Yamanakako Hōkosai Fireworks Festival

Access

By Car

The venue is conveniently located approximately 5～7 minutes from the Yamanakako IC on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road. However, roads around the lakeshore are expected to be extremely congested on the day of the fireworks festival, so arriving early is recommended.

Parking Information Free parking and some paid parking spaces will be available for the Yamanakako Hōkosai Festival. There are approximately 1,100 free parking spaces in total, along with paid parking costing 300 yen per day.

The main temporary parking areas are as follows.

• Yamanaka Elementary School Grounds: Approximately 180 spaces (available from 14:00, approximately 3 minutes on foot from the fireworks venue)
• Across from Kyōdo-shoku to Yado Sendēya: Approximately 400 spaces (available from 14:00, approximately 15 minutes on foot from the fireworks venue)
• Hananomiyako Park Parking Lot 1: Approximately 220 spaces (available from 17:30, approximately 30 minutes on foot from the fireworks venue)

As parking is limited, visitors are encouraged to carpool or use public transportation. Never park on the street, as this inconveniences local residents.

By Public Transportation

Train and Bus

• From Fujisan Station on the Fujikyuko Line: Take a Fujikyū Yamanashi Bus bound for Gotemba or Hirano, and get off at the “Fujisan・Yamanakako” bus stop after approximately 30 minutes. The venue is just a short walk away.
• From JR Gotemba Station: Take a Fujikyū Bus bound for Kawaguchiko and get off at the “Asahigaoka Mori no Eki” bus stop after approximately 40 minutes. This is a convenient option.

Be Careful Not to Miss the Last Train Home Buses and trains are expected to be crowded after the fireworks festival. In particular, the number of late services is limited, so check the timetables in advance and allow plenty of time for your journey.

Traffic Restrictions

There are no particularly large-scale traffic restrictions associated with the fireworks festival, but roads around the lakeshore become extremely congested. In addition, entry restrictions will be implemented on parts of the cycling path in the Yamanaka district to ensure safety. Wristbands are scheduled to be distributed on the day to visitors who wish to watch the fireworks from within the cycling path area.

Paid Seating and Tickets

The Yamanakako Hōkosai Fireworks Festival does not have paid viewing areas. The fireworks can be enjoyed from any open location along the lakeshore. When choosing a viewing spot, obtain permission from the land manager and observe proper etiquette. Picnic sheets, large chairs, tripods, and similar items are prohibited on the cycling path. Umbrellas are also prohibited in rainy weather, so be sure to bring rainwear such as a raincoat.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

Because the Yamanakako Hōkosai Fireworks Festival can be viewed from a wide stretch of the lakeshore, it is relatively easy to find a less crowded spot.

1. Mount Ōhirayama (おおひらやま) Located on the north side of Lake Yamanaka, this 1,295m-high mountain offers sweeping views of Mount Fuji and Lake Yamanaka from an observation deck along the hiking trail. Since it is a little way from the venue, it is an excellent location for those who want to avoid the crowds and quietly enjoy the fireworks in their entirety.

2. Nagaike Water Park (ながいけしんすいこうえん) Located on the northern shore of Lake Yamanaka, this is a popular spot where you can watch the fireworks with Mount Fuji in the background. The combination of the inverted reflection of Mount Fuji and the fireworks on the lake is breathtakingly beautiful. As this is a popular location, arriving early to claim a spot is recommended.

3. Panorama-dai Located slightly uphill from Lake Yamanaka, Panorama-dai is a spectacular viewpoint where you can enjoy majestic views of Mount Fuji and Lake Yamanaka at once. Since it is some distance from the fireworks venue, the sound of the fireworks is less powerful, but you can relax and take in the full display blooming across the nightscape.

4. Yamanakako Community Plaza Kirara With its spacious grassy grounds, this spot is also recommended for families. Although it is somewhat far from the venue, its open setting lets you relax and enjoy the fireworks. Temporary parking may also be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What time does the fireworks festival start and end? A. At the 2026 Yamanakako Hōkosai Fireworks Festival, the fireworks are scheduled to begin at 20:00 and continue for approximately 40～45 minutes.

Q. Will the festival go ahead if it rains? A. The festival will proceed in light rain but will be canceled in severe weather. It will be canceled rather than postponed, so if the weather looks unstable, check the official website in advance for the latest information.

Q. Will food stalls be set up near the venue? A. Yes. Food stalls are scheduled to be set up at the Yamanakako Public Parking Lot (Yamanaka Parking Lot) in the Yamanaka district, as well as at the Youth Health Plaza in the Hirano district.