Shiga – July 23 Otsu Shiga Fireworks Festival

Access

By Train

The nearest station is JR Kosei Line’s Omi-Maiko Station. From the station, it takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes to walk east to Omi-Maiko Nakahama Swimming Beach. The venue is also easy to reach from the Kyoto–Osaka area, taking approximately 31 minutes by Special Rapid from Kyoto Station and approximately 61 minutes from Osaka Station.

Alternative routes during busy periods and last-train precautions: The area around the station and the trains become extremely crowded on the day of the fireworks festival. In particular, entry restrictions may be imposed at JR Omi-Maiko Station immediately after the fireworks end. To avoid the crowds, it is recommended that you either leave the venue 15 minutes before the fireworks finish or remain at the venue for at least 1 hour afterward and return home once the crowds have thinned. Check the last-train times for your destination in advance and allow plenty of time for your journey.

By Car

The venue is located just after exiting the Kosei Road at the Maiko IC. There are several paid parking lots around the venue, but they are expected to fill up early each year with beachgoers and fireworks spectators. Omi-Maiko Nakahama Parking Lot can accommodate approximately 600 vehicles, and parking costs 1,500円. However, entry restrictions begin at 18:30 on the day of the fireworks festival, and vehicles cannot leave between 18:00 and 21:00, so please take note. To avoid traffic, arriving at the area by 15:00～16:00 is recommended. Street parking is also prohibited. Research parking locations in advance, and consider using a parking lot that accepts reservations.

Reserved Seating and Tickets

The Otsu Shiga Fireworks Festival is basically a free event. You can sit on the spacious sandy beach and enjoy the fireworks freely.

However, some facilities and businesses may offer special viewing areas or paid seating where you can enjoy the fireworks in comfort. For example, GBASE sells special viewing seats, including plans that come with 1 drink. Please check the official websites of the respective facilities or ticket sales websites for details. Some sources state that there are “no paid seats” for the official event. Therefore, keep in mind that viewing is generally free, and if you want a special seat, the most reliable option is to contact the individual facility directly.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

For those who want to enjoy the fireworks while avoiding the crowds, here are several recommended lesser-known viewing spots.

• Daimotsu Ground Since it is a little away from the venue, this is a relatively quiet spot for watching the fireworks. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy the show at a relaxed pace in a spacious area.

• Hira Genki Village This spot allows you to watch the fireworks in a lush natural setting. It is also popular with families, who can enjoy nature activities during the day. On the day of the fireworks festival, it is best to arrive early and secure a spot.

• Omi-Maiko Minamihama and Kitahama Swimming Beaches These swimming beaches are located to the south and north of the main venue, Nakahama Swimming Beach. They are less crowded than Nakahama Swimming Beach, allowing you to enjoy the fireworks while taking in the expansive view of Lake Biwa. Kitahama Swimming Beach is also conveniently located, just approximately 2 minutes on foot from JR Omi-Maiko Station.

• Around Biwako Seikei Sport College Some areas are slightly elevated and may offer views across the entire venue. This is recommended for those who want to enjoy a different perspective, as if looking down on the fireworks from above.

• Hotel rooms and other accommodations Some hotels and traditional inns around the venue offer rooms with views of the fireworks. Hotel Biwa Lake Otsuka is one example. This is an ideal option for those who want to watch the fireworks in a private space without worrying about the crowds. However, these rooms are highly popular, so early reservations are necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Under what circumstances will the fireworks festival be canceled? A. The Otsu Shiga Fireworks Festival is held rain or shine, but in the event of severe weather, it will be postponed to the following day, Friday, July 24. The program may also be changed or canceled due to sudden weather changes or other circumstances, so it is recommended that you check the official website or the Shiga Tourism Association (077-592-0378) for the latest information before heading out.

Q. Will food stalls be set up at the venue? A. The search results did not provide clear information about food stalls for 2026. Information from previous years suggests that food stalls may be present, but please check the official website and other sources for the latest details.

Q. Is parking available? Also, how can I avoid the crowds? A. There are paid parking lots around the venue, but they become extremely crowded on the day of the fireworks festival and are highly likely to fill up early. In particular, Omi-Maiko Nakahama Parking Lot imposes entry restrictions at 18:30, and vehicles cannot leave between 18:00 and 21:00. To avoid the crowds, it is strongly recommended that you arrive by around 15:00～16:00, before the evening traffic begins, or use public transportation. Using a parking lot that accepts advance reservations is also an effective option.