Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition: Venue, Access and Tips

Venue and Map

The competition venue is located along the Sakuragawa Riverbank (桜川畔) in Tsuchiura City (土浦市), Ibaraki Prefecture (茨城県), near the downstream section of Gakuen Ohashi Bridge (学園大橋). This location is characterized by spectator seating (桟敷席) set up on the opposite bank from the Citizens' Athletic Field (市民運動広場) where the fireworks are launched, allowing for a close-up view of the powerful display. The sight of vibrant fireworks spreading across the entire night sky in the clear autumn air is truly breathtaking.

View Venue on Google Maps

Access

For access to the "Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition" (土浦全国花火競技大会), the use of public transportation is highly recommended.

Access by Train

The nearest station is Tsuchiura Station (土浦駅) on the JR Joban Line (JR常磐線). It takes approximately 45 minutes by limited express train or about 70 minutes by local train from Ueno Station (上野駅). From the West Exit of Tsuchiura Station, a paid shuttle bus service operates to the venue, arriving near the site in about 10 minutes. If walking, it's about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from Tsuchiura Station to the venue area, taking approximately 30 minutes; however, significant crowds are expected on the day, so travel times may vary. (Visitors can use their Japan Rail Pass, IC card like Suica, or purchase individual tickets for JR trains.) After the competition, the area around Tsuchiura Station will also be extremely crowded, and entry restrictions to the station premises may be implemented, so please plan your travel with ample time.

Access by Car

If using the Joban Expressway (常磐自動車道), you can access the venue area in approximately 10 to 20 minutes from the Sakura-Tsuchiura Interchange (桜土浦IC) or Tsuchiura-Kita Interchange (土浦北IC). On the day of the competition, approximately 4,000 to 4,500 parking spaces, both free and paid, are expected to be available. However, the area around the venue will become extremely crowded from early hours, and traffic regulations will be enforced. Furthermore, heavy traffic is anticipated to continue until late at night when returning, so the use of public transportation is strongly recommended. Some parking lots require advance reservations, so if you plan to use them, please check the official website for the latest information.

Paid Seating and Tickets

At the "Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition" (土浦全国花火競技大会), paid seating is prepared annually to allow for comfortable viewing of the fireworks. Typically, paid seating includes box seats (桟敷席) and chair seats (イス席) that offer an immersive experience of the fireworks' power up close. As of July 2026, detailed information regarding paid spectator seats for 2026 (such as types, prices, sales start dates, and purchase methods) is awaiting official announcement. Historically, lottery reservations tend to begin around August. The latest information will be updated periodically on the official competition website, so please be sure to check it before you go.

Hidden Gem Spots

For those who wish to enjoy the fireworks while avoiding crowds, we will introduce a few hidden gem spots. However, please note that due to the distance from the launch site, the fireworks may appear smaller, and the impact of the sound may be less intense.

1. Kijo Park (亀城公園) This park utilizes the former site of Tsuchiura Castle (土浦城址), located approximately a 15-minute walk from JR Tsuchiura Station (土浦駅). It is relatively close to the station and tends to be less crowded. The park also has public restrooms, making it a safe option for families with children. The charming view of fireworks over the moat is appealing, but due to the distance from the launch site, the fireworks will appear smaller.

   • Address: 1-13-48 Chuo, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture

2. Kasumigaura Comprehensive Park (霞ヶ浦総合公園) This park features a vast lawn area facing Lake Kasumigaura (霞ヶ浦). It is known as a unique spot where you can enjoy the contrast of fireworks reflected on the lake's surface. Located approximately 3 km (1.8 miles) from JR Tsuchiura Station (土浦駅), access by car is recommended, though temporary parking is usually set up annually. This spot is highly recommended for families who wish to view the fireworks in a relaxed setting.

   • Address: 145 Oiwata, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture

3. Tsutsujigaoka Parking Lot (つつじヶ丘駐車場) on Mt. Tsukuba (筑波山) Mid-slope This parking lot is located on the mid-slope of Mt. Tsukuba (筑波山), northwest of Tsuchiura City (土浦市) center. It is popular as a superb viewpoint where you can enjoy fireworks from a distance, along with the nightscapes of Tsuchiura and Tsukuba. Since it is far from the launch site, bringing binoculars will enhance your viewing experience.

   • Address: Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture

What to Bring / What to Wear

Tsuchiura in November experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, with evenings getting chilly. To comfortably watch the fireworks, we recommend the following preparations:

• Warm Clothing: Dress warmly with a down jacket or thick coat, scarf, gloves, and a knit hat. A lap blanket or throw will also be very useful.
• Ground Sheet / Portable Chair: If you're viewing from a free spot, the ground can get cold, so a thick ground sheet or a portable chair will be convenient.
• Rain Gear: In case of sudden rain, bring a raincoat or poncho instead of an umbrella. Umbrellas obstruct the view of others and are generally discouraged at fireworks festivals.
• Drinks / Snacks: While food stalls will be available around the venue, they are expected to be crowded, so it's reassuring to prepare your own drinks and light snacks in advance. Warm drinks are also recommended.
• Trash Bags: Please make sure to take all your trash with you.

Local Cuisine and Sightseeing

Before or after the fireworks, why not enjoy some of Tsuchiura City's local cuisine and sightseeing? Tsuchiura City faces Lake Kasumigaura, Japan's second-largest lake, and is blessed with rich nature and ingredients.

• Local Cuisine (ご当地グルメ):
  • Lotus Root (レンコン): A specialty of Tsuchiura, boasting one of the highest production volumes in Japan. You can enjoy it in various forms, such as stewed, fried, or in creative dishes.
  • River Fish Dishes (川魚料理): Local dishes made with fish caught in Lake Kasumigaura, such as Japanese smelt (wakasa-gi) and river shrimp, are popular, often prepared as tsukudani (simmered in soy sauce) or tempura. Eel dishes are also a local specialty.
  • Hitachi Aki Soba (常陸秋そば): A brand of buckwheat noodles that Ibaraki Prefecture is proud of. Some restaurants offer handmade soba using locally produced buckwheat flour.
• Sightseeing Spots (観光スポット):
  • Kasumigaura Cycling Road (霞ヶ浦サイクリングロード): One of Japan's premier cycling roads, where you can enjoy the lakeside scenery by renting a bicycle.
  • Tsuchiura Machikado Kura (土浦まちかど蔵): Facilities renovated from traditional storehouses, where you can experience the local history and culture.

Along with the excitement of the fireworks, be sure to experience Tsuchiura's unique food and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many fireworks are launched at the Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition? A. A total of approximately 20,000 fireworks are scheduled to be launched, combining both competition fireworks and exhibition fireworks.

Q. Is parking available? A. On the day of the competition, approximately 4,000 to 4,500 parking spaces, both free and paid, are expected to be available. However, the area around the venue will be extremely crowded, and traffic regulations will be enforced, so the use of public transportation is recommended. Some parking lots require advance reservations, so please check the official website for details.

Q. What are the characteristics of the Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition? A. The "Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition" (土浦全国花火競技大会) is counted among Japan's three major fireworks festivals and three major competitive fireworks festivals. Its most significant characteristic is that it is a highly artistic competitive fireworks display where pyrotechnicians from across the country compete in three categories: Starmine, Size 10 Shells (10号玉), and Creative Fireworks (創造花火). Furthermore, it is also known as one of the few competitions held in autumn, whereas many fireworks festivals take place in summer.