13 Aug Kagawa Prefecture Fireworks Festivals

Marugame Castle Festival Fireworks Festival (丸亀お城まつり 花火大会)

The fireworks launched against the backdrop of Marugame Castle (丸亀城) create a unique beauty that blends history with modernity. Held as part of the Marugame Castle Festival (丸亀お城まつり), you can enjoy it all day long along with the daytime festivities. The fireworks launched from Marugame Port (丸亀港) illuminate the entire castle town.

• Date & Time: May 4 (Monday, Public Holiday), 2026, 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM (scheduled)
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station: Around Marugame Port (丸亀港). Approximately a 15-minute walk from JR Marugame Station (JR丸亀駅). It's also close to Marugame Castle, allowing you to enjoy both the castle tour and the fireworks. An IC card or JR Pass can be used for train travel.
• Number of Fireworks & Visitors: Approximately 3,000 fireworks. The estimated number of visitors is around 50,000 annually.
• Availability of Paid Seating: Generally, no paid seating is provided, but some surrounding restaurants may offer special plans.
• Hidden Gems/Secret Spots:
  • Around Marugame Castle Tenshukaku (丸亀城天守閣 - castle tower): From the castle tower, you'll look down on the fireworks, and the collaboration of the castle and fireworks is breathtaking. Early arrival is recommended to secure a spot due to anticipated crowds.
  • Doki Riverbed (土器川河川敷): Although a little further from the main venue, this spacious area allows for a relaxed viewing experience.
  • AEON Mall Marugame (イオンモール丸亀) Rooftop Parking: You might be able to view the fireworks relatively comfortably from the rooftop parking lot of this commercial facility.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Kanonji City Zenigata Festival Fireworks Festival (観音寺市銭形まつり 花火大会)

This fireworks festival is held in Kanonji City (観音寺市), famous for the "Zenigata Sunae (銭形砂絵)" sand art on Ariakehama Beach (有明浜). Fireworks launched from Kanonji Port (観音寺港) vividly color the night sky of the Seto Inland Sea, enlivening the summer night. It is cherished by locals as a major event that concludes the Zenigata Festival (銭形まつり).

• Date & Time: July 20 (Monday), 2026, 8:00 PM – 8:40 PM (scheduled)
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station: Around Kanonji Port (観音寺港). Approximately a 20-minute walk from JR Kanonji Station (JR観音寺駅), or about a 5-minute taxi ride. An IC card or JR Pass can be used for train travel.
• Number of Fireworks & Visitors: Approximately 2,000 fireworks. The estimated number of visitors is around 30,000 annually.
• Availability of Paid Seating: The establishment of paid viewing seats is undecided.
• Hidden Gems/Secret Spots:
  • Ariakehama Beach (有明浜): From Ariakehama Beach, famous for the Zenigata Sunae, you can view the fireworks without any obstructions. It's recommended to sit on the sand and enjoy them leisurely.
  • Kotohiki Park (琴弾公園): From Kotohiki Park, located on a hill, you can enjoy the night view of Kanonji City and the fireworks simultaneously.
  • Takaya Shrine (高屋神社): Although a bit distant, there's a possibility to view the fireworks along with the spectacular scenery from Takaya Shrine, known as the "Torii Gate in the Sky (天空の鳥居)."
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Tips for Enjoying Fireworks

Here are some tips to help you make the most of the fireworks festivals in Kagawa Prefecture.

Spot-Saving Tips

• Act Early: For popular fireworks festivals, it's common to start securing a good spot several hours before the start time. Areas with good access from stations, such as around Takamatsu Port and Marugame Castle, tend to get particularly crowded.
• Leisure Sheet or Folding Chair: Bring a leisure sheet or a folding chair to stay comfortable, especially if you anticipate waiting for a long time.
• Check Wind Direction: Smoke from fireworks drifts downwind, so choosing an upwind spot will allow you to see them clearly without obstruction from smoke. Check the weather forecast for wind direction in advance.

Packing List

• Drinks & Snacks: The areas around venues can get crowded, and stalls often have long queues, so it's reassuring to prepare these in advance.
• Insect Repellent Spray: Mosquitoes and other insects are common on summer nights, so insect repellent is essential.
• Wet Wipes & Towel: Useful for wiping hands or sweat.
• Garbage Bag: Always take your trash home with you.
• Mobile Battery: You'll likely take many photos and videos with your smartphone, so bring a portable charger to avoid running out of battery.
• Light Outerwear (e.g., a thin cardigan): Nights can sometimes get surprisingly cool, so a light cardigan or similar item can be handy.

Tips for Avoiding Crowds on the Way Home

• Use Public Transportation: Traffic regulations are often imposed around venues, and parking lots can fill up, so using public transportation is highly recommended.
• Staggered Departure: Immediately after the fireworks end, stations and bus stops become extremely crowded. Consider waiting a little longer to depart, or relaxing at a nearby cafe before heading home.
• Check Multiple Routes: Having multiple routes planned for your return journey will help you avoid panic in case of unexpected traffic regulations or congestion.
• Charge Your IC Card: If you plan to use trains or buses, charge your IC card (like SUICA, PASMO, or ICOCA) in advance for smooth boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is there a possibility of fireworks festivals being canceled?

A. Yes, there is a possibility of cancellation or postponement due to bad weather (strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, etc.) or the status of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Information regarding cancellations or postponements will be announced on each festival's official website or the local government's website, so please be sure to check the latest information before you go.

Q. Is 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 very crowded. The use of public transportation is highly recommended. If you must come by car, check parking locations, fees, and traffic regulation information in advance, and try to arrive early.

Q. Can I bring my pet to the fireworks festival?

A. The loud noises of fireworks can be very stressful for pets. Also, in crowded venues with many people, there is a risk of pets getting lost or causing inconvenience to other spectators. Unless special permission is granted, it is advisable to avoid bringing pets to the viewing areas.

Q. Can I enjoy the food stalls at the fireworks festival?

A. Yes, many fireworks festivals feature various food stalls (屋台) around the venue, adding to the festive atmosphere. You can enjoy classic festival foods like takoyaki (octopus balls), yakisoba (fried noodles), and kakigori (shaved ice). However, popular stalls can have long queues, so allow plenty of time.

Q. Can I see the fireworks from the islands of the Seto Inland Sea?

A. Fireworks launched from venues facing the Seto Inland Sea, such as the "Sanuki Takamatsu Festival Fireworks Festival (さぬき高松まつり花火大会)" held at Takamatsu Port, may be visible from surrounding islands in the distance. Especially from islands close to Takamatsu Port, such as Naoshima (直島), Megijima (女木島), and Ogijima (男木島), you might be able to enjoy the light of the fireworks if conditions are good. However, the sound is often difficult to hear from these distances.

Q. What are some tips for taking good photos of fireworks?

A. For fireworks photography, it's recommended to use a tripod to stabilize your camera and set a slow shutter speed. By setting a low ISO sensitivity and a narrow aperture (high F-number), you can capture the light trails beautifully. If using a smartphone, utilize fireworks mode or night mode, or use the burst shot function for better results.