Hiroshima Fukuyama Summer Festival 2026 Ashida River Fireworks Display

Access

Using public transportation is recommended.

• Train and Bus Shuttle buses will run from the south exit of JR Fukuyama Station. The bus ride to the venue takes approximately 20 minutes, followed by a walk of about 20 minutes. Depending on road conditions, the journey may take anywhere from 20 minutes to 60 minutes.

  • To the Shingai area (left bank): Take the bus bound for “Tajime Shako Temporary Bus Stop (Fukuyama City Arena)” from China Bus Stop No. 4. The venue is about a 15-minute walk from the stop.
  • To the Mizunomi area (right bank): Take the bus bound for “Maruyamaguchi Temporary Bus Stop (Soka Gakkai Parking Lot)” from Tomotetsu Bus Stop No. 5. The venue is about a 10-minute walk from the stop. Heavy traffic is expected for approximately 3 hours before and after the fireworks, so allow plenty of time for your journey. Be sure to check the time of the last train for your return trip as well.

• Car The venue is approximately 20 minutes from the Fukuyama-Higashi IC on the Sanyo Expressway. However, congestion is expected at the Fukuyama-Higashi IC from around 14:00, so consider using the nearby Kasaoka IC or Fukuyama-Nishi IC instead. Parking around the venue is limited and becomes extremely crowded. Some paid parking lots will be available, with some requiring advance reservations and others operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the official website in advance and make a reservation if possible. Traffic restrictions are scheduled to be in place from 18:00 until around 23:00. Ashida River Bridge and Komizunomi Bridge will also be closed to pedestrians from 19:00 to 21:00, so please take note.

Paid Seating and Tickets

The Ashida River Fireworks Display offers numerous individual sponsorship seats for a more comfortable viewing experience. Applications for individual sponsorship seating generally open in early June each year.

The main types of paid seating and their approximate prices are listed below.

• Shingai Area (Left Bank)

  • Open seating within the area (early admission): 2,000 yen per person
  • Open seating within the area (general admission): 3,000 yen per person
  • 8-person box seat: 36,000 yen per box
  • 4-person box seat: 18,000 yen per box
  • 3-person bench seat: 15,000 yen per bench
  • Pair seat: 9,000 yen
  • Dynamic pair seat: 20,000 yen per set (includes a table, chairs, and boxed meals)
  • Individual chair seat: 5,000 yen per seat
  • Relaxed-view seat: 12,000 yen per seat
  • 6-person group seat: 48,000 yen for 6 seats
  • Premium lounge seat: Details to be announced later

• Mizunomi Area (Right Bank)

  • Open seating within the area (general admission): 3,000 yen per seat
  • 4-person priority seat with parking: 21,000 yen per box
  • 4-person tiered seat with parking: 21,000 yen per box
  • 6-person group seat with parking: 56,000 yen per box

Tickets are required for children of elementary-school age and older. Preschool children may attend free of charge if seated on a guardian’s lap, but a ticket is required if they need their own seat. If the fireworks display is canceled due to severe weather or other circumstances, sponsorship tickets will be refunded at half price; however, the refund fee is the purchaser’s responsibility. Unauthorized ticket resale is prohibited.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

For those who want to enjoy the fireworks while avoiding the crowds, here are several lesser-known viewing spots. Since the fireworks can be seen across a wide area from both banks of the Ashida River, you can still enjoy the show from places a little farther away from the venue.

1. Around Fukuyama City University Since this area is somewhat distant from the venue, you may be able to watch the fireworks while avoiding the crowds. Its open surroundings offer sweeping views of the entire launch area.

2. Minamihonjo Park This park is also located a little away from the venue and is recommended for families. You should be able to spread out a picnic sheet and enjoy the fireworks at a leisurely pace.

3. Fukuyama Corona World Rooftop Parking Lot Fukuyama Corona World opens its multistory parking garage as a special viewing area to coincide with the fireworks display. Although there is a fee, it minimizes the need to travel and offers a comfortable viewing experience, making it a good option for families with small children and older visitors.

These lesser-known spots are also expected to attract many people on the day, so arriving early is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is parking available? A. There is limited parking around the venue, and paid parking lots will be available. Some parking lots require advance reservations, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so check the official website for details in advance. However, the area around the venue becomes extremely congested, and using public transportation is strongly recommended.

Q. What happens in severe weather? A. In severe weather, the fireworks display will be canceled and will not be postponed. The cancellation decision is scheduled to be announced on the official website by 13:00 on the day of the event. If you have purchased a sponsorship ticket, half of the ticket price will be refunded (the refund fee is the purchaser’s responsibility).

Q. Can I reserve a spot at the venue in advance? A. Reserving spots in advance along the riverbanks using blue tarps, tent pegs, ropes, tents, or similar items is prohibited. All such installations will be removed to prevent accidents caused by strong winds. Viewing or reserving spots on roads or slopes along the embankments is also prohibited to ensure safe passage and visitor safety. In some areas of the paid viewing sections, reserving a spot within the designated area may be permitted, so please confirm when purchasing your tickets.