Fukui – 16 Aug Tsuruga Fireworks Festival
A detailed guide to the 77th Toro Nagashi and Grand Fireworks Festival (Tsuruga Fireworks Festival) held on August 16, 2026. Approximately 10,000 fireworks will illuminate the night sky above Kehi no Matsubara. Comprehensive coverage of the event overview, access, paid seating, and hidden gem spots.
Jul 14, 2026·✍️ olablog·⏱ 9 min read
A detailed guide to the 77th Toro Nagashi and Grand Fireworks Festival (Tsuruga Fireworks Festival) held on August 16, 2026. Approximately 10,000 fireworks will illuminate the night sky above Kehi no Matsubara. Comprehensive coverage of the event overview, access, paid seating, and hidden gem spots.
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The "Toro Nagashi and Grand Fireworks Festival," held annually in summer in Tsuruga City (敦賀市), Fukui Prefecture (福井県), is affectionately known as the "Tsuruga Fireworks Festival" (敦賀花火大会) and is a major event representing the Hokuriku region. Set against the scenic backdrop of 'Kehi no Matsubara' (気比の松原), approximately 10,000 fireworks brilliantly illuminate the night sky and the sea surface, creating a fantastical world. The collaboration of toro nagashi (lantern floating) and fireworks will captivate visitors and make a summer night a special memory.
Event Overview
The "77th Toro Nagashi and Grand Fireworks Festival" in 2026 will be held on the following dates:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | August 16, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Time | Toro Nagashi: 6:30 PM – Fireworks Festival: 7:30 PM – 8:15 PM |
| Venue | Kehi no Matsubara Coast (気比の松原海岸), Tsuruga City (敦賀市), Fukui Prefecture (福井県), Matsushima-cho (松島町) |
| Number of Fireworks | Approximately 10,000 |
| Estimated Attendance (Annual) | Approximately 220,000 (2024 actual) |
| In Case of Rain | Held in light rain, canceled in stormy weather (no postponement date) |
The theme for 2026 is "Tsuruga Fireworks Story" (敦賀花火ものがたり). It expresses the history and culture that Tsuruga (敦賀), where sea and land routes have intersected since ancient times, has fostered, inviting spectators into a story of a bright future with colorful fireworks. Fireworks displays synchronized with music and audience participation projects are also planned, promising a program full of highlights.
Venue and Map
The main venue for the Tsuruga Fireworks Festival (敦賀花火大会) is the 'Kehi no Matsubara' (気比の松原) coast, designated as a scenic spot and counted as one of Japan's Three Great Pine Groves (日本三大松原). Set against the beautiful coast of white sands and green pines, the spectacle of lanterns floating on the sea and fireworks illuminating the night sky is breathtaking. Since the launch site is located offshore from the Kehi no Matsubara (気比の松原) coast, fireworks can be viewed from a wide area along the coastline.
Access
On the day of the Tsuruga Fireworks Festival (敦賀花火大会), large-scale traffic restrictions will be implemented around the venue, and significant congestion is expected. The use of public transportation or shuttle buses is strongly recommended.
By Train/Bus
- From JR Tsuruga Station (JR敦賀駅)
- Take the Community Bus 'Matsubara Line' (松原線) and alight at the 'Kehi no Matsubara' (気比の松原) bus stop, then walk for about 5 minutes. The journey takes approximately 12-18 minutes.
- If using a taxi, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the venue from JR Tsuruga Station (JR敦賀駅).
- On the day of the festival, free shuttle buses are scheduled to operate from around JR Tsuruga Station (JR敦賀駅). The closest exit for shuttle bus boarding and alighting is the 'Tsuruga Station West Exit' (敦賀駅西口).
- For train travel, consider using an IC card like Suica or Pasmo, or the Japan Rail Pass if you plan extensive travel across Japan.
By Car
- From the Hokuriku Expressway (北陸自動車道) 'Tsuruga IC' (敦賀IC), it takes approximately 13-15 minutes via National Route 27 (国道27号線) to reach the vicinity of the venue, but please note that traffic restrictions will be in place on the day.
- Temporary parking for approximately 2,000 vehicles is planned around the venue (e.g., Tsuruga City General Athletic Park (敦賀市総合運動公園)). Free shuttle buses are also scheduled to operate from near these temporary parking lots.
- The Matsubara Parking Lot (松原駐車場) and Hanashiro Parking Lot (花城駐車場) near the venue will be sold by reservation, costing 7,000 JPY per vehicle (approximately $47 USD, based on 1 USD ≈ 150 JPY). Please note that even beachgoers will require reservations.
- Traffic restrictions will be implemented from 4:00 PM around Yūki (結城), Kawasaki (川崎), Shōei (松栄), and Matsushima-cho (松島町). From approximately 7:30 PM to 9:15 PM after the fireworks festival, vehicle access around the venue will be restricted to ensure pedestrian safety. Visitors are urged to refrain from driving their own cars into the immediate vicinity of the venue.
Be Mindful of Last Trains
After the fireworks festival concludes, shuttle buses and community buses bound for JR Tsuruga Station (JR敦賀駅), as well as JR stations, will be extremely crowded. Especially for those coming from afar, please check the times of your return trains in advance and allow ample time for your journey.
Paid Seating / Tickets
At the Tsuruga Fireworks Festival (敦賀花火大会), paid viewing seats are available for comfortable fireworks appreciation.
- Hamajaya Paid Viewing Seats (浜茶屋有料観覧席): Seats with chairs and tables are available for purchase starting from 3,000 JPY (approximately $20 USD). For applications and inquiries, please contact 090-3887-0686 (Uesugi (上杉)).
- Tsuruga Citizen Viewing Seats (敦賀市民用観覧席): Viewing seats for Tsuruga citizens (敦賀市民) will be sold by lottery through online applications. Please check the website of Minato Tsuruga Tourism Association (港都つるが観光協会) for details.
- General Paid Viewing Seats (一般有料観覧席): Sales for general paid viewing seats began on June 15, 2026 (Monday) at 10:00 AM on the Nippon Travel Agency (日本旅行) website.
For other types of paid viewing seats and further details, please contact Minato Tsuruga Tourism Association Co., Ltd. (株式会社港都つるが観光協会) (Weekdays: 0770-22-8167, Weekends/Holidays: 0770-21-8686).
Hidden Gem Spots
While the main venue, Kehi no Matsubara (気比の松原), is expected to be very crowded, there are several hidden gem spots where you can enjoy the fireworks from a slightly more distant location.
- Around Kanegasaki Green Space (金ヶ崎緑地) Kanegasaki Green Space (金ヶ崎緑地), facing Tsuruga Port (敦賀港), is a spot where you can calmly enjoy the fireworks, as there are few obstructions to the view, despite being a bit far from the launch site. You can also enjoy the collaboration of retro buildings like the Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse (敦賀赤レンガ倉庫) and the Former Tsuruga Port Station Building (旧敦賀港駅舎) with the fireworks.
- Around Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse (敦賀赤レンガ倉庫) The area around the Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse (敦賀赤レンガ倉庫), adjacent to Kanegasaki Green Space (金ヶ崎緑地), is also a popular hidden gem spot among locals. The contrast between the historic buildings and the fireworks is beautiful, making it highly recommended for photography. There are also restaurants nearby, allowing you to enjoy dining along with the fireworks viewing.
- Tentōyama Observatory (天筒山展望台) From Tentōyama Observatory (天筒山展望台), located on a hill overlooking Tsuruga Bay (敦賀湾), you can view the entire fireworks display from above. Unlike the bustling atmosphere of the main venue, this spot is recommended for those who wish to quietly enjoy the magnificent fireworks. However, access requires caution due to the mountain road.
- Matsubara Park Area (松原公園) This area is relatively close to the main venue of Kehi no Matsubara (気比の松原) but allows you to avoid congestion by being slightly further away. It is recommended for those who want to feel the power of the launch site while enjoying the fireworks at a relaxed pace.
- Around Kirameki Minato-kan (きらめきみなと館) The area around Kirameki Minato-kan (きらめきみなと館), a symbol of Tsuruga Port (敦賀港), is also listed as a spot where you can see the fireworks. Being along the coast, the view is open, and it tends to be relatively less crowded.
While these hidden gem spots may not offer the same immersive experience as the main venue, they are recommended for those who wish to avoid crowds and enjoy the fireworks at a leisurely pace, or for those with small children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What time does the Tsuruga Fireworks Festival (敦賀花火大会) run until? A. The fireworks display is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM and conclude at 8:15 PM. The toro nagashi (lantern floating) will take place from 6:30 PM.
Q. Is the Tsuruga Fireworks Festival (敦賀花火大会) held even in the rain? A. It will be held in light rain, but will be canceled in case of stormy weather. No postponement date has been set for 2026.
Q. Can non-Fukui Prefecture residents purchase paid viewing seats? A. Yes, paid viewing seats can be purchased by non-Fukui Prefecture (福井県) residents. Hamajaya (浜茶屋) paid viewing seats are available by phone, and general paid viewing seats are sold on the Nippon Travel Agency (日本旅行) website.
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