
Kyoto – August 16 Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks Festival
The Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks Festival, with a history of approximately 400 years, is a fantastical celebration of fire where around 10,000 lanterns illuminate Miyazu Bay and approximately 3,000 fireworks light up the night sky, creating a spectacular union of sea and sky. This guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 event, including access, reserved seating, and the best lesser-known viewing spots.
Jul 18, 2026·✍️ olablog·⏱ 6 min read
The Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks Festival, with a history of approximately 400 years, is a fantastical celebration of fire where around 10,000 lanterns illuminate Miyazu Bay and approximately 3,000 fireworks light up the night sky, creating a spectacular union of sea and sky. This guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 event, including access, reserved seating, and the best lesser-known viewing spots.
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▶ Open on YouTube — like & subscribeHeld every year on August 16 in Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture, the Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks Festival is a traditional summer event with a history of approximately 400 years. Counted among Japan’s three major lantern-floating festivals, it is known as a spectacular celebration of fire, combining the fantastical sight of around 10,000 red-and-white lanterns filling Miyazu Bay with approximately 3,000 fireworks launched from boats. Because the bay is surrounded by mountains, the sound of the fireworks reverberates throughout the area, creating an impressively powerful experience.
Event Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, August 16, 2026 |
| Time | Buddhist chanting: from 18:30 Floating of the spirit boat (lighting) and lanterns: from 19:20 Fireworks: 19:50–20:35 Bon dance festival: after the fireworks end–21:30 (or 21:35) |
| Venue | Shimazaki Park and the area around Miyazu Bay |
| Number of fireworks | Approximately 3,000 |
| Typical attendance | Approximately 70,000–80,000 people |
| In case of rain | Held in light rain; canceled in severe weather (there are no refunds if the event goes ahead in rainy conditions) |
Venue and Map
The main venue for the Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks Festival is Shimazaki Park, along with the waters of Miyazu Bay offshore. The area is also close to Amanohashidate, one of the Three Scenic Views of Japan, and is known for its beautiful scenery. The fireworks are launched from boats on Miyazu Bay, and their sound echoes off the surrounding mountains, creating an intensely powerful spectacle.
Access
The Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks Festival can be reached by either public transportation or car.
By Train
The nearest station is Miyazu Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway Miyazu and Miyafuku Lines. From Miyazu Station, Shimazaki Park, the main venue, is approximately a 9–10-minute walk northwest.
Alternative routes during busy periods and last-train warnings
On the day of the festival, the area around Miyazu Station and the sidewalks leading to the venue become extremely crowded. Allow plenty of time and plan to arrive early to avoid the worst of the congestion. Trains on the Kyoto Tango Railway are also very crowded after the fireworks end, so check the timetable in advance and be careful not to miss the last train.
By Car
The venue is approximately 10 minutes by car from the Miyazu-Amanohashidate IC on the Kyoto Jukan Expressway, via Prefectural Route Ayabe–Oe–Miyazu.
About parking
For the 2026 festival, the official temporary parking lots in the city will require payment and advance reservations to help ease traffic congestion. Please note that there will be no free parking lots. Parking tickets will be sold through Ticket Pia starting July 1.
In addition, temporary sightseeing boat services will operate from the Fuchu area on the north side of Amanohashidate. A park-and-cruise service will also be available, allowing visitors to use the temporary parking lots at Fuchu Park and the Fuchu Elementary School grounds (a total of 430 spaces) free of charge. As the city center becomes extremely congested, consider taking a sightseeing boat from Amanohashidate.
Traffic restrictions
Traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue on the day of the festival. In particular, some sections will be closed to vehicles from 18:00 to around 21:35, so it is important to check traffic restriction information in advance on the official Miyazu Chamber of Commerce and Industry website and other sources, and familiarize yourself with alternative routes.
Reserved Seating and Tickets
For the 2026 Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks Festival, paid viewing areas will be available for a more comfortable experience.
- Types and prices: Pipe-chair seats cost 3,000 yen per seat. The same price applies to both adults and children.
- How to purchase: Advance reservations only; tickets will not be sold on the day.
- Sales period: Sales will begin on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, through Ticket Pia and e-plus.
- Location: The seating will be set up inside Shimazaki Park.
Standing in the reserved seating area, taking photographs in passageways, using tripods or selfie sticks, smoking, leaving trash behind, and bringing pets into the area (except guide dogs and service dogs) are prohibited. Please follow proper etiquette while enjoying the event.
Lesser-Known Viewing Spots
Shimazaki Park, the main venue, offers a spectacular experience but is expected to be extremely crowded. For those who would like to enjoy the fireworks at a more relaxed pace away from the crowds, here are several lesser-known viewing spots.
- Western end of Shimazaki Park Even within Shimazaki Park, the area at the western end is generally less crowded and may offer a good angle for enjoying both the fireworks and the floating lanterns. Arriving early to secure a spot is recommended.
- Nishi-Miyazu Park Located approximately a 15-minute walk from Miyazu Station, Nishi-Miyazu Park is a lesser-known spot where you can watch the fireworks in an open space. Since it is a little farther from the main venue, it tends to be less crowded.
- Miyazu Bay wharf area The wharf area around Miyazu Bay is known for its especially beautiful reflections of the fireworks on the water. Enjoy the fantastical spectacle from an open spot along the waterfront.
- Amanohashidate View Land observation deck From the observation deck at Amanohashidate View Land, you can look down over the entire bay and take in a sweeping panorama of the floating lanterns and fireworks. However, because it is a popular spot, you will need to arrive early and secure a place.
- Takigami Park Takigami Park, located slightly uphill, is another lesser-known spot overlooking Miyazu Bay. Since it is some distance from the venue, it is recommended for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the fireworks in a more peaceful setting.
These lesser-known spots are also expected to be crowded on the day, so please set out with plenty of time to spare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will food stalls be set up around the fireworks venue?
A. Yes. In typical years, food stalls are set up along the route from Miyazu Station to the coastline (along Prefectural Route 9), around Shimazaki Park, and in the pedestrian-only zone on the street in front of the station. Around 40–60 vendors are expected to offer grilled seafood, local dishes, shaved ice, and more, operating from around 15:00 to around 21:00.
Q. Will the event go ahead in light rain?
A. The Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks Festival goes ahead in light rain. However, it will be canceled in severe weather. Please note that even if the event proceeds in rainy conditions, there will be no refunds for reserved seating. Check the official website and other sources for the final decision on whether the event will be held.
Q. Are there any restrictions at the venue?
A. Smoking, using tents, tripods, or selfie sticks, flying drones, leaving trash behind, and bringing pets into the venue (except guide dogs and service dogs) are prohibited. To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, please follow all rules and observe proper etiquette.
🎆 Make a trip of it — tours near the fireworks
Day tours departing from the nearest city — tour by day, fireworks by night.
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