Osaka is getting its first festival of regional comfort food. “B-1 Grand Prix Official Event in Takatsuki,” an officially recognized event of the B-1 Grand Prix, where local revitalization groups from all over Japan gather, will be held on Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8, 2026 at Ama Ruins Park in Takatsuki, Osaka. It is the first time an official B-1 Grand Prix event has been held in Osaka Prefecture.
Eleven regional dishes from across Japan gather in Takatsuki
The B-1 Grand Prix first took place in 2006 in Hachinohe, Aomori, as a festival where towns use their local food to put themselves on the map. The “B” stands for local BRAND, and the aim is to excite not only the host city but also the hometowns of the participating groups, making it one of Japan’s largest town-revitalization events.
Eleven groups will serve their regional specialties here, led by Takatsuki’s own “Takatsuki udon gyoza,” along with “Tsu gyoza” (Tsu, Mie) and “Fujinomiya yakisoba” (Fujinomiya, Shizuoka). Many of the groups have placed in past B-1 Grand Prix competitions.
- Takatsuki Udon Gyoza Association: placed 5th at the 2019 B-1 Grand Prix in Akashi
- Tsu Gyoza Elementary School: won the Gold Grand Prix at the same competition
- Fujinomiya Yakisoba Gakkai: won the first-ever Gold Grand Prix
From Kansai, Akashi’s “Akashi tamagoyaki” (Akashi, Hyogo) also takes part. Trying dishes from close by and from far-off towns side by side is part of the fun of a festival like this.
Held alongside the Ama Ruins Bronze Festival — history and food in one place
The same weekend is also the “Ama Ruins Bronze Festival,” a participatory event that began in 2013 and introduces Takatsuki’s history and culture. Together they make a large event combining history, culture and food. Strolling through the ruins park while eating your way around is an easy way to spend the day.
The event runs in light rain but is cancelled in bad weather. Food is sold only while supplies last, so if you have a favorite in mind, aim for an earlier hour. Parking is expected to be crowded; visitors are asked to use public transport.
Event information
- Dates and times: Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8, 2026, 9:30–17:30 (food ends when sold out)
- Venue: Ama Ruins Park, SAKURA Plaza and East Plaza (Takatsuki, Osaka)
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Takatsuki Udon Gyoza Association
- Co-organizer: Ama Ruins Bronze Festival Executive Committee
- Supporters: Takatsuki City, Takatsuki Tourist Association, Takatsuki Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Participating groups: Akashi Tamagoyaki Hirometai (Akashi, Hyogo), Imabari Yakibuta Tamagomeshi World Promotion Committee (Imabari, Ehime), Kofu Torimotsuni Group (Kofu, Yamanashi), Takatsuki Udon Gyoza Association (Takatsuki, Osaka), Tsu Gyoza Elementary School (Tsu, Mie), Tsuyama Horumon Udon Research Society (Tsuyama, Okayama), Toyokawa Inarizushi Group (Toyokawa, Aichi), Hiruzen Yakisoba Suiton Association (Maniwa, Okayama), Fujinomiya Yakisoba Gakkai (Fujinomiya, Shizuoka), Yokkaichi Tonteki Association (Yokkaichi, Mie), Do it! Matsusaka Chicken Yakiniku Group (Matsusaka, Mie)
- Takatsuki City website (Japanese): https://www.city.takatsuki.osaka.jp/soshiki/59/183909.html
- Takatsuki Tourist Association (Japanese): https://www.takatsuki-kankou.org/info/3953/
- Ama Ruins Bronze Festival Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seidousai/
