14 Jul Ibaraki Prefecture Fireworks Festivals

Koga Fireworks Festival

The Koga Fireworks Festival (古河花火大会), boasting one of the largest scales in the Kanto region, is held along the banks of the Watarase River (渡良瀬川) and is nationally top-class in the number of shakudama (large shell) fireworks launched. In particular, the launch of the sanshakudama (three-shaku shell) is breathtaking, with its immense fireworks spreading widely across the night sky, creating an unforgettable impression. Wide-format fireworks, utilizing the vast space of the riverbed, are also a major attraction.

• Date and Time (2026): Dates Undecided (usually a Saturday in early August, around 7:20 PM – 8:50 PM)
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station: Koga Golf Links (古河ゴルフリンクス) (Watarase River (渡良瀬川) riverside). Approximately a 20-minute walk from JR Koga Station (JR古河駅). JR Koga Station is accessible via JR lines, making it convenient for JR Pass holders or those using IC cards like Suica. Shuttle buses also operate from the station on the day of the event.
• Number of Fireworks / Number of Visitors: Approx. 20,000 fireworks. Annual visitor count is approximately 400,000.
• Availability of Paid Seating: Numerous paid viewing seats (chair seats, sheet seats, etc.) are typically set up on the riverbed. Due to high popularity, early purchase is essential.
• Hidden Gems: You can sufficiently enjoy the fireworks from slightly more distant locations, such as around the Watarase Floodplain (渡良瀬遊水地) or the embankment on the opposite bank. However, public transport access is limited, so traveling by car is more convenient.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition

The Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition (土浦全国花火競技大会), counted as one of Japan's three great fireworks festivals, is a highly artistic event where pyrotechnicians from across the country compete with their skills. Specifically, judging takes place in three categories: Creative Fireworks, Starmines, and No. 10 Shells, allowing spectators to admire numerous fireworks that showcase innovative ideas and elaborate techniques. The fireworks adorning the autumn night sky are truly works of art.

• Date and Time (2026): Dates Undecided (usually a Saturday in late October, around 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station: Sakuragawa River (桜川) riverside (near Gakuen Ohashi Bridge (学園大橋)). Approximately a 30-minute walk from JR Tsuchiura Station (JR土浦駅). JR Tsuchiura Station is accessible via JR lines, making it convenient for JR Pass holders or those using IC cards like Suica. Shuttle buses operate to the area around the venue on the day of the event.
• Number of Fireworks / Number of Visitors: Approx. 20,000 fireworks. Annual visitor count is approximately 700,000.
• Availability of Paid Seating: Numerous paid viewing seats (box seats, chair seats, etc.) are available along the Sakuragawa River (桜川). These are extremely popular and typically sell out by summer each year, so it's necessary to regularly check official announcements and apply for lottery sales, etc.
• Hidden Gems: You can also see the fireworks from around the Dutch-style Windmill (オランダ型風車) at Kasumigaura General Park (霞ヶ浦総合公園) or from slightly distant elevated areas. However, to fully appreciate the intricate details of the competitive fireworks, viewing from the venue is still recommended.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Joso Kinugawa Fireworks Festival

The Joso Kinugawa Fireworks Festival (常総きぬ川花火大会), held against the backdrop of the magnificent nature of the Kinugawa River (鬼怒川), boasts one of the largest scales in the Kanto region. In particular, the music starmine, where music and fireworks become one, is incredibly powerful and captivates spectators. Wide-format fireworks, utilizing the spacious riverbed, and the beautiful inverted fireworks reflected on the water surface are also highlights, making it recommended for those who wish to enjoy fireworks in a relaxed atmosphere.

• Date and Time (2026): Dates Undecided (usually a Saturday in early September, around 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station: Kinugawa River (鬼怒川) riverside (downstream from Hosuibashi Bridge (豊水橋)). Approximately a 20-minute walk from Mitsukaido Station (水海道駅) on the Kanto Railway Joso Line (関東鉄道常総線). IC cards like Suica can be used on the Kanto Railway Joso Line.
• Number of Fireworks / Number of Visitors: Approx. 10,000 fireworks. Annual visitor count is approximately 150,000.
• Availability of Paid Seating: Paid viewing seats (chair seats, sheet seats, etc.) are set up on the riverbed. They are reputed to offer a relatively relaxed viewing experience.
• Hidden Gems: You can view the fireworks from along the Kinugawa River (鬼怒川) embankment or from slightly distant rural areas. However, traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue, so using public transportation is recommended.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Tips for Enjoying Fireworks

Here are some tips for comfortably enjoying fireworks festivals in Ibaraki Prefecture (茨城県).

• Arrive Early to Secure a Spot: Especially for popular festivals like the Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition (土浦全国花火競技大会) and Koga Fireworks Festival (古河花火大会), securing a good spot even in free viewing areas requires arriving early. Bring a leisure sheet or a simple chair, and don't forget to take precautions against heatstroke. If purchasing paid seats, it's wise to apply as soon as sales begin.
• What to Bring:
  • Leisure sheet / Simple chair: Useful for long waits.
  • Drinks / Light snacks: The area around the venue can get crowded, and stalls may have long queues, so it's reassuring to prepare these in advance.
  • Insect repellent spray: Many festivals are held along riverbanks or lakesides, so insect protection is essential.
  • Towel / Fan: For heat relief.
  • Rain gear: A folding umbrella or raincoat is convenient for sudden weather changes.
  • Mobile battery: For taking photos and gathering information on your smartphone.
  • Garbage bag: Please cooperate with environmental beautification by taking your trash home.
• Crowd Avoidance for Return Journey: Large-scale fireworks festivals in Ibaraki Prefecture (茨城県) lead to significant congestion at stations and on surrounding roads after the event.
  • If using trains: Consider leaving the venue a little earlier than the end time or staggering your departure to avoid peak crowds. Don't forget to pre-charge your IC card (such as Suica) if you're using one. If you have a JR Pass, ensure you understand its validity and train schedules.
  • If using a car: Parking lots around the venue fill up quickly. While public transport is strongly recommended, if you must drive, park a little distance from the venue and use a shuttle bus or walk. Also, expect traffic jams on your way back, so plan with ample time.
  • Consider staying overnight: For those coming from afar or wishing to avoid crowds, booking a nearby hotel is a good option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When will the dates for the 2026 fireworks festivals be announced? A. For many fireworks festivals, detailed schedules are announced from spring to summer of the event year on official websites and local government tourism information sites. For particularly large-scale festivals, information on paid seating sales may be released more than half a year in advance. If there's a festival you're interested in, we recommend regularly checking its official website several months before its usual holding period.

Q. Can fireworks festivals be canceled? A. Yes, fireworks festivals may be canceled or postponed due to bad weather (such as strong winds, heavy rain, or lightning), rising river levels, or changes in social conditions (such as infectious disease outbreaks). Decisions regarding cancellation or postponement are often made on the day of or the day before the festival. Always check the latest information on each festival's official website or official social media before heading out.

Q. Will there be food stalls around the venue? A. At most fireworks festivals in Ibaraki Prefecture (茨城県), numerous food stalls set up around the venue, enhancing the festive atmosphere. You can enjoy classic festival foods like yakisoba (fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kakigori (shaved ice), as well as local B-grade gourmet dishes. However, popular stalls often have long queues, so allow plenty of time.

Q. Is it okay to bring pets to a fireworks festival? A. Generally, fireworks festival venues are expected to be extremely crowded, and the loud noises and bright lights can be stressful for pets. Furthermore, pet accompaniment may be prohibited in places where many people gather. It is necessary to check the rules regarding pet accompaniment on each festival's official website in advance and be considerate so as not to disturb others. As a general rule, it is recommended to avoid bringing pets to the viewing or to keep them safe at home.

Q. Are there any recommended fireworks festivals in Ibaraki Prefecture for families with children? A. If you're enjoying a fireworks festival with children, we recommend festivals that are relatively less crowded and offer spacious viewing areas, or those with good access to the venue. For example, the Mito Komon Festival Fireworks Festival (水戸黄門まつり花火大会) is held in an open area along Senba Lake (千波湖) and offers the convenience of being within walking distance from Mito Station (水戸駅). The Joso Kinugawa Fireworks Festival (常総きぬ川花火大会) also has a wide riverbed, and if you use paid seating, you can enjoy it relatively comfortably. For any festival, it is important to take thorough measures to prevent children from getting lost and to be prepared for sudden health issues.
Each fireworks festival in Ibaraki Prefecture (茨城県) has its own unique character and charm, vividly illuminating the summer night sky. We hope this article helps you fully enjoy the 2026 fireworks festivals.