1 Aug Hyogo Prefecture Fireworks Festivals

Himeji Minato Matsuri Marine Fireworks Festival

The "Himeji Minato Matsuri Marine Fireworks Festival" (姫路みなと祭海上花火大会), held in the Shikama Area (飾磨地区) of Himeji Port (姫路港), is one of Hyogo Prefecture's largest fireworks displays, with over 10,000 fireworks launched. The elaborate and powerful fireworks spectacularly color the night sky of Himeji.

• Date & Time: September 20 (Sun), 2026
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station: Himeji Port (姫路港) (Shikama Area) (飾磨地区) (Himeji City). From JR Himeji Station (JR姫路駅), take a Shinki Bus (神姫バス) bound for "Himeji Port" and get off at the final stop.
• Number of Fireworks & Estimated Attendance: Over 10,000 fireworks. Annual attendance is about 90,000 people.
• Availability of Paid Seating: Undisclosed, but paid viewing seats are typically provided annually.
• Hidden Gem Viewing Spots: The area around Himeji Port gets very crowded. Viewing from a slightly distant elevated area or from around Himeji Castle (姫路城) is one option. However, the impact will be less from Himeji Castle due to the distance.
• Google Maps Link for Venue: View Map

Minato HANABI-2026- Five Days of Color in Kobe

The fireworks festival once known as "Minato Kobe Marine Fireworks Festival" (みなとこうべ海上花火大会) has been held as a decentralized event called "Minato HANABI" (みなとHANABI) since 2022. In 2026, musical fireworks will be enjoyed for 20 minutes each day at Meriken Park (メリケンパーク) over five days, from October 19 (Mon) to 23 (Fri).

• Date & Time: October 19 (Mon) – 23 (Fri), 2026, 20 minutes each day from 6:30 PM – 6:50 PM (musical fireworks scheduled)
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station: Meriken Park (メリケンパーク) (Chuo Ward, Kobe City). 8-minute walk from Exit 2 of Minato Motomachi Station (みなと元町駅) on the Kobe Municipal Subway Kaigan Line (神戸市営地下鉄海岸線). 10-minute walk from the East Exit of Motomachi Station (元町駅) on the JR Kobe Line (JR神戸線).
• Number of Fireworks & Estimated Attendance: The number of fireworks is undisclosed. As a decentralized event, you can enjoy the fireworks relatively uncrowded.
• Availability of Paid Seating: Viewing within Meriken Park is free. Sponsored seating may be available for supporting companies and organizations.
• Hidden Gem Viewing Spots: Viewing from hotels and restaurants around Meriken Park is also recommended. You can also enjoy the fireworks from around Kobe Harborland umie (神戸ハーバーランドumie) and Port Tower (ポートタワー).
• Google Maps Link for Venue: View Map

Kakogawa City Fireworks Festival

The "Kakogawa City Fireworks Festival" (加古川市花火大会), a cherished summer tradition in Kakogawa, is a decentralized fireworks festival with launches from multiple locations within Kakogawa City (加古川市). Approximately 5,000 fireworks annually light up the night sky, creating excitement throughout the region.

• Date & Time: October 25 (Sun), 2026
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station: Multiple locations within Kakogawa City (加古川市). Details such as launch sites and start times are currently being adjusted and will be announced on the city's website and other platforms as soon as they are decided.
• Number of Fireworks & Estimated Attendance: Undisclosed (Approx. 5,000 annually).
• Availability of Paid Seating: There will be no viewing seats, food stalls, or parking.
• Hidden Gem Viewing Spots: Areas around the north side of the Kakogawa Bypass (加古川バイパス), Kakogawa Bridge (加古川橋), AEON Town Kakogawa (イオンタウン加古川), and Hiyokayama Park (日岡山公園) are considered hidden gems.
• Google Maps Link for Venue: View Map

Awaji Island Festival Fireworks Festival

The "Awaji Island Festival Fireworks Festival" (淡路島まつり花火大会), which colors the end of summer on Awaji Island, is held around Ohama Park (大浜公園) in Sumoto City (洲本市). Fireworks launched against the backdrop of the beautiful coastline and vast sea fill both the night sky and the water's surface, creating a fantastical world.

• Date & Time: November 8 (Sun), 2026
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station: Around Ohama Park (大浜公園) (Sumoto City). Approximately a 15-minute walk from Sumoto Expressway Bus Terminal (洲本高速バスセンター).
• Number of Fireworks & Estimated Attendance: The number of fireworks is undisclosed. Annual attendance is about 20,000 people.
• Availability of Paid Seating: Undisclosed.
• Hidden Gem Viewing Spots: The coastline around Ohama Park or viewing from a slightly distant elevated area would be good options.
• Google Maps Link for Venue: View Map

Tips for Enjoying Fireworks

Here are some tips for comfortably enjoying fireworks festivals in Hyogo Prefecture.

• Securing a Spot: For popular fireworks festivals, arriving early is essential to secure a good spot. Especially at venues without paid seating or in free viewing areas, bring a leisure sheet or similar item to reserve your space. Don't forget to prepare for the heat during the day.
• What to Bring:
  • Leisure sheet, folding chair: Convenient for long waits.
  • Drinks, light snacks: The area around the venue can get crowded, and food stalls may have long queues. It's reassuring to prepare these in advance.
  • Insect repellent spray: Mosquitoes and other insects are common on summer nights.
  • Towel, uchiwa fan, sensu fan: Useful for staying cool in the heat.
  • Rain gear: A folding umbrella or raincoat is handy in case of sudden rain.
  • Trash bags: It is a general rule to take your trash home. Please observe good manners while viewing.
  • Mobile battery: Bring one to ensure your smartphone doesn't run out of battery when taking photos or videos.
• Dealing with Crowds on the Way Home: After the fireworks festival ends, the nearest stations and bus stops will be extremely crowded.
  • Allow plenty of time: One option is to wait for the crowds to subside without rushing.
  • Check transportation options: Temporary train or bus services may be operating, so check in advance. Consider using an IC card like SUICA, PASMO, or ICOCA for smooth travel on trains and buses.
  • Walking to a slightly further station: Walking to a station a bit further away can help you avoid the densest crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can fireworks festivals be canceled? A. Yes, they can be canceled due to severe weather, strong winds, or other adverse conditions. There is also a possibility of cancellation or postponement due to social circumstances, such as the impact of the novel coronavirus infection. Please always check the official website or the organizer's social media for the latest information before heading out.

Q. Where can I buy paid seating tickets? A. If paid seating is available for a fireworks festival, tickets can generally be purchased through online ticketing websites or at convenience stores. Sales periods and purchase methods vary by festival, so please check each festival's official website.

Q. Is there parking available near the venue? A. For many fireworks festivals, dedicated parking lots are either not provided or are very limited around the venue. Traffic restrictions may also be implemented. Public transportation is strongly recommended. Consider using an IC card like SUICA, PASMO, or ICOCA for smooth travel on trains and buses.

Q. Will there be food stalls? A. Many fireworks festivals feature food stalls around the venue, adding to the festive atmosphere. However, some festivals may not have food stalls, so it's best to check in advance.

Q. Can I enjoy it with small children? A. Yes, many fireworks festivals can be enjoyed with small children. However, it's important to be mindful of crowds and loud noises. Stroller use might be difficult in some areas, so consider using a baby carrier or securing a spot early. Also, please keep a close eye on your children to prevent them from getting lost.