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Okayama – Sak aide Ohashi Festival Marine Fireworks Display

Jul 18, 2026 · ✍️ olablog · ⏱ 6 min read

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Annual guide to Sak aide Ohashi Festival Marine Fireworks Display in Kagawa: when it is usually held, best viewing spots, access and practical tips.

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This information is current as of July 2026. Please check the official website before heading out.

The Sakaide Ohashi Festival Marine Fireworks Display, a quintessential summer tradition in Sakaide, Kagawa Prefecture, will be held again in 2026. Around 5,000 fireworks launched from barges offshore in Sakaide Port light up the night sky and sea in a spectacular panorama, synchronized with music and laser effects against the backdrop of the illuminated Seto Ohashi Bridge. The continuous launches of large fireworks, including the 10-gō-dama “shaku-dama,” among the largest in the prefecture, are especially captivating. In 2026, other festival events such as the “Sō-odori” and “Taiko-dai Competition” will be suspended, while the marine fireworks display will be expanded in scale.

Venue and Map

The 2026 Sakaide Ohashi Festival Marine Fireworks Display will be held at the Sakaide Port Central Wharf in Irifunechō, Sakaide, Kagawa Prefecture. Facing the Seto Inland Sea, this venue offers an excellent location for viewing the fireworks up close from the offshore barges where they are launched. Against the illuminated Seto Ohashi Bridge, the trails of light reflected on the sea create a magical scene.

View the venue on Google Maps

Access

By Train

The nearest station is Sakaide Station on the JR Yosan Line. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Sakaide Station to the venue at Sakaide Port Central Wharf. Heavy crowds are expected on the day, so allow plenty of extra time for your journey.

By Car

The venue area is approximately 5–10 minutes by car from the Sakaide-kita IC on the Seto-Chuo Expressway.

However, there is no dedicated parking around the venue. Temporary parking lots will be available, but spaces are limited and they are highly likely to fill up early. Sakaide Municipal Tobu Elementary School and other locations are scheduled to be used as temporary parking areas.

Traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue from 18:00 to around 21:30 on the day of the fireworks display. Traffic congestion is also expected, so using public transportation is strongly recommended. In particular, Sanuki Hamakaido is expected to be crowded, so consider taking a detour via National Route 11.

Be Careful Not to Miss the Last Train

The fireworks display is scheduled to end at 20:30, but it takes time to leave the venue. Check the departure time of the last train from JR Sakaide Station in advance and plan accordingly so you do not miss it.

Reserved Seating and Tickets

For the 2026 Sakaide Ohashi Festival Marine Fireworks Display, reserved seating will be introduced for the first time, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the spectacular fireworks launched right in front of them.

  • Types and Approximate Prices:
    • Pair seating (2 chairs): 6,000 yen
    • Table seating (1 table and 4 chairs): 20,000 yen
    • ※Children aged 3 and under can attend free of charge when sitting on a parent or guardian’s lap without using a seat.
  • Sales Start Date and Time: Sales began on a first-come, first-served basis from 9:00 a.m. on 2026年7月1日(水).
  • How to Purchase: Tickets are available online only as digital tickets. For details, please check the dedicated Sakaide Ohashi Festival website.
  • Location: Seating will be set up in part of the Sakaide Port Central Wharf venue, south of the launch site approximately 300 meters offshore from Sakaide Port.

The proceeds from the reserved seating will reportedly be used to help ensure that the Sakaide Ohashi Festival can continue to be held in the future.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

For those who want to enjoy the fireworks away from the crowds, here are several recommended viewing spots.

  1. Washuzan Observatory (Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture) From Washuzan Observatory on the Okayama Prefecture side across the Seto Ohashi Bridge, you can enjoy a distant view of the bridge and fireworks together. Although it is some distance away, the unobstructed, expansive panoramic view is a major attraction. Crowds also tend to be lighter than at the Sakaide venue.
  2. Yoshima PA (Midpoint of the Seto Ohashi Bridge) Yoshima Parking Area, located at the midpoint of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, is also known as a spot for viewing the fireworks. Its special appeal is that you can enjoy the illuminated bridge and fireworks at the same time. However, traffic restrictions and congestion are expected on the day, so arriving early is essential.
  3. Tadotsura Park (Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture) Like Washuzan Observatory, Tadotsura Park on the Okayama Prefecture side is another lesser-known spot where you can see the Seto Ohashi Bridge and fireworks. The view is also from a distance, but you may be able to watch in a relatively calm setting.
  4. Shōtsūjiyama Summit Observatory (Utazu, Kagawa Prefecture) The Shōtsūjiyama Summit Observatory in Utazu, which borders Sakaide, is another spot offering a distant view of the fireworks. From the hilltop, you can look toward Sakaide Port and enjoy the combination of the Seto Inland Sea nightscape and fireworks while avoiding the crowds at the main venue.

These lesser-known spots may also attract many visitors on the day, so consider arriving early to secure a good place and using public transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will events other than the fireworks display be held as part of the 2026 Sakaide Ohashi Festival? A. In 2026, the Sakaide Ohashi Festival will consist only of the marine fireworks display. The “Sō-odori” and “Taiko-dai Competition,” which are usually held each year, will be suspended due to the venue change and the risk of heatstroke caused by the extreme heat. However, “Doyō Day” is scheduled for 8月1日(土), and the first Bon dance event, “Bonfes,” is scheduled for 8月2日(日).

Q. Could the fireworks display be canceled? A. The event will go ahead in light rain but will be canceled in severe weather. No postponement date has been set, so if it is canceled due to severe weather, there will be no display that year. Check the Sakaide City website or official social media for updates on whether the event will go ahead on the day.

Q. Will food stalls be available around the venue? A. Food stalls offering seafood, light meals, and festival-style booths are scheduled to open around Sakaide Port Central Wharf and along Mikuniko-dori and the port area. In addition, festival stalls and food booths will be set up in Sakaide Shopping Street during “Doyō Day” on 8月1日(土) and at the Sakaide City Hall parking lot during “Bonfes” on 8月2日(日).


🎆 Make a trip of it — tours near the fireworks

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