Shiga – July 25 Koka-ryu Ninnin Grand Fireworks

Access

The venue for the Koka-ryu Ninnin Grand Fireworks 2026 can be reached by either public transportation or car.

By train The nearest station is Omi Railway’s Minakuchi-Jonan Station. From Minakuchi-Jonan Station, the venue is about a 10-minute walk away. As crowds are expected on the day, be sure to allow plenty of extra time. The station becomes especially crowded after the fireworks, so we recommend checking the time of the last train in advance and planning your return accordingly.

By car If using the Shin-Meishin Expressway, allow approximately 15 minutes by car from the Konan IC and approximately 20 minutes from the Koka-Tsuchiyama IC. In previous years, nearby facilities and school grounds have been opened as temporary free parking lots, but spaces are limited. They are usually full by around 16:00～17:00, so try to arrive early or consider using public transportation. Be sure to check the official Koka-ryu Ninnin Grand Fireworks 2026 website in advance for the latest parking information. In addition, traffic restrictions, including road closures, will be introduced sequentially from the afternoon, particularly around the venue. We recommend allowing plenty of time and taking detour routes into account when planning your trip.

Tips for avoiding the crowds The heaviest congestion occurs immediately before the fireworks (18:30〜19:30) and just after they end (20:15〜21:00). If you want to enjoy the food stalls and secure a viewing spot with ease, arriving before 17:00 is ideal. To avoid the crowds on the way home, either wait at the venue for 30 minutes after the fireworks as part of a “staggered departure,” or leave 10 minutes before the end as an “early departure.”

Reserved Seating and Tickets

According to the information currently available, there will be “no paid viewing seats” at the Koka-ryu Ninnin Grand Fireworks 2026. Viewing is therefore essentially free. If you want a better spot from which to watch the fireworks, we recommend arriving early and reserving a place. Information about paid seating may be announced later, so be sure to check the official website for the latest updates before heading out.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

For those who would like to enjoy the fireworks in a more relaxed setting away from the crowds, here are several lesser-known viewing spots. However, some of these locations may not be officially open for viewing, so please follow proper etiquette, use them responsibly, and be considerate of local residents.

1. The rooftop parking lot at Ayaha DIO Minakuchi The rooftop of the local home-improvement store Ayaha DIO is a little-known viewing spot. It is relatively close to the launch site, allowing you to fully feel the vibrations of the fireworks exploding overhead. However, this is a store parking lot and is not specially opened for viewing the fireworks, so visitors must follow the store’s rules and take care not to cause inconvenience.

2. Around Minakuchi Sports Forest The area around Minakuchi Sports Forest, located a short distance from the venue, is also considered a relatively easy place to avoid the crowds. It is recommended for those who want to watch the fireworks calmly in a spacious setting.

3. Along the Yasu River embankment a little farther away (such as downstream) Along the Yasu River embankment, including areas a little downstream from the main venue, you may be able to watch the fireworks while avoiding the crowds. Although it is some distance from the launch site, the open view overlooking the entire show is a major attraction.

4. Around Minakuchi Riding Club The area around Minakuchi Riding Club is separated from the launch venue by a wooded area, so it does not attract many people and is a hidden gem for enjoying the fireworks quietly away from the crowds. Since it offers a beautiful view of the aerial fireworks, it is ideal for those who want to watch the show at a leisurely pace.

5. Elevated areas around the Yasu River riverbank The slightly elevated areas around the venue are also known as good spots for enjoying the fireworks to the fullest while avoiding the crowds. Since they offer a panoramic view, they are recommended for those who want to appreciate the show as a whole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Ninnin Yokocho? A. Ninnin Yokocho is a food-stall area set up in the JA Koka Head Office parking lot near the venue on the day of the fireworks festival. Visitors can enjoy local specialties and classic festival food-stall fare, and the area helps build the festival atmosphere even before the fireworks begin. It opens at 15:30 in typical years.

Q. Can the fireworks festival be canceled? A. The event will go ahead in light rain, but it will be canceled in severe weather and postponed to the following day, Sunday, July 26, 2026. The final decision on whether the event will take place will be announced on the official website on the day, so be sure to check before heading out.

Q. Are there places to stay near the venue? A. There are several accommodations near the venue, including the Minakuchi Century Hotel. As the area is expected to be busy during the fireworks festival, we recommend booking early.

Q. What kinds of fireworks will be launched? A. The Koka-ryu Ninnin Grand Fireworks features spectacular starmines and some of the few large-shell fireworks in Shiga Prefecture, lighting up the night sky. You can also look forward to unique fireworks inspired by the local character “Ninjaemon” and shuriken, both reflecting Koka’s identity as the home of the ninja. The powerful sound of the fireworks reverberating through the surrounding terrain is another thrilling highlight that can be felt throughout your entire body.

Q. Are there restrooms at the venue? A. Temporary restrooms are scheduled to be installed around the venue. However, as they are expected to be crowded, we recommend using them early.

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