8 Aug Gifu Prefecture Fireworks Festivals

Ogaki Fireworks Festival

In Ogaki City (大垣市), known as the "City of Water," the "Ogaki Fireworks Festival" (大垣花火大会) will illuminate the summer night sky. Celebrating its monumental 70th anniversary in 2026, an even more spectacular display than usual is anticipated. Held along the banks of the Ibigawa River (揖斐川), the festival will feature some of Gifu Prefecture's largest shaku-dama (尺玉) (10-inch shells) and music wide starmines spanning 300 meters, painting the night sky and river surface with breathtaking fireworks.

• Date & Time: July 25th (Sat), 2026, scheduled from 7:30 PM to 8:15 PM. It will be postponed to August 29th (Sat) in case of severe weather or high water levels.
• Venue & Access from Nearest Station: Ibigawa River banks (揖斐川河畔) in Higashimachi, Ogaki City (大垣市) (between Shin-Ibigawa Bridge (新揖斐川橋) and Ibi Ohashi Bridge (揖斐大橋)). The venue is approximately a 20-minute walk from JR Ogaki Station (JR大垣駅).
• Number of Fireworks & Attendance: The festival features a diverse program combining Gifu Prefecture's largest shaku-dama (尺玉) (10-inch shells) and 300-meter-wide music starmines. The specific number of fireworks launched has not yet been announced, but it is a large-scale fireworks festival representative of the Seino region.
• Paid Seating: No official announcement regarding paid seating for 2026 has been confirmed.
• Hidden Gems: The observation lobby at Softopia Japan (ソフトピアジャパン) is known as a hidden gem for viewing the fireworks. Additionally, the rooftop parking lot of Al Plaza Tsurumi (アル・プラザ鶴見) may be opened, which can also be used as a secluded spot. Other recommended viewing locations where you can relatively avoid crowds include the area near the foot of Shin-Ibigawa Bridge (新揖斐川橋), the riverbed north of Ibi Ohashi Bridge (揖斐大橋), and the green spaces around Softopia Japan.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Festival of Flames: The 68th Toki City Oribe Festival Fireworks Display

The "Festival of Flames: The 68th Toki City Oribe Festival Fireworks Display" (炎の祭典 第68回土岐市織部まつり花火大会), held on the Tokigawa Riverbed (土岐川河川敷) that traverses Toki City (土岐市), is a unique event where you can enjoy not only fireworks but also sky lantern releases and a midsummer snow festival simultaneously. Approximately 3,000 magnificent fireworks, including purple starmines inspired by the city flower 'Kikyo' (bellflower) and red starmines symbolizing 'flames,' will adorn the night sky. The fantastical space created by the simultaneous display of fireworks, sky lanterns, and snow will surely offer visitors a special summer memory.

• Date & Time: August 2nd (Sun), 2026. Fireworks are scheduled to be launched from evening to night.
• Venue & Access from Nearest Station: Tokigawa Riverbed (土岐川河川敷), around Ceratopia Toki (セラトピア土岐). Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Chuo Line Tokishi Station (JR中央線土岐市駅). Approximately a 10-minute drive from Chuo Expressway Toki IC (中央自動車道土岐IC).
• Number of Fireworks & Attendance: Approximately 3,000 fireworks.
• Paid Seating: No official announcement regarding paid seating for 2026 has been confirmed.
• Hidden Gems: Since the Tokigawa Riverbed (土岐川河川敷) spans a wide area, you can enjoy a relatively relaxed viewing experience even from locations slightly away from the main venue. Open spaces around Ceratopia Toki (セラトピア土岐) and the promenade along the Tokigawa River are also recommended.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

The 53rd Ena Noryo Lakeside Fireworks Festival

The "53rd Ena Noryo Lakeside Fireworks Festival" (第53回恵那納涼水上花火大会), held on the beautiful lakeside of Ena Gorge (恵那峡), is a festival where fireworks reflected on the lake surface create a fantastical atmosphere. Approximately 2,000 fireworks launched from three floating platforms on the lake resonate with powerful sounds throughout the Ena Gorge canyon. The Niagara Falls-style fireworks, spanning 100 meters in length, are a must-see, allowing you to fully enjoy the unique charm of lakeside fireworks.

• Date & Time: July 25th (Sat), 2026, from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM (scheduled). It will be postponed to August 29th (Sat) in case of severe weather, high water levels (including dense fog).
• Venue & Access from Nearest Station: Ena Gorge (恵那峡) Lakeside. From JR Ena Station (JR恵那駅), take a bus towards Ena Gorge, then it's a short walk from the Ena Gorge bus stop.
• Number of Fireworks & Attendance: Approximately 2,000 fireworks. Last year's attendance was about 30,000 people.
• Paid Seating: Available. Chair seats are sold for 3,000 yen (approx. $20 USD) per seat. Please check the official website for details.
• Hidden Gems: From within Ena Gorge Park (恵那峡公園) or slightly elevated areas around Ena Gorge (恵那峡), you can enjoy a panoramic view of both the lake surface and the fireworks, offering a beautiful spectacle.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Japan Rhine Summer Festival Long-Run Fireworks

The "Japan Rhine Summer Festival Long-Run Fireworks" (日本ライン夏まつりロングラン花火), held on the Kiso River (木曽川) flowing between Kakamigahara City (各務原市) and Inuyama City (犬山市) in Aichi Prefecture, is a rare type of festival where fireworks are launched daily for approximately 10 minutes from August 1st to 10th. Each day, 200 to 300 fireworks illuminate the scenic Japan Rhine area, allowing you to enjoy the summer nights for an extended period. Since it's held consecutively, it's relatively easy to avoid crowds, making it recommended for those who want to enjoy fireworks casually.

• Date & Time: Daily from August 1st (Sat) to August 10th (Mon), 2026, for approximately 10 minutes starting at 8:00 PM.
• Venue & Access from Nearest Station: Kiso River (木曽川) (between Kakamigahara City (各務原市) and Inuyama City (犬山市), Aichi Prefecture). The Kiso River banks near Meitetsu Inuyama-yuen Station (名鉄犬山遊園駅) are suitable for viewing, just a short walk away.
• Number of Fireworks & Attendance: 200-300 fireworks daily.
• Paid Seating: No official announcement regarding paid seating for 2026 has been confirmed.
• Hidden Gems: You can view the fireworks from a wide area along the Kiso River (木曽川). It's advisable to look for spots with good views, especially around Inuyama Castle (犬山城) or along the Kiso River embankment.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Tips for Viewing Fireworks

Here are some tips for comfortably enjoying fireworks festivals in Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県).

• Securing a Spot: For popular fireworks festivals, it's crucial to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Especially for large-scale events like the Nagaragawa Fireworks Festival (長良川花火大会), many people start claiming their spots from the morning. Bring a leisure sheet or a simple chair, and don't forget to take precautions against heatstroke. If you opt for paid seating, you can enjoy the view comfortably without worrying about securing a spot.
• What to Bring: Summer nights can sometimes get surprisingly cool, so a light jacket or cardigan can provide comfort. Insect repellent, wet wipes, drinks, light snacks, and a trash bag are essential items. A smartphone charger would also be convenient.
• Managing Post-Event Crowds: After the fireworks festival ends, stations and parking areas become extremely crowded. If you're using public transportation, pre-charging your IC card (like SUICA) or purchasing your return ticket in advance will ensure smoother travel. If you're arriving by car, temporary parking lots or...