Yamaguchi – Kanmon Straits Fireworks Festival

Venues and Map

The Kanmon Straits Fireworks Festival takes place on both shores of the Kanmon Straits: Mojiku in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, and Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The Mojiku side is known for repeated launches of large fireworks and synchronized music fireworks, while the Shimonoseki side features underwater fireworks and 1.5-shaku fireworks. Fireworks launched simultaneously from both venues blend with the Kanmon Bridge and the surrounding nighttime scenery to create a magical spectacle.

View the venues on Google Maps

Getting There

Extensive traffic restrictions will be in place on the day of the fireworks festival, and the areas around the venues will be extremely crowded. Using public transportation is strongly recommended.

【Mojiku Venue】

• Nearest station: The venue is approximately a 5-minute walk from Mojiko Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line.
• Train: Trains run approximately every 5 minutes between Kokura Station and Mojiko Station. After the fireworks, extra trains to Kokura will run approximately every 5 minutes until around 23:00.
• Important: The route from Mojiko Station to the venue becomes extremely crowded, so allow plenty of time for your journey. Please note that railroad crossings between Mojiko and Kokura cannot be used from 17:00.

【Shimonoseki Venue】

• Nearest station: Shimonoseki Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line is the nearest station.
• On foot: It takes approximately 20 minutes to walk from Shimonoseki Station to the venue.
• Bus: If taking a bus from Shimonoseki Station, get off at Kaikyokan-mae, then walk approximately 1 minute to the venue. Sanden Kotsu is also scheduled to operate extra buses.
• Important: JR Shimonoseki Station and the main venue will be extremely crowded, so please arrive with plenty of time to spare. Traffic congestion may occur in central Shimonoseki after the fireworks end.

【Important Information for Both Venues】

• Parking: There are no visitor parking lots around either venue. Park-and-ride is recommended; a practical plan is to park near Shin-Shimonoseki Station or Kokura Station and travel by train.
• Traffic restrictions: On the Mojiku side, roads around the venue will be subject to traffic restrictions from around 13:00, while roads throughout the surrounding area will be restricted from around 17:00. On the Shimonoseki side, congestion around the venue begins in the morning, traffic restrictions will start around 15:00, and roads throughout the surrounding area will be restricted from around 19:00.
• IC cards: Travel across the ICOCA area (Shimonoseki side) and SUGOCA area (Mojiku side) is not possible. Please purchase tickets covering your entire journey in advance.

Paid Seating and Tickets

Paid viewing areas will be available at both venues for the Kanmon Straits Fireworks Festival. Paid seats allow you to enjoy the fireworks up close in comfort, so purchasing tickets early is recommended.

【Mojiku Venue】 In 2026, as in previous years, the entire seaside area on the Mojiku side will be designated as a paid area.

• Types: Options include sponsored lawn chair seats (music fireworks viewing area). In the main venue area, some seats will also be available as environmental maintenance cooperation seats for 1,000 yen per person. Box seats may also be offered at 12,000 yen for space seating 5 people.
• How to purchase: Details will be announced on the official website and through other channels.

【Shimonoseki Venue】 Paid seats will be available at Misunomachi Pier / Arcaport Venue, the Kamon Wharf Venue, and the area in front of Karato Market.

• Types: A variety of seating options are available, including box seats (6 people), Premium S seats (4 people), Premium A seats (6 people), single seats (chair seats), sponsor areas, and general areas.
• Estimated prices: Prices vary depending on the type of seat.
• Sales period: General sales run from June 6, 2026 (Saturday) at 10:00 until August 13, 2026 (Thursday) at 19:35.
• How to purchase: Tickets can be purchased through ticket outlets at FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, Lawson, and other locations nationwide.
• Same-day tickets: Tickets will be sold at the venue gates from 15:00 on the day, but no same-day tickets will be available if advance tickets have sold out.
• Important: Children under elementary school age are admitted free, but a ticket is required if they occupy a pair seat or chair seat. Tickets for the Mojiku and Shimonoseki venues are not interchangeable, so take care when purchasing. Tickets cannot be changed or refunded after purchase.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

There are several spots where you can enjoy the Kanmon Straits Fireworks Festival besides the paid seating areas. However, because large numbers of spectators visit every year, free viewing areas may prohibit leaving sheets unattended for long periods or reserving more space than necessary. Follow local signs and staff instructions, and keep passageways and evacuation routes clear.

1. Mekari Park Observatory (Mojiku side) Mekari Park, located at the foot of the Kanmon Bridge, is a popular spot for viewing fireworks launched from both shores at close range. Its elevated position offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire Kanmon Straits. You will likely need to claim your spot early.

2. Hikoshima Minami Park (Shimonoseki side) This hilltop park in Shimonoseki’s Hikoshima district is a little far from the launch sites, but it offers simultaneous views of fireworks launched from both sides of the Kanmon Bridge. It is recommended for those looking to enjoy a special view.

3. Approach to Akama Shrine (Sea Approach) (Shimonoseki side) The Sea Approach, a staircase extending toward the water beside Kamon Wharf at Akama Shrine, is a hidden viewing spot with a direct view of the fireworks barges at the Mojiko venue. It may be relatively less crowded, and you can enjoy the fireworks from so close to the strait that it feels within reach. However, the fireworks from the Shimonoseki venue may be almost entirely out of view.

4. Kaikyo Yume Tower (Shimonoseki side) Kaikyo Yume Tower, a landmark of Shimonoseki, is a viewing spot where you can watch the fireworks from a cool indoor location. Reservations are often required in advance, so checking early is recommended.

5. Norfolk Plaza (Mojiku side) Norfolk Plaza in the Mojiko Retro district is another spot where you can watch the fireworks. It offers relatively good views of the fireworks from the Mojiku side.

What to Bring / Attire

Even on a summer night, the seaside can feel chilly when the wind blows. It's a good idea to bring something to wear over your clothes. Also, as you might be standing for a long time, comfortable clothing and easy-to-walk shoes are recommended.

【Useful Items to Bring】

• Leisure sheet or portable cushion (for free viewing areas)
• Drinks, light snacks (venue areas can be crowded, and purchases may take time)
• Wet wipes, sweat-wiping sheets
• Insect repellent spray
• Small flashlight (for moving in dimly lit areas)
• Mobile battery (to prevent your smartphone from running out of charge)
• Trash bag (it's good manners to take your trash home)

Nearby Dining and Sightseeing

It's also recommended to enjoy sightseeing and dining around the Kanmon Kaikyo before or after the fireworks festival.

【Shimonoseki Side】

• Karato Market (唐戸市場): A market where you can savor fresh seafood. Especially on weekends, the "Ikiiki Bakan-gai" (活きいき馬関街) event offers sushi and seafood bowls at reasonable prices.
• Kaikyokan Aquarium (海響館): An aquarium with many highlights, including tanks that recreate the currents of the Kanmon Kaikyo and popular dolphin and sea lion shows.
• Kanmon Kaikyo Yume Tower (関門海峡ゆめタワー): From the observation deck at a height of 153 meters, you can overlook the Kanmon Kaikyo and the fireworks festival venue. Special openings or events may be held on the day of the fireworks festival.

【Moji Side】

• Mojiko Retro (門司港レトロ): Charming retro townscape with a Taisho-era romantic atmosphere. The illuminated historic buildings are a must-see.
• Kyushu Railway History Museum (九州鉄道記念館): A fascinating facility for railway enthusiasts, where you can learn about the history of railways in Kyushu.
• Mojiko Retro Cruise (門司港レトロクルーズ): A cruise that tours the Kanmon Kaikyo by boat. Special viewing cruises may operate on the day of the fireworks festival.

There are also several restaurants and hotels in the area that offer views of the Kanmon Kaikyo fireworks. If you wish to enjoy fireworks with a luxurious dinner, early reservations are recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can the fireworks festival be canceled? A. The fireworks festival will be held even in rainy weather, but it may be canceled in severe weather such as strong winds. The final decision on whether the event will go ahead will be announced on the official website and other channels at 15:00 on the day of the festival.

Q. Can I bring food and drinks into the venue? A. You may bring food and drinks such as boxed lunches, but using fire for activities such as barbecues is prohibited. Please also refrain from bringing large items, such as oversized coolers, that may inconvenience other spectators. We ask that you take your trash home with you after eating and drinking.

Q. Can I bring my pet? A. Pets are not allowed inside the venue. Please refrain from bringing them, as the loud sounds and bright flashes of the fireworks may cause pets to panic or bite people nearby.

Q. Are there restrooms at the venue? A. Portable toilets will be installed in the main venue. On the Mojiku side, women-only toilets may also be available in the sponsor area. Since the routes to the stations become extremely crowded after the fireworks, we recommend using the restrooms at the venue beforehand.

Q. Can I fly a drone to film the fireworks? A. Flying drones inside or around the venue is strictly prohibited, including before and after the festival. Your cooperation is requested to ensure safety.