Mie – July 25 Kihoku Toro Festival

Venue and Map

The Kihoku Toro Festival takes place at Nagashima Port in Kihoku Town, Kitamuro District, Mie Prefecture. The port is surrounded by beautiful ria-coast scenery, and the distinctive terrain of the fireworks launch area makes it possible to create horizontally spreading fireworks such as the “Saiun Peacock.” Small, box-shaped lanterns made by children from local kindergartens, elementary schools, and junior high schools are also displayed around the venue, creating a warm atmosphere built by the entire community.

View the venue on Google Maps

Access

The Kihoku Toro Festival venue can be reached by either public transportation or car. However, severe congestion is expected on the day of the event, so public transportation is recommended.

By train The nearest station is Kii-Nagashima Station on the JR Kisei Main Line. The venue is about a 15-minute walk from the station. After the fireworks, the station becomes extremely crowded, and the last trains are limited, so check the timetable in advance and allow plenty of time.

By car The venue is conveniently located about 5 minutes by car from the Kisei Expressway’s Kii-Nagashima IC. However, heavy traffic occurs on roads around Kii-Nagashima IC before the fireworks begin (from 6:00 p.m. through the 7:00 p.m. hour) and after they end (from around 8:30 p.m.). A journey that normally takes 7 minutes can sometimes take more than approximately 3 hours, so consider allowing extra time or taking a detour that avoids Kii-Nagashima IC.

Parking Several parking areas are available around the venue. For the 2026 Kihoku Toro Festival, reservations for designated reservation-only parking areas are scheduled to open through Chubu Electric Power Miraiz Connect’s “Toku-P” at 10:00 on Wednesday, July 1. Some locations cost ¥3,000. Major parking areas include “Kihoku Junior High School (P5)” and “Miyama Multipurpose Field (P8),” each with designated entry and exit times and specified ICs for access. Some parking areas are about a 25-minute walk from Kihoku Town Hall, while others offer shuttle bus service. We recommend checking the detailed parking map and information on the official website in advance and making a reservation.

Paid Seating and Tickets

The Kihoku Toro Festival does not offer official paid seating. Visitors can watch the fireworks freely from around Kii-Nagashima Port within the venue area. Regarding reserving spots, placing sheets may be restricted until a certain time on the day so as not to interfere with port operations, so please check the official information.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

Here are several lesser-known spots for enjoying the Kihoku Toro Festival comfortably. Avoid the crowds and take your time enjoying the spectacular combination of fireworks and the giant lantern.

1. The elevated areas around Kii-Nagashima Port There are several slightly elevated locations around Kii-Nagashima Port, the festival venue. From these spots, you can take in the entire fireworks display, and they are popular for enjoying the show together with the nighttime scenery. You can watch the powerful fireworks while avoiding the crowds at the main venue.

2. Near Enoura Bridge (opposite shore) The area around Enoura Bridge, located across the water a short distance from the venue, is another excellent hidden spot for viewing the fireworks. It is relatively uncrowded and recommended for those who want to watch the display in a relaxed setting.

3. The open space around Kii-Nagashima Station There is an open area near JR Kii-Nagashima Station where you can also see the fireworks. Although it is within walking distance of the venue, it is not as crowded as the main site, making it a convenient option for visitors arriving by train.

4. In front of the Mie Kumano Kodo Chamber of Commerce and Industry For those who want to photograph the fireworks’ reflections on the water, the area in front of the Mie Kumano Kodo Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a well-known photography spot. It is extremely popular on social media, and the best sections may be allocated by lottery on the day, so early research and action are essential.

5. Beaches If you would like to enjoy the fireworks at a leisurely pace while feeling the sea breeze on a summer night, watching from one of the nearby beaches is also recommended. Since they are a little farther from the venue, it should be easier to avoid the crowds. Bringing a leisure sheet or folding chair will make your evening even more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the biggest highlight of the Kihoku Toro Festival? A. The festival’s greatest attraction is the spectacular combination of the giant “dai-toro” lantern floating on the sea and the special “Saiun Peacock” fireworks designed around the terrain of Nagashima Port. In particular, the “Saiun Peacock Senrin,” in which the horizontally spreading “Saiun Peacock” resembles a peacock spreading its feathers while the rainbow-like “Saishoku Senrin” fireworks burst above it, captivates audiences with a fleeting spectacle that can only be seen here.

Q. Are food stalls available at the venue? A. Yes. The “Toro Market” will be held at the venue, with booths selling food, drinks, and various goods. In 2026, it is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., allowing you to enjoy the festival atmosphere before the fireworks start.

Q. Is parking available? A. Several parking areas will be provided outside the venue. Some are reservation-only, with reservations scheduled to be accepted through Chubu Electric Power Miraiz Connect’s “Toku-P.” Severe congestion is expected on the day, so we recommend checking the parking details on the official website in advance and making a reservation.