Numazu Summer Festival and Kano River Fireworks

Getting there

JR Numazu Station provides convenient access by public transport.

• By train:

  • The Kano River banks are approximately 10 minutes on foot from the south exit of JR Numazu Station.
  • San-san-dori, which leads from the station towards the main venue, becomes a pedestrian zone on the day. It provides an easy-to-follow route and a chance to enjoy the festival atmosphere on the way.

• By car:

  • Approximately 15 minutes from Numazu Interchange on the Tomei Expressway.
  • Approximately 20 minutes from Nagaizumi-Numazu Interchange on the Shin-Tomei Expressway.
  • However, parking is prohibited throughout the city-centre event area on the day, so public transport is strongly recommended.

Alternative timing during the crowds and the last train home After the display, approximately 150,000 people head towards Numazu Station at the same time, causing severe pedestrian congestion around the south entrance. One option for avoiding the biggest rush is to miss the finale, which runs approximately 19:55–20:10, and start walking towards the station 20–30 minutes before the fireworks end. Those staying for the finale can instead wait around an hour at nearby restaurants or in the pedestrianised festival area, which remains open until 21:00, before going to the station. This helps avoid the worst station-entry restrictions.

Return trains are expected to be very crowded. Check the last departures from JR Numazu Station beforehand and allow plenty of time.

Paid seating and tickets

Paid viewing areas are provided for watching the fireworks at close range.

• Seat types and indicative prices: The main offering is reserved box-style seating. Typical prices for one area accommodating up to 6 people are ¥8,000, ¥10,000 or ¥11,000. A ticket is required for children aged 4 and above.

• How to buy: These seats are popular, and advance sales or lotteries are usually held. In 2025, priority sales for residents began in early June, followed by a general lottery from late June into early July. Additional ticket sales for 2026 were announced on July 9.

  Check Numazu's official tourism portal and ticketing services such as Ticket Pia for current sales information and details. System-use and other additional fees may apply.

• Important conditions: Enter through the gate for the section printed on the viewing ticket. Bring your own picnic sheet, cushion or other covering. Pets are not permitted in the seating area, and unauthorised resale of tickets is prohibited.

Quieter viewing spots

There are several alternatives to paid seating. As this is a city-centre display, buildings may obstruct some views, and low-level effects or set pieces may be difficult to see from certain locations.

1. Mount Kanuki Observatory This elevated viewpoint overlooks central Numazu. It is farther from the venue, so the sound is less intense, but visitors can enjoy the whole display together with the city's night scenery. It is suggested for those hoping to avoid crowds. Some paths are dark at night; comfortable walking shoes and a torch are useful.

2. Senbonhama Park and the Senbon Matsubara area This large coastal park is a little farther from the venue and is a familiar alternative for a calmer evening with a sea breeze. The launch area is some distance away, but its open surroundings may provide suitable places to watch.

3. Around Numazu City Hall Relatively close to the Kano River launch area, gaps between buildings may offer an atmospheric view. It is an option for visitors who want to watch free of charge while remaining near the main venue.

4. Free viewing areas along the Kano River Free viewing spaces may be set up a little farther from the centre, including on the left bank upstream of Ayumi Bridge and downstream of Eitai Bridge. Numazu Central Park, beside the river, is also described as a place with good free views.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How can I avoid the biggest crowds? A. The area around Numazu Station becomes extremely crowded immediately after the display. Consider heading to the station before the finale, or waiting around an hour at nearby restaurants or in the pedestrianised festival area before returning. Paid viewing seats can also make the time spent watching more comfortable.

Q. Will there be food stalls? A. Yes. Many temporary stalls line the surrounding roads, offering festival food. Check the official website for up-to-date locations and opening times.

Q. Are there good places to watch without a paid ticket? A. High aerial fireworks can be seen from many places along the Kano River. Mount Kanuki Observatory provides a broad view of the city and display, while Senbonhama Park offers a relaxed coastal setting. Numazu Central Park and free viewing spaces beside the river are other options. However, buildings may obstruct the view and some set pieces may be difficult to see because the event takes place in the city centre.