Saitama – Kumagaya Fireworks Festival

Access

The Kumagaya Fireworks Festival venue is very convenient to reach by public transportation.

By train From the South Exit of Kumagaya Station on the JR Takasaki Line and Chichibu Railway, it is approximately a 5-minute walk to the riverbank. The paid seating area is approximately a 15-minute walk away. For a large-scale fireworks festival, it is unusually convenient to have the venue within walking distance of the station.

By car The venue is approximately 30 minutes from the Higashimatsuyama Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. Approximately 2300 paid parking spaces are available around the venue, and advance reservations are required. The Kumagaya City Hall parking lot will also be opened as a temporary parking area, but heavy congestion is expected. On the day of the fireworks festival, large-scale traffic restrictions are expected around the venue and station from around 16:00 to around 22:00, with possible road closures and pedestrian-only areas. Even if you follow your car navigation system, you may not be able to enter restricted areas, so be sure to check the traffic-control map in advance. The use of public transportation is strongly recommended.

Tips for dealing with crowds The festival typically attracts approximately 40万人～45万人. The peak congestion for arriving is expected to be around 17:00〜19:00, while the peak for departing is expected to be around 20:00〜22:00. Trains leaving after the event can be extremely crowded, and long waits may occur. Allow plenty of time and be sure to check the time of the last train. Extra trains may also be operated.

Paid Seating and Tickets

The Kumagaya Fireworks Festival offers paid seating for a more comfortable viewing experience. Please wait for the official announcement regarding detailed 2026 prices. For reference, the types of paid seating and approximate prices in 2025 are as follows:

• Box seating (for 4 people): 40,000円 (includes a cardboard sheet)
• Table seating (for 4 people): 32,000円 (includes 1 table and 4 chairs)
• Blue-sheet seating (for 4 people): 20,000円 (includes a 180cm×180cm blue sheet; assigned seating)
• Chair seating (per person): 7,000円

Tickets are sold through Ticket Pia and JTB, among others. Advance sales may be available, so check the official website for the latest information.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

For those who want to enjoy the fireworks at a more relaxed pace while avoiding the crowds, here are several lesser-known viewing spots.

1. Aeon Kumagaya Store Rooftop The rooftop parking area at Aeon Kumagaya Store may be opened to the public free of charge on the day of the fireworks festival. Its elevated position provides an unobstructed view of the fireworks and allows you to take in the display as a whole. The building also has restrooms and restaurants, making it a comfortable option.
2. Ishihara Park This park can be reached from Ishihara Station, one stop from Kumagaya Station on the Chichibu Railway. Although it is a little farther from the venue, it is comparatively less crowded and is recommended for families. There are also playground facilities, so families with small children can enjoy themselves until the fireworks begin.
3. Kumagaya Sakuratsutsumi and Arakawa Green Space Located very close to the venue, Kumagaya Sakuratsutsumi and Arakawa Green Space are classic free viewing areas. Because the launch site is nearby, you can experience the fireworks at close range with tremendous impact. However, these are popular areas, so you will need to secure a spot early, before sunset. Entry to the Arakawa Green Space rugby field is prohibited before 16時 to protect the grass.
4. Kuge Bridge and Kuge Riverbank The Kuge riverbank in Gyoda City, one stop before Kumagaya Station, is also known as a lesser-known viewing spot. Although it is somewhat farther from the venue, it is popular with local residents and offers a relaxed place to watch the fireworks. It is also relatively easy to reach by car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I bring food and drinks into the venue? A. In principle, food and drinks may be brought into the venue. However, approximately 500 food stalls will be set up around the venue, so enjoying festival food is also highly recommended.

Q. Where should I dispose of my trash? A. There are few trash bins at the fireworks venue, so please help by taking your trash home with you. Your cooperation is appreciated in keeping the area beautiful.

Q. Will there be traffic restrictions? A. Yes. Large-scale traffic restrictions will be implemented around the venue and station on the day of the fireworks festival. Road closures and pedestrian-only areas may be established from around 16時 to around 22時, so check the traffic-control map on the official website or elsewhere in advance. The use of public transportation is recommended.