Aomori – August 20 Tsugaru Fireworks Festival
The Tsugaru Fireworks Festival is a beloved summer tradition in Fujisaki, Aomori Prefecture. In 2026, it will be held on Thursday, August 20. The night sky above the Hirakawa River comes alive with a mesmerizing toro lantern floating ceremony and approximately 3,000 fireworks, making this the largest fireworks festival in the south-central Tsugaru area. Here is everything you need to know about access, reserved seating, and the best hidden viewing spots.
Jul 18, 2026·✍️ olablog·⏱ 6 min read
The Tsugaru Fireworks Festival is a beloved summer tradition in Fujisaki, Aomori Prefecture. In 2026, it will be held on Thursday, August 20. The night sky above the Hirakawa River comes alive with a mesmerizing toro lantern floating ceremony and approximately 3,000 fireworks, making this the largest fireworks festival in the south-central Tsugaru area. Here is everything you need to know about access, reserved seating, and the best hidden viewing spots.
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▶ Open on YouTube — like & subscribeThe Tsugaru Fireworks Festival is a beloved summer tradition in Fujisaki, Aomori Prefecture, known for its mesmerizing toro lantern floating ceremony and spectacular fireworks. At the Hirakawa River, lanterns carrying people’s summer memories drift across the water, followed by approximately 3,000 colorful fireworks illuminating the night sky over the Tsugaru Plain. As the largest festival in the south-central Tsugaru area, it is a major event that brings a sentimental touch to the dazzling finale of summer in Japan’s northern countryside.
Event Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, August 20, 2026 |
| Time | 18:30– Toro lantern floating ceremony, 19:30–20:30 Fireworks |
| Venue | Hirakawa Riverside Hakucho Fureai Plaza |
| Number of fireworks | Approximately 3,000 |
| Typical attendance | Approximately 15,000 people |
| In case of rain | Held in light rain; postponed to Friday, August 21, 2026, in severe weather |
Venue and Map
The venue for the 57th Tsugaru Fireworks Festival is Hirakawa Riverside Hakucho Fureai Plaza, located in Fujisaki, Minamitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture. This nature-rich area stretches along the Hirakawa River and welcomes swans from around December through March each year. Mount Iwaki can be seen in its full grandeur throughout the year, creating a beautiful contrast between the fireworks and the surrounding natural landscape.
Getting There
The venue can be reached by either public transportation or car. Heavy congestion is expected on the day of the festival, so please allow plenty of time for your journey.
By Train
Hirakawa Riverside Hakucho Fureai Plaza is approximately a 10- to 15-minute walk from Fujisaki Station on the JR Gonō Line. From the station, follow the signs or check your route on a map in advance for a smoother journey.
By Car
From the Ōwani-Hirosaki IC on the Tōhoku Expressway, the venue is approximately 20 minutes away by car via National Route 7, covering about 15 km.
Parking Information
Free parking is available around the venue, including at Fujisaki Town Hall, the Hirakawa riverbank, and the Disaster Prevention Park next to Fujisaki Elementary School. Approximately 800 parking spaces are available in total, but spaces are limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Traffic Restrictions
Traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue from 15:00 until approximately 21:00 on the day of the fireworks festival, with some sections closed to traffic. Please follow local instructions and help ensure safe traffic flow.
Tips for Avoiding Congestion
Fujisaki Station and the surrounding roads become extremely crowded after the fireworks end. If you are traveling by train, check the time of the last train in advance and head to the station with plenty of time to spare. Drivers should also expect traffic jams even after the restrictions are lifted, so plan accordingly.
Reserved Seating and Tickets
The 57th Tsugaru Fireworks Festival will offer reserved seating for those who want to enjoy the fireworks in comfort.
Types and Approximate Prices
Reserved seating consists of pipe-chair seats, with a total of 600 seats available. The price is 2,000円 per seat.
Sales Period and Location
Tickets will be sold from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, through Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Sales will end once all tickets are sold, so early purchase is recommended.
Tickets are available at the Aeon Fujisaki store service counter. Please note that direct sales at the Fujisaki Town Chamber of Commerce, as well as reservations by phone, FAX, or email, are not accepted.
- Sales hours:
- Wednesday, July 1 only: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Thursday, July 2–Tuesday, August 18: 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 19 only: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Important Notes When Purchasing
Children who cannot be held on a parent or guardian’s lap—generally around 4 years old or older—require one ticket per person. Please also be aware that tickets cannot be refunded even if the fireworks festival is canceled.
Less-Crowded Viewing Spots
The Tsugaru Fireworks Festival is very popular, and the area around the venue becomes extremely crowded. For those who would like to avoid the crowds and enjoy the fireworks at a more relaxed pace, here are several potential hidden viewing spots. However, these are not official viewing areas, so please observe proper etiquette and avoid disturbing people nearby.
The opposite bank of the Hirakawa River (a short distance from the venue) Open areas along the Hirakawa River on the opposite bank from Hakucho Fureai Plaza, or slightly upstream or downstream, may offer a chance to watch the fireworks while avoiding the crowds. Because these locations are a reasonable distance from the venue, you may be able to enjoy a wide view of the entire display. However, take great care not to enter private property or obstruct traffic.
Elevated areas in Fujisaki Although no specific locations have been officially announced, Fujisaki has several elevated areas. Watching the fireworks from a hill some distance from the launch site can sometimes offer a lovely combination of the town’s nightscape and the fireworks. It is recommended that you look for elevated spots using a map app in advance and check whether your view will be blocked.
The surrounding rural areas (open viewpoints) Fujisaki is surrounded by expansive rural landscapes. In an open area a short distance from the venue, you may be able to look up and enjoy the fireworks. However, never park without permission on farm roads or private property, and avoid entering private land. Please be considerate of local residents. Since it becomes dark underfoot at night, bring a flashlight and take care when moving around.
These hidden viewing spots are not based on official information, so be sure to check conditions on site when visiting and always prioritize safety and good manners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What time does the fireworks festival run? A. The toro lantern floating ceremony begins at 18:30, and the fireworks are scheduled from 19:30 to 20:30.
Q. Will the fireworks festival be canceled if it rains? A. The festival will go ahead in light rain, but in severe weather it will be postponed to the following day, Friday, August 21, 2026. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Q. Where can I buy reserved-seat tickets? A. Reserved-seat tickets will be sold at the Aeon Fujisaki store service counter from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, through Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Direct sales at the Fujisaki Town Chamber of Commerce and reservations by phone are not accepted.
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