Ehime – July 18 Kawanoe Summer Festival Fireworks Display

This information is current as of July 2026. Please check the official website before heading out.

The Kawanoe Summer Festival Fireworks Display, which heralds the arrival of summer in Shikokuchuo, Ehime, is a popular event that attracts large crowds every year. Approximately 3,600 fireworks burst across the expansive night sky over Kawanoe Port, creating a spectacular display centered around large-shell fireworks and star mines.

Event Overview

Venue and Map

The Kawanoe Summer Festival Fireworks Display takes place at Kawanoe Port in Shikokuchuo, Ehime. Since the fireworks are launched from the breakwater, you can enjoy a powerful view from open areas along the coast. Take in the fireworks lighting up the summer night sky in the port’s spacious surroundings while feeling the sea breeze.

View the venue on Google Maps

Access

By train The venue is approximately a 10–15-minute walk from Kawanoe Station on the JR Yosan Line. The area around the station and the roads leading to the venue are expected to be extremely crowded on the day of the fireworks display, so allow plenty of time for your journey. Trains will also be crowded after the display, so be sure to check the time of the last train.

By car The venue is approximately 10 minutes by car from the Mishima-Kawanoe IC on the Matsuyama Expressway. Approximately 400 spaces will be available in temporary parking lots near the venue. Additional parking will be provided at Shiroyama-shita Parking Lot (approximately 300 spaces, about a 15-minute walk from the venue), Uma Driving School, and Kawanoe Gymnasium, for a total of approximately 1000 free parking spaces. However, these free parking lots are extremely popular and typically fill up between 17:00 and 18:00 in the evening. Traffic restrictions will also be in effect around Kawanoe Port from 19:00 to 22:00, so if you are coming by car, it is recommended that you arrive early, before the restrictions begin. Please follow the attendants’ instructions when parking. To help ease congestion, consider using public transportation.

Paid Seating and Tickets

The Kawanoe Summer Festival Fireworks Display does not offer paid seating for the general public. You will therefore need to enjoy the fireworks from one of the free viewing areas.

However, the event does offer a “Message Fireworks” program, through which you can send a message of up to 50 characters into the night sky along with an 8-inch shell firework. Limited to 10 groups, the fee is ¥50,000 per group and includes 4 invitation tickets to priority seating and a commemorative gift. If there are more applicants than spaces, winners will be selected by lottery. The application deadline is usually around the end of June.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

For those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the fireworks at a more relaxed pace, here are several lesser-known viewing spots.

• Kawanoe Port Ryokuchi Park Close to Kawanoe Port, the event venue, this park is also relatively near the breakwater from which the fireworks are launched. You may be able to enjoy a powerful view of the fireworks while watching from a comparatively uncrowded location.
• Shiroyama Park, Kawanoe Castle Ruins Although it is some distance from the venue, its elevated position offers a beautiful bird’s-eye view of the fireworks lighting up the night sky alongside the illuminated Kawanoe Castle. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy the townscape of Kawanoe together with the fireworks.
• Around the Kinegawa River Mouth Located a comfortable distance from the main venue, this is a recommended spot for enjoying the fireworks while avoiding the crowds. The open surroundings allow you to take in the full spread of the display at a leisurely pace.
• Yogisaki Beach Although somewhat far from the venue, this is a spot where the fireworks can be seen beautifully from a distance. It is recommended for those who want to avoid the crowds and watch the display in peace and quiet.
• Around the Multipurpose Ground (Municipal Baseball Stadium Area) This area has ample space that is also used as a temporary parking lot, making it relatively easy to find a place where you can sit and watch. It is also suitable for families who want to enjoy the fireworks in a relaxed setting.

Crowd levels at these lesser-known spots may vary depending on conditions on the day, so arriving early to secure a spot is recommended. Some areas may become dark underfoot, so for peace of mind, check the visibility and ground conditions while it is still light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will there be food stalls? Yes. Food stalls are usually set up around the venue, adding to the festival atmosphere. However, the exact locations and number of vendors have not been officially announced, so please check the venue information and follow directions from staff on the day.

Q. Will there be traffic restrictions? Yes. Traffic restrictions will be in effect around Kawanoe Port from 19:00 to 22:00 on the day of the fireworks display. If you are arriving by car, consider getting there before the restrictions begin or using public transportation.

Q. How long will the fireworks display last? In 2026, the fireworks are scheduled to run for approximately 45 minutes, from 20:00 to 20:45. The program will consist of 2 parts, with Message Fireworks also scheduled to be launched after the first part concludes.