to historical records.
The reason for this festival is simply to wish for a good harvest, especially rice.
Danjiri's car runs throughout its district to let the shrine/god sees the district.
When it comes to Danjiri "car", every district has its own Danjiri car; body designs and lanterns are unique to each district.
Danjiri car is considered a "portable shrine", so Danjiri players are actually carrying their shrine throughout the district.
Since the Danjiri car is a sacred and religious object, if you want to touch it, you have to ask the Danjiri players like;
Sawatemo idesuka?
(May I touch this?)
By the way, you can not experience Danjiri in Tokyo because Danjiri is Kansai (means west Japan) area tradition.
Kishiwada Danjiri festival
It is conducted in September and October.
The schedule should be confirmed on the Kishiwada Danjiri official website.
2022 Sep. Oct. schedule is as below.
Even if you are not interested in the Danjiri festival, September and October are one of the best seasons to visit Japan.
These 2 months are recognized as autumn in Japan, and you would be able to see many beautiful sceneries.
One thing to remember
WATCH FROM A FAR DISTANCE. NEVER EVER GET CLOSE TO DANJIRI WHEN IT'S RUNNING.
So, here is the reason.
Almost every year, some people ( Danjiri festival player and/or audience ) die when Danjiri failed to turn the corner and sadly go straight to the audience at the full speed.
Kishiwada-Danjiri runs at a very fast speed so getting close to Danjiri while it's running can literally kill you.
If you want to take some pictures of Danjiri or Danjiri players, you can ask during the break when Danjiri is completely steady with the safety gear on its tires.
When you get closer to Danjiri, you have to follow the guidance given by the Danjiri players.
If they say no to something, for example trying to go beneath Danjiri's car, that is an absolute no.
Again, the only time you can get close to Danjiri is when it is not moving.
Please do remember this for your safety.
*All the pictures in this article regarding Danjiri are quoted from the Kishiwada-Danjiri official website and I do not own any copyright of them.