【Hofu Tenmangu Gontansai Fireworks Festival 2026】Held on August 5 (Wed)｜Launch Times, Hidden Spots & Parking

Access

By Train

The venue is approximately a 15–20-minute walk from the Tenjin-guchi exit of JR Sanyo Main Line’s Hofu Station. By taxi, it takes approximately 5 minutes. The area is extremely crowded on the day of the fireworks festival, so allow plenty of time and use public transportation whenever possible.

By Car

The venue is approximately 10 minutes from either the Hofu-Higashi IC or Hofu-Nishi IC on the Sanyo Expressway.

Parking Information On August 5, the day of the fireworks festival, temporary free parking lots will be available around Hofu Tenmangu Shrine. The main temporary parking areas are as follows:

• Matsuzaki Elementary School
• Saba Elementary School
• Saba Junior High School
• Mori Family Garden

These temporary free parking lots are scheduled to be open from 15:00 to 22:00, but capacity is limited (approximately 500–1000 vehicles in total). Please note that after 15:00 on August 5, the Bairin parking lot and the velodrome parking lot will be unavailable all day because of preparations for the fireworks festival. If the temporary parking lots are full, consider using one of the paid parking lots around Hofu Station, such as the Lururas Hofu parking lot, Hofu City Municipal Parking Lot, Times parking lots, or the Youme Town Hofu multi-story parking lot.

Traffic Restrictions Traffic restrictions will be implemented around Hofu Tenmangu Shrine in the evening on August 5 (approximately 18:00–22:00) to ensure safety, and vehicles will be prohibited from passing through the area. Check detour routes and restriction information in advance, and strongly consider using public transportation.

Be Careful Not to Miss the Last Train JR Hofu Station becomes extremely crowded after the fireworks festival ends. Visitors coming from farther away should check their return train times in advance and leave for the station with plenty of time to spare.

Paid Seating and Tickets

There are no paid viewing seats at the Hofu Tenmangu Gontansai Fireworks Festival. If you want a good view of the fireworks, you will need to claim your spot early.

Hidden Viewing Spots

Since the Hofu Tenmangu Gontansai Fireworks Festival has no paid seating, it is useful to know some lesser-known viewing spots where you can enjoy the fireworks while avoiding the crowds.

1. Aeon Town Hofu Rooftop Parking Lot Since it is located a little farther from Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, you may be able to watch the fireworks while avoiding the worst of the crowds. It is also a comfortable option for families with children and is recommended for those who want to enjoy the fireworks at a relaxed pace. However, it is a commercial facility, so please be considerate and follow the rules for using the premises.

2. Kuwayama Park Located on elevated ground overlooking Hofu’s urban area, Kuwayama Park is an excellent spot for enjoying both the night view and the fireworks. You can look toward Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, where the fireworks are launched, and enjoy the show in a romantic atmosphere. However, since the park is on high ground, it is a good idea to bring insect repellent.

3. Hofu Tenmangu Shrine Grounds Although the fireworks are launched around the shrine, they can also be viewed from within the shrine grounds. In particular, the combination of the Mantoro Festival’s glowing bonbori lanterns and the fireworks creates a magical scene that can only be experienced here. However, this is one of the most crowded areas, so you will need to secure a spot early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What time does the fireworks festival run? A. In 2026, the fireworks festival is scheduled to run from 20:30 to 21:15 (or 21:00).

Q. Is parking available? A. On August 5, Matsuzaki Elementary School, Saba Elementary School, Saba Junior High School, and Mori Family Garden will be open as temporary free parking lots (scheduled from 15:00–22:00). However, capacity is limited and heavy congestion is expected, so public transportation is recommended. There are also several paid parking lots around Hofu Station.

Q. Will the fireworks festival be canceled if it rains? A. The event will go ahead in light rain but will be canceled in severe weather. Check the official website and other sources for the latest information on the day of the event.