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[Ozu River Festival Fireworks Display] | Hidden Viewing Spots, Parking, and Food Stalls by Ozu Castle and the Fireworks

Jul 21, 2026 · ✍️ olablog · ⏱ 5 min read

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Annual guide to [Ozu River Festival Fireworks Display]: usual timing, viewing spots and access. Dates for next year follow the organisers' announcement.

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Held every year in Ozu, Ehime Prefecture, the Ozu River Festival Fireworks Display is a long-running event beloved as one of Ozu’s signature summer traditions. Approximately 3,000 fireworks light up the night sky against the backdrop of Ozu Castle, while the surrounding basin and mountains amplify the thunderous sound for an intensely immersive experience. Another major attraction is the chance to enjoy the event alongside the Hiji River ukai, one of Japan’s three most famous cormorant-fishing traditions.

Event Overview

The details for the 2026 Ozu River Festival Fireworks Display are as follows.

Item Details
Date 2026年8月3日(月)
Venue Hijikita-gawara (Ozu Castle side)/Nakamura, Ozu, Ehime Prefecture
Number of fireworks Approximately 3,000
Scheduled end time Around 21:00
Paid seating Generally not available to the public (special plans are available at some facilities)
Parking Approximately 1,300〜1,500 free temporary parking spaces
Traffic restrictions 18:30〜21:30: No vehicle entry around the venue
Held concurrently Hiji River ukai (one of Japan’s three most famous cormorant-fishing traditions)
Inquiries Ozu City Tourism Association 0893-24-2664

This information is current as of July 2026. Be sure to check the official website for the latest updates before setting out.

Venue and Map

The main fireworks venue is Hijikita-gawara (Ozu Castle side) in Nakamura, Ozu, Ehime Prefecture. From here, you can enjoy fireworks bursting up close against the backdrop of historic Ozu Castle. The reflections on the surface of the Hiji River and the sight of cormorant-fishing boats illuminated by bonfires create a uniquely atmospheric scene found at this festival.

View the venue on Google Maps

Access

The venue can be reached by either public transportation or car.

By Public Transportation

From Iyo-Ozu Station on the JR Yosan and Uchiko lines, Hijikita-gawara is approximately a 15- to 20-minute walk away. There will be a steady flow of spectators heading toward the venue from the station, so following the crowd is a good way to find your way.

By Car

The venue is approximately 10 minutes by car from the Ozu IC on the Matsuyama Expressway. Approximately 1,300 to 1,500 spaces will be available in free temporary parking lots, but these fill up quickly every year, so arriving early is recommended. Parking will be available at temporary lots in the surrounding area.

Please note the traffic restrictions: On the day of the fireworks display, vehicles will be prohibited from entering areas around the venue from 18:30 to 21:30. Consider arriving outside the restricted hours or using public transportation.

Please check the last train home: The fireworks display is scheduled to end around 21:00. Check the last train from JR Iyo-Ozu Station in advance and allow plenty of time for your journey.

Paid Seating and Tickets

The Ozu River Festival Fireworks Display generally does not offer paid seating for the general public. However, some facilities provide special viewing plans to coincide with the fireworks display. For example, Shiroshita Terrace will offer “special paid viewing seats” on its open terrace for the 2026年8月3日(月) event, including six-person table seating limited to 10 tables. For the latest information on prices and details for these special viewing seats, check the official websites of the respective facilities.

Taking a cormorant-fishing sightseeing boat and watching the fireworks from the surface of the Hiji River is another special experience. For information about reservations and fares for the cormorant-fishing sightseeing boats, contact the Ozu City Tourism Association or another relevant organization.

Hidden Viewing Spots

For those who want to enjoy the fireworks while avoiding the crowds, here are several recommended lesser-known viewing spots.

  • Around Ozu Red Brick Hall: The area around Ozu Red Brick Hall, surrounded by Ozu’s retro streetscape, is a relatively peaceful place to watch the fireworks. You can enjoy the collaboration between the fireworks and the historic architecture.
  • Near Nofujibashi Bridge: The area near Nofujibashi Bridge over the Hiji River is known among locals as a hidden spot with few obstructions and beautiful reflections of the fireworks on the water. It is also easily accessible, with parking lots scattered within walking distance.
  • Rooftop of Ozu Machi no Eki “Asamoya”: From the rooftop of Ozu Machi no Eki “Asamoya,” you may be able to enjoy the fireworks from an elevated vantage point. Contact the facility for details.
  • Mt. Fuji Park: Although it is a little farther from the venue, Mt. Fuji Park may offer distant views of the fireworks alongside Ozu’s nightscape. The view from the hilltop has a charm all its own.

These hidden spots are also expected to be crowded on the day, so arriving early to secure a place is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is parking available? A. Yes. Approximately 1,300 to 1,500 free temporary parking spaces will be available around the venue. However, it is extremely crowded every year, so arriving early is recommended. Please also note that traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue from 18:30 to 21:30.

Q. Will there be food stalls? A. Food stalls are typically set up around the venue each year. You can enjoy local specialties as well as classic festival foods.

Q. Can I bring my pet? A. Although there is no clear information on the official website or elsewhere, bringing pets is not recommended because the fireworks venue becomes crowded and the loud sounds may frighten them. If you do bring a pet, be considerate of those around you, keep it securely on a leash, and observe good manners.


🎆 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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