Gunma – 22 Aug Takasaki Festival Grand Fireworks Display

Access

Using public transportation is recommended to reach the Takasaki Festival Grand Fireworks Display venue.

• By Train From the West Exit of JR Takasaki Station (高崎駅), the venue is approximately a 15 to 25-minute walk. On the day of the fireworks display, the area around Takasaki Station and the path to the venue will be extremely crowded. Especially after the fireworks conclude, the return journey to the station is also expected to be congested, so please allow ample time for your movements. It is also recommended to check the last train times from Takasaki Station in advance. (For convenient travel on JR lines, consider using an IC card like Suica or the Japan Rail Pass.)
• By Car There is no dedicated parking at the venue. You will need to use paid parking in Takasaki City (高崎市) and then transfer to public transportation or walk to the venue. While there are several paid parking lots around Takasaki Station, they are highly likely to be full on the day of the event, so arriving early or utilizing a pre-booked parking service is an effective strategy. On the day of the fireworks display, traffic regulations will be enforced around the West Exit of Takasaki Station (高崎駅), the city center, and the Karasu River (烏川) riverbed. On August 22nd, the area around the festival venue will have restrictions from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Ekimae-dori (駅前通り, the street in front of the station) from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, so checking alternative routes is necessary. Traffic regulations for the fireworks display are typically in effect from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

Paid Seating & Tickets

For the 2026 Takasaki Festival Grand Fireworks Display, three paid viewing areas—Venue A, Venue B, and Venue F—will be available near the launch site, with a total of 14,230 seats for sale.

• Ticket Prices (2026)
  • Adults: ¥3,500 (approx. $23 USD, based on 1 USD ≈ 150 JPY)
  • High school students and younger: ¥2,500 (approx. $17 USD)
  • Photographer's seats (Venue A only): ¥8,000 (approx. $53 USD) (online sales only)
  • Preschool children can enter for free when accompanied by a ticket holder.
• Types and Features of Paid Seating
  • Venue A (Wadabashi Upstream Riverbed / 和田橋上流河川敷): Located directly in front of the launch site, offering the most spectacular fireworks experience.
  • Venue B (Karasu River Green Space Takamatsu Area / 烏川緑地高松エリア): While viewing is from an oblique angle, it offers excellent visibility and is recommended for families.
  • Venue F (Wadabashi Downstream Karasu River Green Space Takamatsu Area / 和田橋下流烏川緑地高松エリア): Equipped with benches, allowing for a relaxed fireworks viewing experience.
• How to Purchase Tickets Advance tickets will be sold online (Seven Ticket, FamiTicket, Rakuten Ticket) and at multi-copy machines in convenience stores (Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, Ministop). They will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Takasaki City Tourism Division (高崎市観光課) and Takasaki Tourism Association (高崎観光協会) counters. Same-day tickets will be sold from 6:00 PM at the Venue A paid seating reception under Wadabashi (和田橋). However, if the planned number of tickets is reached with advance sales, same-day tickets may not be available, so early purchase is recommended. Pre-reserving spots in the paid seating areas is not permitted. Entry begins at 6:00 PM, but the start time may be earlier depending on the crowd situation around the venue.

Hidden Gem Spots

The Takasaki Festival Grand Fireworks Display is extremely popular, and the area around the venue gets very crowded. For those who wish to avoid the crowds and enjoy the fireworks in a relaxed manner, here are a few hidden gem spots.

1. Takasaki City Hall 21st Floor Observation Lobby (高崎市役所21階展望ロビー) The observation lobby on the 21st floor of Takasaki City Hall (高崎市役所) is renowned for offering a direct view of the fireworks. You can enjoy a magnificent high-rise view, which is a unique experience compared to watching fireworks from the ground. However, as this is a very popular spot, early arrival to secure a good viewing position is essential.
2. Takasaki Park (高崎公園) This park is relatively easy to access from Takasaki Station (高崎駅) and is conveniently located on the city side. While it may not offer the same intensity as being right in the heart of the venue, its appeal lies in being able to enjoy the fireworks atmosphere while having easy access back towards the station. Restrooms are also available, making it recommended for families.
3. Kannonyama Hills (観音山丘陵) / Kannonyama Miharashidai Park (観音山みはらし台公園) Although a bit of a distance from the launch site, the view from this elevated location is outstanding, allowing you to leisurely take in the entire fireworks display. It's also a popular spot for dates. While it's about a 40-minute walk from the venue, the view is well worth the effort.
4. Around Takasaki City Jonan Baseball Stadium (高崎市城南野球場周辺) This is a recommended hidden gem for those who prefer to watch the fireworks in relative quiet. Some parking may be available in this area.
5. AEON Mall Takasaki (イオンモール高崎) While it's a bit further from the launch site, you might be able to see the fireworks from the rooftop parking lot or other areas. It's worth considering if you want to enjoy shopping while avoiding the crowds and catching a glimpse of the fireworks.

Free viewing areas, including Venue C (Wadabashi Sports Plaza / 和田橋運動広場), Venue D (Karasu River Kawanaka Green Plaza / 烏川かわなか緑の広場), and Venue E (Soka Gakkai Takasaki Peace Hall Parking Lot / 創価学会高崎平和会館駐車場), also offer comfortable viewing if you adhere to the spot-saving rules. Spot-saving in these free viewing areas is permitted from 8:00 AM on the day of the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What time does the Takasaki Festival Grand Fireworks Display end? A. The 2026 Takasaki Festival Grand Fireworks Display is scheduled to be held for approximately 50 minutes, from 7:30 PM to 8:20 PM.

Q. Where can I purchase tickets for the paid seating? A. Tickets for paid seating are sold online (Seven Ticket, FamiTicket, Rakuten Ticket), at multi-copy machines in convenience stores, and at the counters of the Takasaki City Tourism Division (高崎市観光課) and Takasaki Tourism Association (高崎観光協会). Same-day tickets may be available, but advance purchase is recommended as they might sell out through pre-sales.

Q. Is there parking available near the venue? A. There is no dedicated parking at the fireworks display venue. It is recommended to use paid parking lots around Takasaki Station (高崎駅) or secure a reserved parking spot in advance. Traffic regulations will also be in effect on the day of the event, and the area around the venue will be extremely crowded, so using public transportation is the most convenient option.