Mie Prefecture Fireworks Festivals 2026: Complete Guide to Dates, Venues, and Access

Kuwana Suigo Fireworks Festival (桑名水郷花火大会)

This summer tradition features approximately 10,000 fireworks illuminating the night sky over the Ibi River (揖斐川), with the highlight being one of the largest 2-shaku (approx. 24-inch) diameter shells in the Tokai region. You can enjoy a variety of fireworks, including musical fireworks synchronized with music and continuous starmines. In 2026, a drone show, the first of its kind in Mie Prefecture, is also planned.

• Date & Time: Saturday, July 25th, 2026, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Cancelled in case of severe weather (if cancelled, it will be held in autumn), held in light rain.
• Venue & Access from Nearest Station: Ibi River (揖斐川) riverbank (Nabeya-zutsumi Embankment, 鍋屋堤)
  • It's about an 18-minute walk from JR/Kintetsu/Yoro Railway Kuwana Station (JR・近鉄・養老鉄道「桑名」駅) or Sangi Railway Hokusei Line Nishi-Kuwana Station (三岐鉄道北勢線「西桑名」駅).
  • On the day of the fireworks festival, traffic regulations will be in effect from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, and surrounding roads will be extremely congested, so using public transportation is highly recommended.
• Number of Fireworks & Visitors: Approximately 10,000 fireworks, with an estimated annual attendance of 110,000 people.
• Availability of Paid Seating: All seats are paid. A lottery sale for citizens will run from Friday, April 24th to Tuesday, May 12th, with general sales starting on Wednesday, May 27th.
• Hidden Gems: It is also possible to view the fireworks from Nabana no Sato (なばなの里). If you use Nabana no Sato's parking lot and view from inside the park, you can enjoy the convenience of well-equipped facilities such as restrooms, shops, and restaurants.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Kumano Grand Fireworks Festival (熊野大花火大会)

Boasting a tradition of over 300 years, the Kumano Grand Fireworks Festival (熊野大花火大会) is the biggest summer spectacle in the Kumano (熊野) region, unfolding against the backdrop of the World Heritage site, Shichiri Mihama Beach (七里御浜海岸). Approximately 10,000 fireworks beautifully dye the night sky. The "Kaijo Jibaku" (海上自爆), where fireworks are continuously thrown into the sea from a boat and ignited, and the "Onigajo Dai-jikake" (鬼ヶ城大仕掛け), which utilizes the rock formations and caves of Onigajo (鬼ヶ城), are must-sees. The explosive sound of the fireworks themselves, combined with the reverberation from the rock formations and the echoing sound within the caves, creates an incredibly powerful spectacle.

• Date & Time: Monday, August 17th, 2026
  • In case of severe weather or high waves, it will be postponed to a reserve day (reserve days are Friday, August 21st; Monday, August 24th; and Thursday, August 27th).
• Venue & Access from Nearest Station: Shichiri Mihama Beach (七里御浜海岸), Kumano City (熊野市)
  • It's about a 10-minute walk from JR Kumano-shi Station (JR熊野市駅).
  • On the day of the festival, traffic regulations will be in place on the Kumano-Owase Road (熊野尾鷲道路), and severe traffic jams are expected around the venue, so arriving in Kumano City by around noon is recommended.
• Number of Fireworks & Visitors: Approximately 10,000 fireworks.
• Availability of Paid Seating: A lottery sale for sponsored viewing seats (including camera seats) will be held.
• Hidden Gems: Around Onigajo (鬼ヶ城) or viewing the entire display from a slightly distant elevated spot is also a good option.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Yokkaichi Fireworks Festival (四日市花火大会)

The Yokkaichi Fireworks Festival (四日市花火大会), which marks the end of summer in Yokkaichi (四日市), will be held on Sunday, August 30th, 2026, at Yokkaichi Port (四日市港). This year, the number of fireworks will increase to approximately 4,000, featuring a powerful display including up to 10-go dama (一尺, 1-shaku, approx. 12-inch) shells. Furthermore, a cutting-edge drone show is scheduled to make its debut.

• Date & Time: Sunday, August 30th, 2026, from 7:15 PM to 8:00 PM
  • No reserve day is set; it's a one-shot event on August 30th.
• Venue & Access from Nearest Station: Yokkaichi Port (四日市港) 2nd & 3rd Wharves (Chitose-cho, 千歳町)
  • Accessible by bus or on foot from Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station (近鉄四日市駅). Traffic regulations will be implemented around the venue.
• Number of Fireworks & Visitors: Approximately 4,000 fireworks.
• Availability of Paid Seating: Paid viewing seats will be introduced, including S, A, B, C seats, and a special consideration area. A lottery sale for Yokkaichi citizens will run until Wednesday, July 15th. If tickets remain, sales to non-residents are planned to begin in early August.
• Hidden Gems: Information regarding viewing spots other than the paid viewing area is currently being prepared.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Tsu Fireworks Festival (津花火大会)

This historic fireworks festival, which began in the Taisho era, features impressive and elaborately designed performances, such as maritime fireworks launched from speeding boats and a magnificent finale. You can enjoy the immersive fireworks from the sandy beach.

• Date & Time: Saturday, July 25th, 2026, from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Postponed in case of severe weather, potentially until Tuesday, July 28th.
• Venue & Access from Nearest Station: Off Ago-no-ura Coast (阿漕浦海岸) (launch site), Ago-no-ura Coast (阿漕浦海岸) and Gotenba Coast (御殿場海岸) (viewing locations)
  • Approximately a 10-minute ride on the Mie Kotsu (三重交通) paid temporary shuttle bus from JR/Kintetsu Tsu Station (JR・近鉄津駅) East Exit. Paid temporary shuttle buses also operate from the Nissho Highway Arena (日硝ハイウエーアリーナ) free temporary parking lot.
• Number of Fireworks & Visitors: 5,000+ fireworks, with an estimated annual attendance of about 182,000 people.
• Availability of Paid Seating: Sponsored seating will be available.
• Hidden Gems: Viewing is possible from a wide area along Ago-no-ura Coast (阿漕浦海岸) and Gotenba Coast (御殿場海岸), but securing a spot early is crucial.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Toba Minato Matsuri Fireworks Festival (鳥羽みなとまつり花火大会)

This maritime fireworks festival illuminates the sky and sea of Toba Bay (鳥羽湾), offering a fantastic view as the fireworks and lights from pleasure boats reflect on the water. A single pyrotechnician delivers an intense, non-stop 45-minute display with overwhelming realism, launched right before your eyes. The famous underwater fireworks, set off by artisans who know the Toba sea inside out, are captivating with their stomach-rumbling explosions and reflections on the water's surface.

• Date & Time: Friday, July 24th, 2026, from 8:00 PM to 8:45 PM
  • In case of severe weather, only the fireworks will be postponed to the next day.
• Venue & Access from Nearest Station: Around Toba Marine Terminal (鳥羽マリンターミナル)
  • Excellent access, about a 7-minute walk from JR/Kintetsu Toba Station (JR・近鉄「鳥羽駅」).
  • Parking is limited and fills up quickly, so using public transportation is highly recommended.
• Number of Fireworks & Visitors: Approximately 3,500 fireworks, with an estimated annual attendance of about 65,000 people.
• Availability of Paid Seating: Paid seating will be available. Area tickets for paid seats allow you to secure your own viewing space even amidst the crowds.
• Hidden Gems: Some hotels and ryokans (traditional inns) facing Toba Bay (鳥羽湾) offer rooms with fireworks views. The area around Toba Aquarium (鳥羽水族館) is also a relatively easy place to view.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Tips for Enjoying Fireworks

To fully enjoy Mie Prefecture's fireworks festivals, advance preparation is essential.

• Securing a Spot: For popular fireworks festivals, many people start securing good viewing spots early in the morning. Especially for paid seats, as numbers are limited, it's recommended to purchase them as soon as sales begin. Even for free viewing areas, bring a leisure sheet or folding chair and arrive early to secure your spot.
• What to Bring: Even though it's a summer night, you'll be outdoors for an extended period, so insect repellent spray, a fan or uchiwa, a towel, drinks, and light snacks are essential. A raincoat or folding umbrella is also reassuring in case of sudden rain. Don't forget to bring a flashlight for nighttime movement and ensure your smartphone is charged.
• Managing Crowds on the Way Home: At large-scale fireworks festivals, stations and surrounding roads become extremely congested after the event. If using public transportation, ensure your IC card (such as SUICA, ICOCA, or other regional IC cards) has sufficient balance or purchase your tickets in advance for a smoother journey. If you have a JR Pass, confirm its validity for the specific train lines you plan to use. If driving, secure parking a little distance from the venue and allow plenty of time. To avoid crowds, consider not leaving immediately after the fireworks; instead, dine at a nearby restaurant or wait for a while before heading home. (Note: When planning your budget, remember that 1 USD is approximately 150 JPY.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. If a fireworks festival is cancelled, will I get a refund for my ticket? A. Generally, details regarding refunds for cancellations or postponements are announced on each fireworks festival's official website. Since policies may vary depending on the type of ticket purchased and the vendor, always check the official website or your point of purchase.

Q. Is parking available near the venue? A. Many fireworks festivals provide temporary parking lots near the venue, but spaces are limited and they become very crowded. Using public transportation is strongly recommended. For some festivals, advance purchase of parking tickets may be required, so check the official website.

Q. Can I enjoy it with small children? A. Yes, most fireworks festivals are designed to be enjoyable for families. However, some children may be startled by crowds or loud noises, so it's advisable to prepare by using a stroller, bringing earplugs, and having a note with contact information in case a child gets lost.

Q. Will there be food stalls? A. Yes, most fireworks festivals feature numerous food stalls around the venue, adding to the festive atmosphere. You can enjoy local gourmet treats and classic festival foods.

Q. Which fireworks festivals will feature drone shows? A. The Kuwana Suigo Fireworks Festival (桑名水郷花火大会) and Yokkaichi Fireworks Festival (四日市花火大会) are planning drone shows in 2026. Please check the official websites of each festival for the latest information.