Gangara Fire Festival 2026

Why You Should Visit

A fire festival held since 1644 to ward off fire and misfortune, designated an intangible folk cultural property of Osaka Prefecture. After dark, giant "dai-ichimonji" and "daimonji" kanji are lit on the slopes of Mt. Satsuki while great torches — about 100 kg and 4 meters long — are carried some 3 km through the city streets. Watching the line of fire pass the station crossing and city hall is startlingly close-range. Free to watch, and a very different experience from Kyoto's distant mountain bonfires.

Essentials

location

Central Ikeda (Shiroyama-cho / Tateishi-cho) and Mt. Satsuki

period

August 24, 2026 (Mon)

Time

17:00ごろ〜22:00ごろ（大一文字・大文字の点灯は19:30）※小雨決行

cost

Free (open street viewing)

Links

Official Website

Kobe · Gluten-free

Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)

access

Right off Ikeda Station (Hankyu Takarazuka Line) — the torch route passes the station's east crossing. Roads are restricted on the day; use the temporary parking at Tsujigaike Park (8:00–23:00) or come by train.

NOTE

Schedule for 24 August (runs in light rain)

* Shiroyama-cho

19:30 Dai-ichimonji lit
around 19:30 great torch and children's torches leave Aburakake Jizo
around 20:15 near Hello Work
around 20:45 left turn at the Ikeda Station east crossing
around 21:00 in front of City Hall
around 22:00 arrival at the Shiroyama crossing

* Tateishi-cho

around 17:00 children's torches leave Hoshinomiya
around 18:00 Urban Greening Botanical Garden
19:30 Daimonji lighting rite
around 20:30 return to Hoshinomiya

Background

Dates from 1644; prays for protection from fire and household safety
Designated intangible folk cultural property of Osaka Prefecture

Notes

Traffic restrictions along the route (see the city's official map)
Inquiries: Ikeda City Tourism Association

FAQ

Where's the best place to watch?

The torch procession passes close along the route from the station's east crossing to City Hall and the Shiroyama crossing. The burning kanji on Mt. Satsuki are visible from much of the town, so most people combine both.

Does it run in the rain?

Light rain doesn't stop it. For severe weather, check Ikeda City's official page on the day.

Can I drive?

Roads along the route are restricted that evening. Temporary parking opens at Tsujigaike Park (8:00–23:00), but with the route starting right at Hankyu Ikeda Station, the train is the safe bet.

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