Okayama – August 29 Kasaoka Port Festival Fireworks Display

Access

By Train

The nearest station is JR Sanyo Main Line’s Kasaoka Station. The venue is approximately a 5- to 10-minute walk from the station. On the day of the fireworks display, access to the platforms at JR Kasaoka Station may be restricted, and additional trains may be operated, so allow plenty of time for your journey. The area around the station and the underground passage become especially crowded after the fireworks, so follow staff instructions and be sure to check the time of your last train home. According to 2025 information, trains departing Kasaoka Station after the fireworks operated from 21:05 toward Fukuyama and from 21:02 toward Kurashiki.

By Car

The venue is approximately 10 to 15 minutes from the Sanyo Expressway’s Kasaoka IC via Prefectural Route 34. However, extensive traffic restrictions will be in place south of National Route 2 from 18:30 to 22:00 on the day of the fireworks display, including areas where some vehicles are prohibited from entering. As the area around the venue becomes extremely congested, using public transportation is strongly recommended.

Parking

Several temporary parking lots will be available—approximately 11 lots with a combined capacity of about 2,500 vehicles—and can be used free of charge. Please note, however, that vehicles must leave by 22:00. Vehicles cannot move within the traffic-restriction zone until 22:00.

Reserved Seating and Tickets

The Kasaoka Port Festival Fireworks Display offers reserved seating where you can enjoy the fireworks up close in comfort.

• JR West “tabiwa” exclusive special viewing-seat ticket
  • Viewing seats are provided with tables and chairs, and you can enjoy food and drinks purchased from the adjacent shops.
  • Price: 3,800 yen per seat (tax included)
  • Sales period: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 15:00–Saturday, August 29, 2026, 19:00
  • How to use: Gather at the “Shimanokoshi Parking Lot (next to Shimanokoshi Sumiyoshi store)” by 19:00 on the day of the event and show the usage screen in the tabiwa app.
  • Eligibility: Elementary school students and older require a ticket. Up to one preschool-age child per adult may watch from the adult’s lap free of charge (a ticket is required if the child needs a seat).

People who make a sponsorship donation may also receive invitation tickets for reserved guest seating. General admission to the venue is free.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

Here are 3 lesser-known spots where you can enjoy the Kasaoka Port Festival Fireworks Display more comfortably.

1. Around Kasaoka Port (near the Sanyo Kisen ferry terminal) This spot is relatively close to the launch site, offering the chance to see the fireworks reflected beautifully on the sea. You can enjoy the powerful display while taking in the atmosphere of the port. However, because it is close to the main venue, crowds are unavoidable.

2. Kojoyama Park This park sits on higher ground a short distance from central Kasaoka, allowing you to look down over the entire fireworks display. It is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, so you may be able to enjoy a combination of the city’s nighttime scenery and fireworks. However, the Kojoyama mountain trail will be closed to vehicles from 16:00 to 22:00 on the day of the fireworks display, so you will need to walk there. Bringing insect repellent is recommended.

3. “Taiyo no Hiroba” in the Kasaoka Bay Reclamation Area Located near the Kasaoka Bay Reclamation East Breakwater, where the fireworks are launched, “Taiyo no Hiroba” is listed as an area where the display can be viewed. The area within a 250m radius of the launch site is off-limits as a dangerous zone, but it may be possible to watch the fireworks from the spacious area around it. Check the traffic restriction map and take care around areas closed to vehicles when planning your route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I reserve a viewing spot in advance? A. You may claim a viewing spot from noon on the day of the fireworks display. Items placed before then may be removed, so please be aware of this. Chairs and similar items are also prohibited in viewing areas, except in designated staff-related seating.

Q. What traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue? A. Extensive traffic restrictions will be implemented over a wide area south of National Route 2 from 18:30 to 22:00 on the day of the fireworks display. Areas where vehicles are prohibited from entering will also be established, and the area will be extremely crowded, so public transportation is recommended. Check the traffic restriction map in advance and plan to travel with plenty of extra time.

Q. Are drones and strollers allowed at the venue? A. Flying objects such as drones are prohibited. Please fold up strollers when using them. Thank you for your cooperation in helping ensure the fireworks display is operated safely.