Fukuoka – 5 Aug Chikugo River Fireworks Festival

Access

On the day of the Chikugo River Fireworks Festival (筑後川花火大会), extensive traffic restrictions will be implemented around the venue, and significant congestion is anticipated. We strongly recommend using public transportation.

Access by Train

• JR Kurume Station (JR久留米駅): Approximately 10 to 20 minutes on foot to the venue. It takes about 20 minutes on foot to the Kyomachi Venue (京町会場).
• Nishitetsu Kurume Station (西鉄久留米駅): A paid shuttle bus operates from Nishitetsu Kurume Station to Ryogae-machi Park (両替町公園) next to Kurume City Hall (久留米市役所). Operating hours are from around 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and the fare is 210 JPY (approximately $1.40 USD at 1 USD ≈ 150 JPY) for a one-way trip.

About Traffic Restrictions

On the day of the fireworks festival, traffic restrictions, including vehicle prohibitions, will be enforced around the venue and launch sites from 6:30 PM to approximately 10:00 PM. Please note that vehicles will be prohibited from the JR Kurume Station (JR久留米駅) East Rotary to Nawate Intersection (縄手交差点) from 6:30 PM to 10:45 PM. As restriction times and areas may change, please check the latest information on Kurume City's (久留米市) official website or other sources before heading out.

Be Mindful of Last Trains Home

Although the fireworks festival concludes at 8:40 PM, stations and bus stops become extremely crowded afterward. Especially if you are coming from a distant location, please check the last train times in advance and plan your actions with plenty of time. To avoid congestion, leaving the venue before the finale or spending some time in the surrounding area to disperse the crowd are effective strategies. Remember that you can use an IC card like SUICA for smooth travel on most trains and buses, though the JR Pass might not cover all local lines in this area, so check your route carefully.

Paid Seating / Tickets

At the Chikugo River Fireworks Festival (筑後川花火大会), there are generally no paid seats available for the public. However, "Special Viewing Area (Sasayama Venue) Admission Tickets" (特別観覧エリア（篠山会場）入場券) may be offered as a return gift for Furusato Nozei (ふるさと納税), a hometown tax donation system. This special viewing area is said to offer a more comfortable experience for enjoying the fireworks. For details, please check Kurume City's (久留米市) Furusato Nozei website or the official announcements from the Chikugo River Fireworks Festival Executive Committee.

Hidden Gem Spots

At the Chikugo River Fireworks Festival (筑後川花火大会), which anticipates an attendance of approximately 450,000 people, there are several hidden gem spots (穴場スポット) where you can enjoy the fireworks more leisurely, away from the main venues.

1. Youme Town Kurume Rooftop Parking (ゆめタウン久留米屋上駐車場) From the rooftop parking lot of this large commercial facility, there are fewer obstructions to your view, potentially allowing you to appreciate the fireworks launched over a wide area. However, as significant crowds are expected on the day, early arrival is recommended. Also, please confirm the parking lot's usage conditions and availability with the facility in advance.

2. Plaza in front of Kurume City Hall (久留米市役所前の広場) With good access from JR Kurume Station (JR久留米駅), you can enjoy the fireworks in a spacious area. While it's a bit further from the launch sites, this allows you to leisurely view the entire fireworks display. Good access to the station is also one of its appealing features.

3. Around Mamezu Bridge (豆津橋周辺) The area around Mamezu Bridge (豆津橋), which spans the Chikugo River (筑後川), is known as a hidden gem spot where you can enjoy the fireworks with relatively less crowd. The area near the foot of the bridge is particularly considered a good target. Although it's a little further from the launch sites, you might also be able to enjoy the fireworks reflected on the river surface.

4. Farm Road in Nagatoishi-machi (長門石町の農道) This is one of the hidden gem spots used by locals. It is said to offer an unobstructed view, allowing you to fully enjoy the beautiful fireworks. However, as the surrounding area is residential, it is important to observe good manners and watch quietly.

While these hidden gem spots (穴場スポット) may not offer the same immersive experience as the main venues, they are recommended for those who wish to avoid crowds and enjoy the fireworks in a more relaxed setting. However, even these supposedly hidden spots can get crowded on the day, so please allow ample time when you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are there paid seats for the Chikugo River Fireworks Festival? A. For the 2026 Chikugo River Fireworks Festival (筑後川花火大会), there are generally no paid seats available for the public. However, "Special Viewing Area (Sasayama Venue) Admission Tickets" (特別観覧エリア（篠山会場）入場券) may be offered as a return gift for Furusato Nozei (ふるさと納税). For details, please check Kurume City's (久留米市) Furusato Nozei website or the official announcements from the Executive Committee.

Q. Is there parking available for the Chikugo River Fireworks Festival? A. There are no dedicated parking lots around the venue. Starting in 2026, a "Official Parking Lot" (公式駐車場) with a complete reservation system has been established at Kurume Hyakunen Park (久留米百年公園) to address traffic issues. As the number of spaces is limited and advance reservation is mandatory, if you plan to come by car, please be sure to check the official website for details and make a reservation. Additionally, general parking lots around the venue may also be affected by traffic restrictions, so the use of public transportation is recommended.

Q. When do traffic restrictions begin? A. On the day of the fireworks festival, extensive traffic restrictions will be implemented around the venue and its surroundings starting from 6:30 PM. Specific areas and times for vehicle prohibitions are set, so please check the latest information on Kurume City's (久留米市) official website or the Chikugo River Fireworks Festival Executive Committee's announcements before you go. We recommend using public transportation.