Sanuki Takamatsu Festival

Overview

The Sanuki Takamatsu Festival is a summer festival held annually from August 12th to 14th in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture. It is counted among the four major festivals of Shikoku and is beloved by citizens and tourists alike, with the 59th edition scheduled for 2026. The main venues are the Anabuki Arena Kagawa and the Stone Stage of the Sunport Takamatsu Multi-Purpose Plaza, as Central Park is under renovation and unavailable.

The festival's catchphrase is "Monnso Takamatsu," which is a local Sanuki dialect expression meaning "Amazing Takamatsu". The event is organized by the Takamatsu City Government and the Takamatsu Festival Promotion Association, with the Shikoku Shimbun and Nishi Nippon Broadcasting serving as executive bodies. The festival attracts approximately 270,000 visitors (based on 2015 data), with the fireworks display and grand dance being the main attractions.

History and Origins

The origins of the Sanuki Takamatsu Festival trace back to the post-war reconstruction period, when it was initiated to strengthen community bonds. The first festival is said to have been held in the late 1950s to mid-1960s (one account cites 1964, Showa 39), and although the way the editions are counted has varied over time, it has since evolved into a summer tradition for Takamatsu City. Initially a modest event, it grew steadily as participating groups and spectators increased, eventually becoming one of Shikoku's most representative festivals.

The name combines "Sanuki," the old provincial name for the area, with "Takamatsu," the city name. This choice was intended to emphasize regional identity while promoting the festival beyond prefectural borders. By the 2010s, the grand dance held on Chuo-dori Avenue had become established, with two styles: unified broadcast groups and free-style groups.

The fireworks display, affectionately called "Dondon Takamatsu," is launched from offshore Takamatsu Port. The number of shells increased over the years, reaching a peak of 12,000 rounds in some periods, but for the 59th edition in 2026, the count has been reduced to 6,000 rounds. This reduction is likely due to safety considerations and budget adjustments.

From 2020 to 2022, the festival was significantly scaled back or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, since 2023, it has returned to full scale, and the 2026 event is scheduled for the full three days. Evacuation plans for disasters have been established, including protocols for a Nankai Trough earthquake.

The festival is managed by the Takamatsu Festival Promotion Association, located within the Tourism and Exchange Division of the Takamatsu City Office. Each year, an implementation outline is drafted, detailing security plans and traffic regulations. Recruitment for participating dance groups begins in May, with about 25 groups expected to join the grand dance.

Highlights

Fireworks Display "Dondon Takamatsu" On August 13th, from 8:15 PM to 8:45 PM, approximately 6,000 fireworks are launched from the Tamamo Breakwater in Takamatsu Port. Musical fireworks synchronized to background music are displayed around the Sunport Takamatsu area and along Suijo-dori Street, captivating the audience. The largest shells measure up to 8 inches in diameter, brilliantly illuminating the night sky over the Seto Inland Sea.

Grand Dance "Kimai Waraimai" On August 14th, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, the grand dance takes place at the Stone Stage of the Sunport Multi-Purpose Plaza. About 25 groups participate, with each group allowed up to 40 dancers performing to a modern arrangement of the traditional folk song "Ichigomaita." However, in 2026, the unified broadcast dance on Chuo-dori Avenue will not be held, and the Grand Dance AWARD will also be suspended.

Opening Stage Event On August 12th, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the main arena of Anabuki Arena Kagawa hosts the opening event. Managed by the Shikoku Shimbun and Nishi Nippon Broadcasting, it features performances by local artists and groups. This program marks the official start of the festival and draws many families.

Paid Seating and Sponsor Seating For the fireworks display, approximately 2,700 paid seats are set up around the Seto Sea Palette area. Additionally, sponsor seats are newly introduced on the rooftop of the Symbol Tower Hall Building (about 200 seats) and on the Anabuki Arena Kagawa Terrace (about 220 seats). These seats offer closer views of the fireworks, providing a special experience.

Food and Drink Areas Food stalls are set up at the Multi-Purpose Plaza, the northern promenade of Tamamo Park, and in front of Takamatsu Chikko Station. Local vendors offer specialties such as Sanuki udon noodles and bone-in chicken, allowing visitors to enjoy Kagawa's cuisine. The lively atmosphere combined with food is a distinctive feature.

Children's Art Competition A painting competition themed on the 59th Sanuki Takamatsu Festival is conducted. Children from the city submit their works, which are judged, and the winning pieces are displayed at the festival venue. This initiative plays a role in passing on the festival's appeal to the next generation.

Event Information and Access

• Dates: August 12th (Wed) to 14th (Fri), 2026. August 12th: 15:00-21:00; August 13th: 20:15-20:45 (fireworks); August 14th: 17:30-20:30 (grand dance)
• Main Venues: Anabuki Arena Kagawa, Sunport Multi-Purpose Plaza Stone Stage (Sunport, Takamatsu City)
• Access: Approximately a 4-minute walk from JR Takamatsu Station or Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station
• Traffic Regulations: Roads around the venues are heavily congested annually; exiting the Symbol Tower underground parking lot can take over an hour after the fireworks. Use of public transportation is strongly recommended
• Admission: Free viewing areas for the fireworks are at Sunport Takamatsu and Suijo-dori. Paid seats (around Seto Sea Palette) and sponsor seats (Symbol Tower Hall rooftop, Anabuki Arena Kagawa Terrace) require tickets
• Weather Contingency: Fireworks proceed in rain but are canceled in severe weather. The grand dance is canceled in severe weather. In case of cancellation, events at Anabuki Arena Kagawa adjust their schedules
• Prohibitions: Drone flights are banned near the venue (violation of revised Aviation Law). Walking while using smartphones is also prohibited
• Latest Updates: Detailed traffic regulation information and cancellation decisions are announced on the Takamatsu City official website and social media. Check the official website for the most current schedule and event status.

Surrounding Area

Around Sunport Takamatsu, landmarks such as the Takamatsu Symbol Tower and the Takamatsu Port Passenger Terminal are concentrated. Tamamo Park (the site of Takamatsu Castle) is within walking distance, allowing visitors to enjoy historical scenery between festival events. The fireworks launched from the Tamamo Breakwater create beautiful contrasts against these structures.

Near Kotoden Takamatsu-Chikko Station, shopping streets like Kawaramachi Flag and Lion-dori Street offer convenient shopping and dining. During the festival, pedestrian paradises and large fair events are held in the southern shopping streets, and traditional Bon Odori (Ichigomaita dance) takes place at the Dome Plaza of Marugamemachi Shopping Street. These events, linked with the festival, enliven the entire area.

Takamatsu City also features tourist attractions such as Ritsurin Garden and Yashima Island. Visiting before or after the festival allows visitors to fully enjoy Kagawa's culture and nature. On fireworks night, many tourists stay at nearby hotels, enjoying both the Seto Inland Sea night view and the fireworks simultaneously.

Related Information

1. Organizer: Takamatsu Festival Promotion Association (within Takamatsu City Tourism and Exchange Division, phone 087-839-2416)
2. Official Merchandise: T-shirts and goods featuring the poster design of udon brain characters are sold, with online sales also introduced
3. Grand Dance Participation Fee: 5,000 yen per group, with registration from May 1st to 22nd, 2026 (postmarked deadline)
4. English Information: The Takamatsu City official website has an English page providing access information for international visitors
5. Disaster Evacuation: In case of an earthquake or tsunami warning, evacuation announcements are made via venue broadcasts, with rules to evacuate southward (toward Chuo-dori)
6. Historical Record: In 2015, the festival saw approximately 270,000 visitors, and the fireworks display once featured up to 12,000 rounds. The current count has been revised to 6,000 rounds

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