【Imabari Onmaku Fireworks】 Complete Guide to Launch Times, Hidden Spots, and Reserved Seating
Jul 17, 2026 · ✍️ olablog · ⏱ 7 min read
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Annual guide to Imabari Onmaku Fireworks in Ehime: usual timing, viewing spots and access. Dates for next year follow the organisers' announcement.
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▶ Open on YouTube — like & subscribeThis information is current as of July 2026. Please check the official website before heading out.
Held every summer in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, the Imabari Citizens' Festival “Onmaku” is a lively, all-community celebration whose name comes from the Imabari dialect and conveys the meanings “crazy,” “a lot,” and “with all one's might.” The festival's grand finale, the Onmaku Fireworks, is one of the largest fireworks displays in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, with approximately 10,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky over Imabari Port. A beloved feature of summer, it draws huge crowds every year. The theme for 2026 has been announced as “NOSTALGIA～郷愁～,” with plenty to look forward to, including fireworks synchronized to music and a climactic sequence of 100 large shell fireworks fired in succession.
Event Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Imabari Citizens' Festival “Onmaku” Fireworks (29th edition) |
| Date | 2026年8月9日(日) |
| Time | 20:00～20:50 (approximately 50 minutes) |
| Venue | Around Imabari Port (launch site: near the breakwater offshore from Imabari Port) |
| Number of fireworks | Approximately 10,000 |
| Typical attendance | Approximately 280,000 (entire festival; approximately 240,000 for the fireworks) |
| Rain date | In the event of severe weather, postponed to 2026年8月22日(土). If severe weather continues on the 22nd, the event will be canceled. |
Venue and Map
The main venue for the Imabari Citizens' Festival “Onmaku” Fireworks is the area around Imabari Port in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture. The fireworks are launched from near the breakwater offshore from Imabari Port, making use of the harbor's wide-open surroundings for an expansive presentation. Because the viewing areas are close to the launch site, you can feel the power of the fireworks' sound and light throughout your entire body.
Access
Public transportation is recommended for getting to the area around Imabari Port, the venue for the Imabari Citizens' Festival “Onmaku” Fireworks.
By train It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to walk from JR Imabari Station to Imabari Port. The streets around the station and on the way to the venue become extremely crowded on the day of the fireworks, so allow plenty of extra time.
By car
- From the Imabari IC on the Nishiseto Expressway, approximately 10 minutes by car toward central Imabari (approximately 3km).
- From the Imabari-Yunoura IC on the Imabari-Komatsu Expressway, take National Route 196 and then Prefectural Route 38 toward central Imabari; the drive takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes (approximately 10km).
There are few parking lots around the venue, so public transportation is strongly recommended. Temporary parking areas may be available, but they are often reservation-only and become very crowded. Traffic restrictions will also be in effect, so check the official website in advance for the latest information. In most years, traffic restrictions are imposed on the Kaigandori coastal road around Imabari Port from 18:00 until around 21:30.
Be careful not to miss the last train JR Imabari Station becomes extremely crowded after the fireworks. If you are traveling from far away, check your return train schedule in advance and allow plenty of time so you do not miss it. Staying overnight in Imabari is another way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the afterglow of the fireworks at a more leisurely pace.
Reserved Seating and Tickets
For the 2026 Imabari Citizens' Festival “Onmaku” Fireworks, reserved viewing seats will be available for those who want to enjoy the show up close. General ticket sales will run from 2026年6月17日(水) through 8月5日(水).
Ticket types and indicative prices (advance / same-day)
- PS and PK seats (reserved seating): ¥20,000 / ¥30,000
- SL, SC, and SR seats (reserved seating): ¥12,000 / ¥15,000
- PD seats (unreserved seating within the designated area): ¥10,000 / ¥15,000
- MZ seats (unreserved seating within the designated area): ¥8,000 / ¥10,000
- F seats (unreserved seating within the designated area): ¥4,000 / ¥5,000
- A seats (unreserved seating within the designated area): ¥4,000 / ¥5,000
- SB seats (block seating, up to 10 people): ¥50,000 / ¥60,000
How to purchase
- Loppi ticket machines inside Lawson or Ministop stores (L code: 66667)
- The Lawson Ticket website (seat selection available from 6月18日(木)0:00)
Other information
- Only A and F seat holders may bring in a folding chair (within 80cm in both width and height). All other seats include a simple cushion.
- Reserved seating is set up in the harbor facilities area, so structures, plants, or moored boats may obstruct the view.
- Special viewing seats from the top floor of Imabari Castle Keep (limited to 6 groups) may also be offered as a gift in return for hometown tax donations to Imabari City.
Tickets are popular every year, so purchasing them early is recommended.
Lesser-Known Viewing Spots
For those who want to enjoy the Imabari Citizens' Festival “Onmaku” Fireworks while avoiding the crowds, here are several lesser-known viewing spots.
- Around Imabari Castle's South Moat The walkway along Imabari Castle's South Moat is relatively uncrowded and offers a cool waterside setting for watching the fireworks. Since Imabari Castle is not directly in the way of the launch direction, you may be able to enjoy a combination view of the fireworks and the castle.
- Chikamiyama Observatory Chikamiyama Observatory offers a panoramic view of Imabari and is a great hidden spot for enjoying the spectacular combination of the city nightscape and fireworks. Access requires a car, but it is recommended for those who want to take in the entire display from a little farther away.
- Riverside between Gōbashi and Shin-Sōjō Ōhashi Bridges on the Sōjō River The riverside along the Sōjō River—particularly the area between Gōbashi and Shin-Sōjō Ōhashi Bridges—is known as a quieter spot where you can relax and watch the fireworks using camping tables and chairs.
- Around Katahara Kaigan Park and Kitahama Kaigan Park The seaside parks a little farther from Imabari Port also offer open views, making it easy to see the fireworks display as a whole. The greater distance means they are somewhat less dramatic, but they are recommended for those who prefer a more relaxed viewing experience.
Crowd levels at these lesser-known spots may vary depending on conditions on the day. Arriving early and checking out the location in advance are recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What time does the fireworks display run? A. The 2026 Imabari Citizens' Festival “Onmaku” Fireworks are scheduled to run for approximately 50 minutes, from 20:00 to 20:50.
Q. Will the fireworks be canceled if it rains? A. In the event of severe weather, the display will be postponed to 2026年8月22日(土). If severe weather continues on 8月22日(土), it will be canceled. Check the official website and other official sources on the day for the latest information.
Q. Is parking available near the venue? A. There is generally no dedicated parking (including parking for motorcycles and bicycles) around the fireworks venue. The use of public transportation is strongly recommended. Temporary parking areas may be provided in some years, but reservations may be required and spaces are limited, so check as early as possible. Traffic restrictions will also be in place, so please plan accordingly.
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