Mie – July 25 Nabari River Summer Fireworks Festival

Access

The use of public transportation is strongly recommended when attending the Nabari River Summer Fireworks Festival.

By train: The nearest station is Nabari Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line. The venue is approximately a 15-minute walk from the west exit of Nabari Station. Since large crowds converge on the area on the day of the festival, the walk may feel longer in practice. The area around the station becomes extremely crowded after the event, so plan plenty of extra time and be aware that you may not make the last train.

By car: From the Hari IC or Ueno IC on the Meihan National Highway, take National Route 368 and then Prefectural Route 57 toward Nabari; the drive takes approximately 30 minutes. However, extensive traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue on the day of the fireworks festival. Around the launch site in the Kuroda area, restrictions will begin at 9:00, while around the venue, vehicle closures, one-way traffic, and no-entry zones are scheduled from 18:00–around 22:00. The embankment road near Atago Shrine will be off-limits to anyone not using the reserved seating area. Approximately 1,450 parking spaces, including temporary lots, will be available. Spaces cannot be reserved in advance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Nabari City Hall parking lot (approximately 400 spaces) and Nabari Chuo Park parking lot (approximately 500 spaces) are free. The Asahi Park parking lot (approximately 350 spaces) and the temporary Nabari Elementary School parking lot (approximately 200 spaces) require a cooperation fee of 1,000 yen per vehicle. In a typical year, parking lots around the venue begin filling up around 17:00 and are expected to be full after 18:00. Traffic congestion also occurs when cars leave after the fireworks, making public transportation the wiser option.

Reserved Seating and Tickets

The Nabari River Summer Fireworks Festival offers paid viewing areas where visitors can enjoy the fireworks in comfort while avoiding the crowds.

Types and prices of reserved seating:

• General seating (tiered seats and folding chairs): 3,000 yen (tax included) / 1 person
• Sajiki seating: 20,000 yen (tax included) / 1 section (2.7m × 1.8m, accommodates up to 6 people)

Sales period and locations: Sales begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026.

• Nabari Tourist Information Center (counter sales): Offers both general seating and sajiki seating.
• Ticket Pia (WEB and convenience store sales): Only general seating (tiered seats) is available. The P code is 661-372.

Notes:

• Children aged 2 and under are admitted free only when sitting on a parent or guardian’s lap. A ticket is required if a seat is needed.
• Tickets cannot be refunded after purchase for reasons attributable to the customer.
• The reserved seating area (near the embankment road in front of Atago Shrine) is accessible only to ticket holders (re-entry permitted).

Hidden Spots

For those who want to avoid the crowds at the main venue and enjoy the fireworks in a more private setting, here are several recommended lesser-known viewing spots.

1. Rural areas around Nabari Ohashi and Kuroda Ohashi: Although a little farther from the launch site, these areas have few obstructions and offer relaxed viewing amid expansive rural scenery. You may also be able to enjoy the fireworks reflected on the surface of the river.

2. Aeon Nabari rooftop parking lot: Located approximately a 15-minute walk from Nabari Station, Aeon Nabari can be a popular hidden viewing spot if its rooftop parking lot is open to the public, offering views of the fireworks from an elevated position. As it is a shopping center, having access to restrooms is another major advantage.

3. Around Super Viva Home Nabari: Like Aeon Nabari, this area may be located on slightly higher ground and can offer distant views of the fireworks. It is also recommended that you check in advance whether the area will be open to the public.

4. Open areas on the right bank of the Nabari River: The right bank of the Nabari River, across from the launch site, has open spaces that tend to be less crowded. It is a good option for those who want to enjoy the fireworks in a more spacious setting.

5. Nabari Todo Residence Ruins: This spot lets you watch the fireworks quietly while taking in the atmosphere of the historic castle town. It is also a great place to combine a historical stroll with the fireworks festival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will food stalls be available? A. Yes. In a typical year, food stalls line the route from Nabari Station to the venue and appear throughout the town. In some past years, around 100 vendors have taken part, offering classic festival foods such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and shaved ice. The areas around the Nabari Chamber of Commerce and Boat Race Ticket Shop Nabari are particularly known for being lively. Arriving between the latter half of the 17:00 hour and the 18:00 hour makes it easier to enjoy the pre-fireworks atmosphere.

Q. Will there be traffic restrictions on the day of the fireworks festival? A. Yes. Extensive traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue on the day of the fireworks festival. Around the launch site in the Kuroda area, restrictions will begin at 9:00, while around the venue, vehicle closures, one-way traffic, and no-entry zones are scheduled from 18:00–around 22:00. For details, check the latest traffic restriction map on the official website of the Nabari Tourism Association or another official source.

Q. Are there any events to enjoy besides the fireworks festival? A. Yes. The traditional event “Atago Fire Festival” is scheduled to take place from around 19:30 before the fireworks begin. Held for the first time in 2 years, this fire festival can be enjoyed alongside the fireworks as one of Nabari’s quintessential summer traditions.