Awara Onsen Fireworks: Lake Kitagata Event Status, Paid Seats and Access

Highlights

Because the fireworks are launched over Lake Kitagata, their reflections create a symmetrical display of light above and below the waterline. The natural surroundings have no tall buildings to obstruct the view.

Approximately 2,000 fireworks is a smaller display than the major festivals, but the tranquillity of the lake makes this an event for enjoying atmosphere rather than sheer scale and bustle.

Getting there

Private vehicles cannot enter or park anywhere around the venue. Taking a shuttle bus is required.

Shuttle buses: arrangements for the 2024 edition

• Fare: ¥500 per person for a return journey, for elementary-school-age passengers and older.
• Operating hours: approximately 16:00–22:00.

For visitors arriving by car, Mikuni Boat Race Stadium is the easiest parking option. It offers 2,000 free spaces, with a shuttle connection to the venue.

Traffic restrictions

Vehicles are prohibited from entering the area around the venue between 16:00 and 22:00, including the Awara municipal Kitagata Higashi-Akaoyama road and Prefectural Route 120.

Paid seating and tickets

Official information about paid seats for 2026 has not yet been announced. The options below were available in 2024, and each included one parking permit.

Since ordinary private vehicles cannot enter the venue area, a paid seat that includes a parking permit also effectively provides the right to park near the venue. It is worth considering if you plan to drive.

Ticket outlets for the 2024 edition: the “Oshieruzaa” information counters at JR Awaraonsen Station and Echizen Railway Awarayunomachi Station, and Ticket Pia online, by telephone or at convenience stores.

Viewing spots

No officially recommended “hidden viewing spots” have been published for this festival. Extensive traffic restrictions limit the options. The following are possibilities suggested by the geography, not places with guaranteed views.

1. Areas of Lake Kitagata Lakeside Park away from the main lawn

The park is spacious, so locations away from the main lawn may offer a chance to avoid the crowds. This is the most practical option because you can move around relatively easily within the restricted area.

2. Around Roadside Station Rennyo no Sato Awara

This is a shuttle departure and arrival point with parking. The venue is farther away, so the fireworks would be seen from a distance, but having a reliable way to leave is an advantage.

3. The Yoshizaki area beside Lake Kitagata

This area faces Lake Kitagata and may offer views of fireworks over the lake. However, it is some distance away, and visibility cannot be guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

Q. When will the 2026 festival take place? As of July 2026, the date has not been announced. This is not an annual event; its most recent edition was in 2024, following a seven-year gap. Check Awara City's official website for the latest information.

Q. Can I drive to the venue? No. Traffic restrictions prevent private vehicles from entering or parking around the venue. Use the paid shuttle buses, costing ¥500 per person, from locations such as JR Awaraonsen Station, Echizen Railway Awarayunomachi Station, Mikuni Boat Race Stadium and Roadside Station Rennyo no Sato Awara.

Q. Are paid seats available? Previous editions offered paid viewing seats with parking permits, including lawn sheet seating for four people at ¥5,000 and table seating for four people at ¥6,000. If a 2026 event is confirmed, paid seating details are expected to be announced on the official website as well.

Venue map

View the venue on Google Maps