25 Jul Hiroshima Prefecture Fireworks Festivals

Onomichi Sumiyoshi Fireworks Festival

The "Onomichi Sumiyoshi Fireworks Festival" (おのみち住吉花火まつり), held in Onomichi (尾道), a Japan Heritage town, is a historic fireworks festival that has continued since the mid-Edo period (江戸時代中期). It is cherished as a traditional festival that honors the achievements of town magistrate Kakusaemon Hirayama (平山角左衛門), who laid the foundation for Onomichi Port, and prays for business prosperity and safety in sea and land transportation. Approximately 13,000 fireworks, primarily dynamic starmines, brilliant underwater fireworks, and rapid-fire shells, will light up the night sky and sea surface of the Onomichi Suido (尾道水道). The four-act fireworks display, synchronized with music, is particularly highlighted by its grand finale in the fourth act.

• Date & Time July 25, 2026 (Sat) 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (tentative) Canceled in case of severe weather (no postponement).
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station Venue: Onomichi Suido (尾道水道) sea area off Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社) (Onomichi City) Nearest Station: Approximately 5 minutes walk from JR Onomichi Station (JR尾道駅).
• Number of Fireworks & Expected Attendance Number of Fireworks: Approx. 13,000 shells Annual Attendance: Approx. 300,000 people
• Availability of Paid Seating Paid seating available. "Fireworks Support Seating Parking Masu-seki" (花火応援席駐車場マス席) and other options will be provided.
• Hidden Gem Viewing Spots In addition to the main venue, Onomichi Suido (尾道水道), viewing from Mukaishima (向島) on the opposite bank or Senkoji Park (千光寺公園) is also recommended. Extended operation of the Senkoji-yama Ropeway (千光寺山ロープウェイ) is also planned.
• Google Maps Link for the Venue View Map

Fukuyama Summer Festival 2026 Ashidagawa Fireworks Festival

The "Ashidagawa Fireworks Festival" (あしだ川花火大会), which concludes the Fukuyama Summer Festival, features a spectacular 1.4km long waterside starmine, one of the longest in Western Japan, as a must-see. Held upstream of the Ashidagawa Ohashi Bridge (芦田川大橋), you can experience the power of approximately 16,000 fireworks from both banks of the river.

• Date & Time August 15, 2026 (Sat) 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (tentative) Held even in light rain. Canceled in case of severe weather.
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station Venue: Upstream of Ashidagawa Ohashi Bridge (芦田川大橋) (Fukuyama City) Nearest Station: Bus or walk from JR Fukuyama Station (JR福山駅). Public transportation is recommended as the venue is some distance from Fukuyama Station.
• Number of Fireworks & Expected Attendance Number of Fireworks: Approx. 16,000 shells Annual Attendance: Not announced
• Availability of Paid Seating Paid seating available. Various seats are offered as individual sponsor seats, including free seating within the area, priority seats with parking, group seats, and pair seats. Applications for individual sponsor seats will begin in early June.
• Hidden Gem Viewing Spots You can view from both banks of the Ashida River (芦田川). Free viewing areas are also provided in addition to paid seating, but securing a spot early is important.
• Google Maps Link for the Venue View Map

2026 Yassa Fireworks Festa

The "2026 Yassa Fireworks Festa" (2026 やっさ花火フェスタ), which marks the finale of the Mihara Yassa Festival (三原やっさ祭り), will be held off Kainoganki Wharf (貝野岸壁) at the mouth of the Numata River (沼田川). It will illuminate Mihara's night sky with a splendid display that embodies tradition and innovation, as well as the region's charm and gratitude. A unique feature is the number of fireworks launched: 8,383 shells ("Yassa Yassa").

• Date & Time August 9, 2026 (Sun) 8:00 PM – 8:40 PM (tentative)
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station Venue: Off Kainoganki Wharf (貝野岸壁) / Numata River (沼田川) Estuary (Mihara City) Nearest Station: Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Mihara Station (JR三原駅).
• Number of Fireworks & Expected Attendance Number of Fireworks: 8,383 shells Annual Attendance: 10,000 people
• Availability of Paid Seating Paid viewing seats available. Tickets will be sold at the Wadaoki (和田沖) venue. Bus tours with paid viewing seats and the "Setouchi Mihara Yassa Fireworks Cruise" (せとうち三原やっさ花火クルーズ) for viewing fireworks from a boat are also planned.
• Hidden Gem Viewing Spots You can enjoy the fireworks from along the Numata River (沼田川) near the venue or from slightly distant elevated areas.
• Google Maps Link for the Venue View Map

Tips for Enjoying Fireworks

To comfortably enjoy a fireworks festival, advance preparation and on-the-day strategies are essential.

• Securing a Spot For popular fireworks festivals, it's essential to secure a good viewing spot early. Especially if you're not using paid seating, we recommend bringing a leisure sheet and a folding chair and arriving early, aligning with the venue's opening time. Some venues may have specific rules for securing spots, so check the official website in advance.
• What to Bring Summer nights can be hot, so heatstroke prevention is crucial. Drinks for hydration, a sweat towel, a hat, and a parasol (for securing a spot during the day) are essential. Insect repellent spray, wet wipes, and garbage bags are also convenient to bring. For sudden rain, a raincoat or a folding umbrella will provide peace of mind.
• Managing Crowds on the Way Home After the fireworks festival ends, the nearest stations, bus stops, and parking lots become extremely crowded. If using public transportation, pre-charging your IC card (such as SUICA, PASMO, or ICOCA, which are compatible with the JR Pass in many areas) or purchasing your return ticket in advance will allow for smoother travel. Act with plenty of time and consider staggering your departure slightly to avoid peak crowds. Also, some venues may operate extra services, so check for information in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will the Miyajima Underwater Fireworks Festival be held in 2026? A. No, the Miyajima Underwater Fireworks Festival (宮島水中花火大会) concluded its run in 2019, and there are no plans for its resumption in 2026.

Q. Will the Kure Maritime Fireworks Festival be held in 2026? A. The 2026 Kure Maritime Fireworks Festival (呉海上花火大会) has been canceled due to rising costs and labor shortages. However, Kure City (呉市) is considering holding a new, alternative fireworks festival in the autumn.

Q. Where can I purchase paid seats for fireworks festivals? A. The method for purchasing paid seats varies by fireworks festival. Generally, they are sold through play guides like Ticket Pia (チケットぴあ) or on each festival's official website. As sales start dates also differ per festival, we recommend checking the official website early.

Q. Under what circumstances are fireworks festivals canceled? A. While many fireworks festivals are held even in light rain, they may be canceled in case of severe weather (such as strong winds, heavy rain, or lightning). Cancellations can also occur due to typhoons or similar impacts. Decisions regarding cancellations are often made on the day of the event, so please check the official website or official social media for the latest information before you go.

Q. Is there parking available near the venue? A. For large-scale fireworks festivals, temporary parking lots may be set up near the venue, but spaces are limited and they become extremely crowded. The use of public transportation is strongly recommended. Some paid seating options may include parking tickets, so please check.