Ibaraki – September 12 Joso Kinugawa Fireworks Festival

Access

The nearest station is Mitsukaido Station on the Kanto Railway Joso Line. It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to walk from Mitsukaido Station to the venue. Roads from the station to the venue become extremely crowded on the day of the festival, so allowing plenty of extra time is recommended.

If arriving by car, the venue is approximately 10 minutes from Yawara IC on the Joban Expressway via National Route 294, or approximately 10 minutes from Joso IC on the Ken-O Expressway via National Route 294. Temporary parking lots are set up around the venue, but spaces are limited and they typically fill up early. For the 2026 festival, organizers have announced that there will be no free parking or bicycle parking, so be sure to check information about parking tickets and traffic restrictions in advance. Using public transportation is recommended.

Trains departing after the event are also expected to be extremely crowded, so check the times of the last trains in advance and plan accordingly. Both inbound and outbound services from Mitsukaido Station become especially congested immediately after the fireworks end. Consider heading to the station with plenty of time to spare or waiting until the crowds subside.

Paid Seating and Tickets

General sales for information regarding paid seating for 2026 will begin at 10:00 on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Various types of paid seating are offered each year and are popular with visitors who want to enjoy the fireworks in comfort.

The main types of paid seating and approximate prices, including 2026 information, are as follows:

• Box seat (capacity: 5 people): Includes a 1.8m-square sheet. ¥10,000 for residents, ¥15,000 for general admission. May be available on the east and west banks.
• Chair seat (capacity: 1 person): Includes a chair. ¥3,000 for residents, ¥5,000 for general admission.
• Pair seat (capacity: 2 people): Includes chairs. ¥6,000 for residents, ¥10,000 for general admission.
• Premium seat (capacity: 3 people): Includes a table, chairs, and parking for 1 vehicle. ¥18,000.
• Garden table seat (capacity: 4 people): Includes a parking ticket, table, and chairs. ¥30,000.
• Table seat (capacity: 3 people): Includes a parking ticket, table, and chairs. ¥24,000.
• Open seating (capacity: 1 person): On the levee slope. ¥1,000 for residents, ¥2,000 for general admission.
• Photographer seats: Please check the official website for details.
• Parking ticket: ¥2,000 per vehicle (advance reservations required).

Paid viewing areas are divided into the east-bank area, on the Hashimoto Sports Park side, and the west-bank area, on the opposite side of the Kinugawa River. If you prioritize the impact of the fireworks, the left-bank/east-bank area is a good choice; if you also want to consider crowd levels and ease of movement, the right-bank/west-bank area is another option. We recommend checking the official festival website as soon as information on ticket sales dates and purchasing methods is announced. Tickets are highly popular every year, so early purchase is recommended.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

Because the Joso Kinugawa Fireworks Festival can be viewed from a wide area, there are several lesser-known viewing spots in addition to the paid seating areas.

1. Around Toyomizu Bridge (upstream side)

The upstream side of Toyomizu Bridge, located close to the venue, is a spot where you can enjoy powerful fireworks while avoiding some of the crowds. Although it is a little farther from the launch site, it offers a sweeping view and is also recommended for anyone who wants to photograph the fireworks in their entirety. However, the bridge itself has many pedestrians, so avoid stopping to watch from there.

2. Kinu General Park

Kinu General Park, located a little away from the venue, is a popular hidden gem with spacious grounds that are ideal for families. Although it is some distance from the launch site, there are few obstructions, allowing you to watch the fireworks at a relaxed pace. The park has a parking lot, but it is expected to be crowded on the day of the festival. Spreading out a picnic sheet and enjoying the event in a picnic-like setting is another pleasant option.

3. Kansui Park

This small park along the Kinugawa River is a hidden viewing spot with beautiful views of Toyomizu Bridge and the river. It is also relatively close to Mitsukaido Station and is known as a place where visitors can watch the fireworks up close for free. As it is beside the river, temperatures drop in the evening, making it a comfortable place to spend the night.

4. Around Tomioka Sports Ground

The area beside Tomioka Sports Ground and the area beyond National Route 354 after following the river downstream are also considered lesser-known viewing spots. Since they are some distance from the venue, they tend to be less crowded and may offer a more relaxed viewing experience. If arriving by car, getting there early is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is parking available? A. Temporary parking lots may be set up on the day of the festival, but spaces are limited and they typically fill up early. For the 2026 festival, organizers have announced that there will be no free parking or bicycle parking, and paid parking requiring advance reservations (¥2,000–¥3,000 per vehicle) is scheduled to be available. Using public transportation is recommended.

Q. Will there be food stalls? A. Numerous food stalls are set up around the venue every year, adding to the festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a variety of festival foods, including yakisoba, takoyaki, and shaved ice.

Q. Can I bring my pet? A. Pets may be restricted from entering the venue for safety reasons. We recommend checking the official website in advance. Even when kept on a leash, pets may become excited by the crowds and loud noises, so caution is necessary.