National Fireworks Competition 'Omagari no Hanabi'
Jul 14, 2026 · ✍️ olablog · ⏱ 11 min read
🎆 Plan your fireworks night
Annual guide to National Fireworks Competition 'Omagari no Hanabi in Akita: when it is usually held, best viewing spots, access and practical tips.
🎆 Watch Japan's most beautiful fireworks (4K video)
▶ Open on YouTube — like & subscribeInformation as of July 2026. Please check the official website before your visit.
Dreams and Pride Soar: Japan's Premier Fireworks Competition, "Omagari no Hanabi"
Held annually on the last Saturday of August in Daisen City (大仙市), Akita Prefecture, the "National Fireworks Competition 'Omagari no Hanabi'" (全国花火競技大会「大曲の花火」) is recognized as one of Japan's three great fireworks festivals. It is the most prestigious fireworks competition in the country, where pyrotechnicians from across Japan compete to showcase their skills and artistry. The event is divided into two parts: daytime fireworks and nighttime fireworks, with approximately 18,000 fireworks illuminating the night sky over the Omono River (雄物川). It attracts over 700,000 spectators annually. In 2026, the "98th National Fireworks Competition" will take place on Saturday, August 29.
Event Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | The 98th National Fireworks Competition "Omagari no Hanabi" |
| Date | Saturday, August 29, 2026 |
| Time | Daytime Fireworks: 5:10 PM – 6:00 PM, Nighttime Fireworks: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Venue | "Omagari no Hanabi" Park (大曲の花火公園) on the Omono Riverbank in Omagari, Daisen City (大仙市大曲雄物川河畔) |
| Number of Fireworks | Approximately 18,000 |
| Annual Attendance | Over 700,000 annually |
| In Case of Rain | Held even in rain; postponed in case of severe weather (Please check the official website for details) |
Highlights of the Fireworks Festival
The biggest reason "Ohmagari no Hanabi" stands apart from other fireworks festivals is its "competitive nature." It is considered the most prestigious competition in Japan, with the Prime Minister's Award (内閣総理大臣賞) bestowed upon the winner. Approximately 28 pyrotechnicians selected from across the country compete for the honor of being crowned Japan's best of the year.
Japan's Only "Daytime Fireworks" Division
A major characteristic of Ohmagari no Hanabi is that it hosts the only "Daytime Fireworks" (昼花火の部) division in Japan. Unlike nighttime fireworks, daytime fireworks skillfully use colorful smoke instead of light to create beautiful patterns in the sky. Techniques such as enryu (煙竜, smoke dragons) and warimono (割物, bursting shells) create vibrant smoke formations that spread like delicate chrysanthemums and peonies, truly a work of art.
Artistry and Innovation Shine in the "Nighttime Fireworks" Division
The "Nighttime Fireworks" (夜花火の部) division consists of three categories: "Two No. 10 Shells (Shin-iri Warimono, Jiyu-dama)" and "Creative Fireworks." Particularly noteworthy is "Creative Fireworks" (創造花火), which originated in Ohmagari. This category involves setting a theme for the fireworks display and pursuing originality in color, rhythm, and three-dimensionality, all perfectly synchronized with music. It's a moving program where pyrotechnicians express their unique worldviews, stirring the emotions of the audience.
The Breathtaking "Grand Finale Fireworks" and Moving Finale
Between the competitive fireworks, sponsor-provided starmine fireworks and the wide starmine "Grand Finale Fireworks" (大会提供花火), a signature of Ohmagari no Hanabi, light up the entire sky. The magnificent scale, making full use of the vast Omonogawa River (雄物川) riverbed, and the perfectly synchronized musical performance draw spectators into the world of fireworks. The rapid-fire finale is so powerful it will take your breath away.
After the competition, an "exchange of cheers" (エールの交換) takes place, where spectators wave lights to express their gratitude to the pyrotechnicians. This sense of unity and emotion is a special experience unique to Ohmagari no Hanabi.
Venue and Map
The venue for "Omagari no Hanabi" is "Omagari no Hanabi" Park (大曲の花火公園), located on the Omono Riverbank (雄物川河畔) in Daisen City (大仙市), Akita Prefecture. The vast riverbed serves as the viewing area, and the close proximity to the opposite bank where the fireworks are launched allows spectators to experience their power up close.
Access
On the day of the fireworks festival, extensive traffic regulations and congestion are expected around the venue, so using public transportation is highly recommended.
Access by Train From JR Omagari Station (JR大曲駅) to the central entrance of the fireworks venue is approximately 1.6 km, taking about 20 to 30 minutes on foot. On the day of the event, JR East (JR東日本) operates special temporary trains. While Omagari Station will be crowded on the return journey, a sufficient number of trains are secured for the passenger volume. For international visitors, consider using a Japan Rail Pass or an IC card like SUICA for convenient travel across Japan, including to Omagari.
Access by Car Driving to the vicinity of the venue is not recommended. Traffic regulations will continue until late at night, and significant delays are anticipated when exiting parking lots. For smoother travel, "park-and-ride" is a convenient option: utilize parking lots at various Daisen City Hall (大仙市役所) branch offices and then travel by train. Arriving at parking lots early in the morning (around 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM) may help avoid congestion.
Paid Seating and Tickets
To enjoy "Omagari no Hanabi" up close, using paid viewing seats is highly recommended. All areas within the venue are designated as paid seating, and there are no free viewing areas. Various types of seats are available, allowing you to experience the dynamic sounds and colors of the fireworks. Popular seats often sell out immediately after sales begin, so early purchase is advisable.
Ticket Sales Periods
- First Sales Period: Friday, June 12, 2026, 10:00 AM – Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 11:59 PM
- Second Sales Period: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 10:00 AM – Friday, July 31, 2026, 11:59 PM
Direct Sales Direct sales will be conducted at the Omagari Chamber of Commerce and Industry (大曲商工会議所) (Hikario Plaza (ヒカリオ広場)) on Sunday, July 5, 2026, starting from 6:30 AM (numbered tickets will be distributed from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM).
Types of Paid Viewing Seats and Estimated Prices
| Seat Type | Capacity | Estimated Price (JPY) | Estimated Price (USD) | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum Pair Seats | 2 people | 70,000 yen | ~$467 | Located on a stage approximately 1m high, with private restrooms and a table |
| Deluxe Table Seats | 4 people | 50,000 yen | ~$333 | Spacious area with a round table for relaxed viewing |
| Table Seats | 4 people | 38,000 yen | ~$253 | With a table, ideal for group viewing |
| Embankment BOX Seats | 4 people | 30,000 yen | ~$200 | BOX seats located on the embankment |
| Leisure Sheet Seats | 4 people | 15,000 yen | ~$100 | Spacious area for free viewing |
| Pair Seats (Bench) | 2 people | 13,000 yen | ~$87 | Bench seating for two to relax and watch |
| Chair Seats | 1 person | 8,000 yen | ~$53 | Individual chair seating for casual enjoyment |
| Photographer's Seats A (Upper) | 1 person | 25,000 yen | ~$167 | Upper-tier seats ideal for photography |
| Photographer's Seats B (Middle) | 1 person | 18,000 yen | ~$120 | Mid-tier seats ideal for photography |
| Photographer's Seats C (Lower) | 1 person | 13,000 yen | ~$87 | Lower-tier seats ideal for photography |
The above are estimated prices based on 2026 information. Please check the official website for details. (Conversion rate: 1 USD ≈ 150 JPY)
Secret Spots
For those who wish to enjoy the fireworks outside of the paid seating areas, here are a few secret spots. However, these locations may become crowded, and the view of the fireworks may vary depending on the spot.
Embankment near Omagari Junior High School (大曲中学校) Located relatively close to the venue, about 200m away, offering an impressive view of the launched fireworks. The spacious area and fewer crowds compared to the paid seating area are appealing.
Himegami Park (姫神公園) Hilltop Situated on a hilltop about 2.3 km from the venue, this is a romantic spot where you can enjoy both the night view and the fireworks simultaneously. Restrooms are also available, making it a safe viewing spot for families.
Embankment near Senboku Driving School (仙北自動車学校) About 1 km from the venue, this spot allows you to enjoy powerful fireworks while avoiding large crowds. It also offers convenient access.
Near Koei Kensetsu (興栄建設) A quiet, hidden gem located in a residential area about 800m from the venue, recommended for those who want to watch the fireworks in a calm setting.
Near Omagari Kosei Medical Center (大曲厚生医療センター) This spot is ideal for those who wish to view from a distance in a quiet environment or for photographers aiming for long-range shots with telephoto lenses.
What to Bring / Attire
Even though it's a summer event, evenings can get chilly, so bringing a light jacket or cardigan is advisable. For long hours of viewing, a leisure sheet, cushion, or folding chair can be useful. Be prepared for sudden rain with a raincoat or other rain gear (umbrellas should be avoided as they obstruct others' views). Also, pack insect repellent, drinks, and light snacks. Due to the heavy crowds around the venue, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended.
Accommodation and Staying Before or After the Event
Hotels in Daisen fill up with reservations from 1 year in advance. It is easier to find accommodation if you expand your search to neighboring Akita City, Yokote City, and Morioka City. Many visitors also make day trips, arriving in Omagari that morning by Shinkansen or conventional train.
Local Cuisine and Sightseeing
Daisen City, where "Ohmagari no Hanabi" is held, is known as a city of fireworks, with several fireworks companies located there. Before or after the festival, you might consider visiting Hanabi-Am: Fireworks Traditional Culture Museum (花火伝統文化継承資料館「はなび・アム」) to learn about the history and mechanics of fireworks, or participate in a simulated fireworks shell-making experience.
Akita Prefecture also boasts many attractive tourist spots. You might extend your trip to visit the beautiful Lake Tazawa (田沢湖), the town of Kakunodate (角館) with its preserved samurai residences, or various hot spring resorts. Accommodation on the day of the festival will be extremely busy, so it is recommended to book early, considering not only Daisen City but also Akita City (秋田市), Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa, Shizukuishi (雫石), and Morioka (盛岡) areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are there any free viewing areas within the venue? A. All areas within the "Omagari no Hanabi" venue are designated as paid seating, and there are no free viewing areas. You must purchase tickets in advance.
Q. Will the fireworks festival be held even if it rains? A. In the case of light rain, the event will proceed as scheduled. However, safety is the top priority, and depending on weather conditions or river status, the event may be postponed or rescheduled. Information regarding the event's status will be announced promptly on the official app, the top page of the official website, and official social media (Facebook, Instagram, X).
Q. Is toilet paper provided in the venue's restrooms? A. For the summer National Fireworks Competition, temporary restrooms are not equipped with toilet paper. It is recommended that you bring your own if needed.
Q. Is eating and drinking allowed in the viewing seats? A. Yes, eating and drinking are permitted in the viewing seats. However, please be considerate of other spectators around you.
Q. Is wheelchair viewing possible? A. For the summer "National Fireworks Competition," dedicated wheelchair seating is provided. This requires advance application, so please check the "Ticket Information" page on the official website for details.
🎆 Make a trip of it — tours near the fireworks
Day tours departing from the nearest city — tour by day, fireworks by night.
