What it is
Katsuyama is an old castle town in the mountains of northern Okayama. Each October, its festival turns into the kenka danjiri, the “fighting floats”. Wooden floats weighing more than two tonnes, hung with lanterns, are run at each other through the streets at night and collide head-on.
The floats have been part of the festival since the Edo period, but the fierce clashes developed only from the late Meiji period. After a participant died in 2023, the festival was suspended for a year and returned in 2025 with tighter safety rules.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Oct 19, evening | Kenka danjiri: Floats clash in the streets after the daytime rites |
| Oct 20, evening | Kenka danjiri: The second night of clashes |
Which day should you go?
Either evening
Watch the clashes from behind the barriers in the old town, and explore the noren-lined streets by day.
What to look for
The clash
Teams run their floats at each other and collide head-on, pushing until one gives way.
Lanterns
The floats are hung with lanterns for the night clashes.
Noren town
Katsuyama's old streets are known for the fabric noren curtains hanging in front of its houses.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Okayama | JR Kishin Line to Chūgoku-Katsuyama | about 1 h |
| Osaka | Sanyō Shinkansen to Okayama, then JR | about 2 h |
On the day. The clashes happen in the old town near Chūgoku-Katsuyama Station. Trains back to Okayama are infrequent at night.
Crowds. Stay behind the barriers and follow the stewards. The floats move fast.
Where to stay
Okayama
Many hotels. Check the last train back before the clashes begin.
Yubara Onsen
A hot-spring village about 30–40 minutes away by car.
When to book. Booking 1 month ahead is usually enough.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Safety. After a fatal accident in 2023, the festival was cancelled in 2024 and resumed in 2025 with stricter safety rules. Stay behind barriers and follow the stewards.
- Check ahead. Confirm the year's schedule with the Katsuyama Tourism Association.
Glossary
Danjiriだんじり
A heavy carved wooden festival cart pulled at speed by teams with ropes, famous in the Osaka region.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- OHK news: Katsuyama Kenka Danjiri resumes after two years, https://www.ohk.co.jp/data/26-20251020-00000006/pages/
- Sanyo Shimbun: Katsuyama Kenka Danjiri, https://www.sanyonews.jp/article/1812900
- Matsuri Stream (Nippon Matsuri Network): Katsuyama Kenka Danjiri.
Last checked 2026-10-13.