Shizuoka – July 25 Suwa Shrine Dedication Fireworks (Enshu Arai Handheld Fireworks)

Known as the “Tokaido’s Unusual Festival,” the “Suwa Shrine Dedication Fireworks (Enshu Arai Handheld Fireworks)” has continued for more than 300 years since the Edo period. This traditional festival features powerful handheld fireworks blazing across the night sky, showcasing the spirit and pride of the local men. Made by local residents themselves—from cutting the bamboo to packing it with gunpowder—the handheld fireworks are not simply an event, but are dedicated as part of a Shinto ritual in accordance with ancient traditions. One of the highlights is the “Sarutahiko Fireworks,” in which dozens of pillars of flame rise at once. The sight of the men dancing amid the shower of sparks is truly breathtaking.

Event Details

Venue and Map

The main venue for the Suwa Shrine Dedication Fireworks is the grounds of Kosai Municipal Arai Junior High School. Located within walking distance of JR Arai Town Station, it offers a spacious setting where you can experience the power of traditional handheld fireworks up close. Since a safety distance is maintained around the handheld fireworks, measures are in place to allow spectators to enjoy them safely from the viewing area.

View the venue on Google Maps

Access

By train
It is approximately a 20-minute walk from the South Exit of JR Arai Town Station on the Tokaido Main Line. The usual route is to walk straight along National Route 301 toward Arai Sekisho (west) from the station. Many visitors are expected on the day, so please allow plenty of extra time.

By car
It takes approximately 40 minutes from either the Hamamatsu-Nishi Interchange or the Mikkabi Interchange on the Tomei Expressway. However, no parking is available for general visitors around the venue. In addition, traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue from 16:30 until approximately 21:30 on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Using public transportation is strongly recommended.

Be mindful of the last train home
JR Arai Town Station is expected to be extremely crowded after the fireworks finish. Before heading home, check the last-train schedule for the JR Tokaido Main Line in advance and plan accordingly.

Reserved Seating and Tickets

For the 2026 Suwa Shrine Dedication Fireworks, no specific information has currently been confirmed regarding paid viewing areas or ticket sales for the general public. Some materials mention “invitation seats” and “sponsor seats,” but please wait for further official announcements for details. For the latest information, check with the Kosai City Arai Branch Office (053-594-1111) or the official Kosai City website.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

The main attraction of the Suwa Shrine Dedication Fireworks is experiencing the power of the handheld fireworks up close at the Arai Junior High School grounds, the event venue. However, for those who want to avoid the crowds or enjoy the spectacle from a different angle, here are several possible viewpoints.

• Roads around the Arai Junior High School grounds: From outside the traffic-restriction area around the venue, it may be possible to watch the pillars of flame from the handheld fireworks from a distance. However, for your safety, never enter restricted-access areas or areas subject to traffic restrictions.
• Around Arai Sekisho: The historic Arai Sekisho area is a little farther from the venue, but you may be able to see the glow of the handheld fireworks in the distance. Buildings and trees may obstruct the view, however.
• Along the route from JR Arai Town Station: The walking route from the station is one of the highlights, as you may be able to see the “nerikomi” procession before the fireworks begin. Rather than being ideal for watching the fireworks themselves closely, it is better suited to enjoying the overall festival atmosphere.

None of these locations is an officially designated viewing area, so an unobstructed view is not guaranteed. Be sure to follow proper etiquette by never entering private property or disturbing local residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I eat and drink inside the venue?
We were unable to confirm specific information about food and drink vendors inside the venue. However, because the grounds of Kosai Municipal Arai Junior High School are a public facility, smoking is prohibited throughout the premises. In addition, to help prevent secondhand smoke exposure, the festival committee has not designated any smoking areas around the venue. Thank you for your cooperation.

Q. Is filming with a drone permitted?
Flying drones or other unmanned aircraft inside the venue is prohibited. For everyone’s safety, please follow the rules at all times.

Q. What kinds of fireworks will be launched?
Enshu Arai Handheld Fireworks are centered on handheld fireworks handmade by local residents. In a single evening, approximately 1,000 handheld fireworks, large筒 fireworks fixed to yagura structures, and launched fireworks known as “age-hana” are dedicated. The “Sarutahiko Fireworks,” in which dozens of handheld fireworks rise at once, are particularly spectacular and not to be missed.