Hirakata Matsuri 2026 (Sep 26–27)

Why You Should Visit

Hirakata's citizens' festival, held around Nippe Park Okahigashi Chuo just outside Keihan Hirakatashi Station, with two days of stage shows, a parade and food stalls. Originally a summer event, it moved to autumn to avoid heat-related health risks. Entry is free and the venue is steps from the station, with children's game stalls and food booths, so families can drop in from late afternoon into the evening. Programme and traffic-control details are released by the Hirakata Festival Council.

Essentials

location

Around Nippe Park Okahigashi Chuo (near Hirakatashi Station)

period

September 26, 2026 (Sat) - September 27, 2026 (Sun)

Time

9/26（土）13:00〜20:00／9/27（日）12:00〜20:00

cost

Free entry (stalls and games charged individually)

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

About 2 min walk from the East Exit of Hirakatashi Station (Keihan Main Line). No parking; use public transport

There are 5 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Around Nippe Park Okahigashi Chuo (near Hirakatashi Station), and 3 public restrooms within 8 minutes. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

NOTE

Programme

Stage events
Parade
Food stalls and game booths

*2026 programme, performers, venue layout and traffic controls are released on the organiser's site

Venue layout example (2024, for reference)

Hirakatashi Station concourse: festival PR
In front of the former Civic Hall: "working vehicles" such as police cars, motorcycles and fire brigade trucks, local company booths
Fureai-dori: lantern decorations (no food stalls)
Nippe Park Okahigashi Chuo: main stage (brass bands, dance contest, live music), about 30 game and food booths
Health Centre to Legal Affairs Bureau street: food booths from the Kawaramachi shopping street (alcohol available), jazz
City Hall car park: inflatables, game stalls such as shooting and ring toss, face painting

*In 2024 the road between the Legal Affairs Bureau and the Health Centre was closed to vehicles from the evening before, and the City Hall car park was unavailable

*Moved from summer to autumn in 2024 because of the heat

*Enquiries: Hirakata Festival Council 072-898-1509 (Tue–Fri 10:00–17:00)

FAQ

Is there an admission fee?

No, entry is free. Food stalls and games are paid at each booth.

Can I drive there?

Traffic controls are expected around the venue and there is no dedicated parking. It is about 2 minutes on foot from Keihan Hirakatashi Station, so take the train.

What if it rains?

No official rain policy has been published. Check the Hirakata Festival Council site on the day.

Calendar

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