Hyogo – August 1 Ashiya Summer Carnival Fireworks

The Ashiya Summer Carnival Fireworks is a major event cherished as a summer tradition in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture. Approximately 6000 fireworks synchronize with music and flames, creating a spectacular 3D panoramic show that illuminates the night sky. The theme for 2026 is “The Power to Live,” and fireworks up to size 5—the largest shells to be used in recent years—are scheduled to be launched. From the daytime, civic stage performances and a festival area with approximately 20 vendors will also be held, making it possible for everyone from families to couples to enjoy a full day out.

Event Overview

Venue and Map

The main venue for the Ashiya Summer Carnival Fireworks encompasses Shio-Ashiya Beach, Shio-Ashiya Ryokuchi Park, and Miratap Park Ashiya (Ashiya City General Park). The fireworks are launched from Shio-Ashiya Beach, allowing spectators in the viewing areas to experience the spectacle up close. The venue is spacious, and various events are held from the daytime, so arriving early is recommended to make the most of summer in Ashiya.

View the venue on Google Maps

Access

Using public transportation is recommended for reaching the Ashiya Summer Carnival Fireworks venue. No parking is available around the venue, so visitors cannot arrive by car.

Access from the nearest stations

• Hanshin Railway Ashiya Station: Approximately 30 minutes on foot.
• JR Ashiya Station and Hankyu Ashiyagawa Station: Take a Hankyu Bus and get off at “Ashiya City General Park-mae.” However, due to traffic restrictions, bus service south of Seaside West Exit will be suspended or rerouted after 18:00 on the day, so please plan accordingly.

Detours and precautions during busy periods Large-scale traffic restrictions will be implemented around the venue from around 17:00 or 18:00 on the day of the fireworks. Private cars, taxis, and motorcycles will not be allowed into the area. Shiokaze Ohashi Bridge will be subject to traffic restrictions, so please use Hamakaze Ohashi Bridge as a detour.

When entering or leaving the venue, head toward the “General Park-mae” intersection. Entry from Kaigandori, Shin-sui Nishi Park, or Chuo Park is not permitted. Please also avoid passing through residential streets, as this may disturb local residents.

The roads will be dark on the way home, and severe congestion is expected. Take great care to avoid falls and collisions, and follow the directions of event staff. Check the last train times for public transportation in advance, and allow plenty of time for your return journey.

Reserved Seating and Tickets

For safety management reasons, the Ashiya Summer Carnival Fireworks is strictly reservation-only in advance. Visitors must have either a “Sponsorship Viewing Seat Ticket” or a “Civic Plaza Admission Ticket.” Those without a ticket or admission pass will not be allowed into the venue.

Ticket types and approximate prices A wide range of viewing areas is available. The main seating options are as follows.

• Beach Viewing Area: Adults 3,200 yen, junior and senior high school students 1,600 yen, ages 3 to elementary school students 500 yen, people with disabilities 1,600 yen.
• Group Viewing Seats
• Viewing Seats with Chairs
• Couples’ Seats
• Free-Flow Seats
• Front Beach
• Premium Seats
• BBQ Viewing Seats: Some seats include food and drink services, such as the collaborative seating option with Hotel Plaza Kobe.
• Arena Seats

These tickets are mainly sold through Lawson Ticket (ローソンチケット). Some seating categories may already have sold out their allotted number of tickets, so purchasing early is recommended. Beach tickets can also be purchased at the 7-Eleven JR Ashiya Station Front store.

Civic Plaza Admission Ticket Advance reservations are required to enter the Civic Plaza. Admission is free for people who live, work, or attend school in Ashiya City, while visitors from outside the city must pay 500 yen per person as a safety management fee. However, as of June 2026, capacity has already been reached and applications are closed.

Viewing seats may also be offered as gifts through Ashiya City’s hometown tax donation program.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

Watching the fireworks up close at the venue is a great option, but for those who would prefer to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed view, here are several lesser-known viewing spots.

1. Rokko Garden Terrace Observatory Rokko Garden Terrace in Nada Ward, Kobe, is located at a high elevation and offers an excellent panoramic view of the fireworks along with Ashiya’s nighttime scenery. Because it is some distance from the venue, the sound of the fireworks is less powerful, but the sight of fireworks blooming over the vast cityscape is exceptionally beautiful. Access by public transportation requires taking the Rokko Cable and then the Rokko Sanjo Bus.

2. Around Kintoriyama and Hokura Shrine The area around Kintoriyama and Hokura Shrine, accessible from Hankyu Okamoto Station, is also known as a hidden spot for distant views of the Ashiya fireworks. In particular, vehicles are prohibited on the approach to Hokura Shrine, so the area must be reached on foot. The mountain views have few obstructions and are recommended for those who want to enjoy the fireworks in a quiet setting.

3. Minami-Ashiyahama–Fukaehama Connector Bridge Located very close to the venue, the Minami-Ashiyahama–Fukaehama Connector Bridge is an excellent hidden spot where the bridge’s elevation allows visitors to watch the fireworks from an almost side-on position with tremendous impact. Cars cannot access the bridge, but it is possible to cycle or walk to the top. Extremely heavy crowds are expected, so arriving early to secure a spot is necessary. A good option is to park at a lot on the Fukaehama side and walk to the bridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is parking available at the venue? A. The Ashiya Summer Carnival Fireworks venue does not have a dedicated parking lot. Large-scale traffic restrictions will also be implemented around the venue on the day, so please use public transportation and walk to the event.

Q. Can I see the fireworks without a ticket? A. For safety management reasons, the 2026 Ashiya Summer Carnival Fireworks is strictly reservation-only in advance. Only visitors with a “Sponsorship Viewing Seat Ticket” or “Civic Plaza Admission Ticket” may enter the venue. Those without a ticket or admission pass cannot watch the fireworks inside the venue, so be sure to arrange one in advance.

Q. Will the fireworks be held if it rains? A. The Ashiya Summer Carnival Fireworks will go ahead in light rain. However, the event will be canceled in severe weather and will not be postponed. Check the official website and other sources for the latest information regarding the final decision on the day.