Hiraoka Shrine Autumn Festival (Shugosai)

Held every fall at Hiraoka Shrine in Higashi-Osaka City, this festival comes with high acclaim while ringing in the autumn harvest each year under its long-earned nickname “Hiraoka Matsuri.” Many know this event as one of the largest autumn festivals in Osaka Prefecture.

The highlight is the pre-festival held on the Saturday and Sunday around Sports Day in October, when dynamic and colorful taikodai (decorated drum floats) are paraded through the streets by parishioners from various districts. A total of 23 taikodai—some towering up to 4 meters high—make their way to the shrine, accompanied by rhythmic drumming, bells, and the crowd's loud shouts of “Chosaja!” Watching these massive floats navigate narrow intersections is a thrilling sight.
After 7 p.m., the atmosphere shifts to something more magical during the “Nakadaki” segment, when the taikodai are illuminated and continue their procession under glowing lights, creating a true spectacle after dark.

the shrine grounds, bursting with everything from local street food to classic festival games like goldfish scooping and raffles—making it a fun outing for all ages.

The main festival is held on October 15, with only the official Shinto rituals taking place—there are no taikodai processions or food stalls on that day.