Oita Prefecture Fireworks Festivals

Beppu Hi no Umi Matsuri Noryo Hanabi Taikai

This is one of Oita Prefecture's (大分県) premier fireworks festivals, unfolding against the backdrop of Beppu Bay (別府湾). A kaleidoscope of fireworks blooms in the night sky of Beppu (別府), rich in hot spring atmosphere. Underwater fireworks (水中花火, suichu hanabi) and set fireworks (仕掛け花火, shikake hanabi) are among the elaborate displays that captivate many people as a summer tradition of Beppu. A distinctive feature is the auspicious number of 8,888 fireworks launched.

• Date & Time: Fireworks on July 26 (Sun), 2026, from 8:08 PM to 9:00 PM. The festival itself runs July 25 (Sat) - 26 (Sun). The fireworks may be canceled in severe weather.
• Venue & Access from Nearest Station: Kitahama Green Zone (北浜緑地帯), Beppu Spa Beach (別府スパビーチ), off Kitahama Park (北浜公園沖). Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Beppu Station (JR別府駅). You can use your JR Pass or an IC card like SUICA for train travel.
• Number of Fireworks & Visitors: 8,888 fireworks. The annual visitor count is not disclosed, but a very large number of spectators attend as a major event in Beppu City (別府市).
• Availability of Paid Seating: Both paid and free viewing areas are usually set up. Please check the official website for details and prices.
• Hidden Gems: Areas around Beppu Tower (別府タワー) and Matogahama Park (的ヶ浜公園) are close to the launch site, offering powerful views of the fireworks. From Beppu Park (別府公園) on a slightly elevated hill further away, you might be able to enjoy the collaboration of Beppu Bay's night view and the fireworks relatively leisurely. However, please note that only handheld fireworks are permitted in Beppu Park, and launching fireworks is prohibited.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Kamegawa Natsu Matsuri

This fireworks festival marks the finale of the traditional summer festival "Kamegawa Natsu Matsuri" (亀川夏まつり) held in the Kamegawa (亀川) district of Beppu City (別府市). Following events like drum and fife corps (鼓笛隊, kotekitai) performances and local dances (地踊り, jiodori), approximately 5,000 fireworks are launched off Kamegawa Fishing Port (亀川漁港). You can enjoy the fireworks illuminating the summer night sky in a warm, community-rooted atmosphere.

• Date & Time: August 1 (Sat), 2026.
• Venue & Access from Nearest Station: Kamegawa Fishing Port (亀川漁港). Approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Kamegawa Station (JR亀川駅). You can use your JR Pass or an IC card like SUICA for train travel.
• Number of Fireworks & Visitors: 5,000 fireworks. Around 35,000 visitors are expected.
• Availability of Paid Seating: Official announcements regarding paid viewing seats are not yet confirmed.
• Hidden Gems: The coastline around Kamegawa Fishing Port (亀川漁港) or slightly elevated areas further away offer good viewing spots. It might be worthwhile to seek out popular local spots.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Musashi no Sato no Yosuzumi Natsu no Yo Matsuri Oita Godo Shimbun Musashi Hanabi Taikai

Held off Kunisaki City (国東市) Musashi Port (武蔵港), this fireworks festival offers a pleasant summer evening experience. Watching approximately 4,000 colorful fireworks light up the night sky while enjoying the cool evening breeze is perfect for creating summer memories. It's cherished as a summer tradition of Kunisaki (国東), attracting many tourists in addition to local residents.

• Date & Time: August 15 (Sat), 2026.
• Venue & Access from Nearest Station: Off Kunisaki City (国東市) Musashi Port (武蔵港沖). Public transportation access is limited, so coming by car is convenient. The nearest station is JR Kitsuki Station (JR杵築駅), but it's a considerable distance, so bus or taxi use is recommended.
• Number of Fireworks & Visitors: 4,000 fireworks. The annual attendance is estimated at approximately 15,000 people.
• Availability of Paid Seating: Official announcements regarding paid viewing seats are not yet confirmed.
• Hidden Gems: The coastline around Musashi Port (武蔵港) is a popular viewing spot. Even from a slightly more distant location, you can enjoy the fireworks along with the sea scenery.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Kitsuki City Noryo Hanabi Taikai

This cool-down fireworks festival is held in Kitsuki City (杵築市), a castle town rich in history and culture. The sight of colorful fireworks simultaneously illuminating the night sky and the water surface against the backdrop of Morie Bay (守江湾) is spectacular. Approximately 3,000 fireworks are launched annually, creating an enchanting summer night. Kitsuki City Kaihin Yume Park (杵築市海浜夢公園) serves as the main venue, bustling with many spectators.

• Date & Time: August 16 (Sun), 2026.
• Venue & Access from Nearest Station: Shiota Special Venue (Kitsuki City Kaihin Yume Park) (塩田特設会場（杵築市海浜夢公園）). Approximately a 20-minute walk from JR Kitsuki Station (JR杵築駅), or using the Kitsuki City Community Bus is convenient. You can use your JR Pass or an IC card like SUICA for train travel.
• Number of Fireworks & Visitors: Approx. 3,000 fireworks. The annual attendance is estimated at approximately 20,000 people.
• Availability of Paid Seating: Official announcements regarding paid viewing seats are not yet confirmed.
• Hidden Gems: The coastline around Kitsuki City Kaihin Yume Park (杵築市海浜夢公園) and elevated areas facing Morie Bay (守江湾) are suitable for viewing.
• Google Maps Link to Venue: View Map

Tips for Enjoying Fireworks

Here are some tips to comfortably enjoy the fireworks festivals in Oita Prefecture (大分県).

• Secure Your Spot Early: For popular fireworks festivals, it's common to secure a good viewing spot early in the evening. If you want to spread out a leisure sheet and sit down to watch, early action is crucial. If paid viewing seats are available, purchasing them in advance allows you to enjoy the event without worrying about securing a spot.
• Packing List:
  • Leisure sheet / Folding chair: Convenient for sitting for long periods to watch the show.
  • Insect repellent spray: Essential for mosquito and other insect protection during outdoor summer events.
  • Drinks / Snacks: The area around the venue can get crowded, and stalls may have long queues. It's reassuring to prepare these in advance. Especially in summer, remember to hydrate frequently to prevent heatstroke.
  • Towel / Fan / Folding fan: Useful for staying cool in the heat.
  • Portable charger: Be prepared for your smartphone battery running out. This is especially important if you plan to take many photos and videos.
  • Trash bag: It's customary to take your trash home with you. Please cooperate in preserving the beautiful environment.
• Managing Crowds on the Way Home: After the fireworks festival ends, the nearest stations, bus stops, and parking lots become extremely crowded.
  • Using Public Transportation: While JR trains and buses may have increased services, congestion is unavoidable. Try to allow plenty of time for your journey. Using an IC card like SUICA or a JR Pass can streamline your travel.
  • If Driving: Parking lots fill up quickly, so arrive early or consider park-and-ride options by parking a little further away and transferring to public transport. For example, around Beppu Spa Beach (別府スパビーチ), there are Matogahama Parking Lot (的ヶ浜駐車場) and Tokiwa Beppu Store Ground-Level Parking Lot (トキハ別府店平面駐車場), but they are likely to fill up quickly. Around the Oita River (大分川) riverbed, Heiwashimin Park (平和市民公園) and Motomachi Temporary Parking Lot (元町臨時駐車場) may be available. Also, traffic regulations are often in place around the venue, so it's important to check in advance.
  • Staggered Departure: Instead of leaving immediately after the fireworks, you can avoid congestion by having a meal nearby or spending some time relaxing before heading home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can fireworks festivals be canceled? A. Yes, they can be canceled due to bad weather (strong winds, heavy rain, etc.) or the impact of disasters. Decisions on whether to hold the event are often announced around noon on the day of the festival via official websites, local government websites, or social media. Please be sure to check the latest information before heading out.

Q. Is there parking near the venue? A. Many fireworks festivals provide temporary parking lots near the venue, but spaces are limited and they become very crowded. The use of public transportation is recommended. If you are coming by car, consider arriving early or using park-and-ride options. In tourist areas like Yufuin (湯布院), coin parking lots such as Times Yufuin Ekimae (タイムズ由布院駅前) and Ecopark Yufuin Dai-1 Parking Lot (エコロパーク湯布院第1駐車場) are available, but congestion is expected during tourist seasons.

Q. Can I enjoy it with small children? A. Yes, many families with children enjoy fireworks festivals. However, venues can be very crowded and loud, so keep a close eye on your children to prevent them from getting lost, and consider bringing earplugs. Stroller use may be difficult in some areas, so consider using a baby carrier.

Q. Can I bring food and drinks? A. Generally, bringing food and drinks is allowed. However, some venues may prohibit open flames or restrict alcohol, so please check the official website of each festival in advance. Many food stalls (屋台, yatai) are also set up around the venue, which is part of the fun.

Q. Should I book accommodation early? A. Yes, during fireworks festival seasons, especially in popular tourist destinations like Beppu (別府), Yufuin (湯布院), and Hita (日田), accommodation bookings are expected to concentrate and fill up quickly. If you are planning to attend a fireworks festival, it is highly recommended to book your accommodation as early as possible.