Gunma Tatebayashi Handheld Fireworks Festival

The Tatebayashi Handheld Fireworks Festival is a beloved summer tradition in Tatebayashi, Gunma. This spectacular event lets visitors enjoy both powerful handheld fireworks and dazzling aerial fireworks at the same time. Traditional handheld fireworks from the Mikawa region, a place associated with Lord Sakakibara Yasumasa, one of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Four Heavenly Kings, blaze across the night sky over Tatebayashi.

Event Details

The 27th Tatebayashi Handheld Fireworks Festival will be held on July 25 (Sat), 2026. It is a separate event from the 55th Tatebayashi Festival, which takes place on the same day, and will be held as a fireworks-only event.

| Item | Details to to be able to use the Tobu Isesaki Line, you can reach the venue by car in about 10 minutes from the Tatebayashi IC on the Tohoku Expressway.

Venue and Map

The venue for the Tatebayashi Handheld Fireworks Festival is Tatebayashi Castle Yumehiroba, located on the east side of Tatebayashi City Hall. It is known as a place where visitors can experience the power of the handheld fireworks up close.

View the venue on Google Maps

Access

By train
The nearest station is Tatebayashi Station, served by the Tobu Isesaki Line, Tobu Sano Line, and Tobu Koizumi Line. It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to walk from Tatebayashi Station to the venue, Tatebayashi Castle Yumehiroba. The station becomes extremely crowded after the fireworks, so we recommend purchasing your return ticket in advance or making sure your IC card has sufficient balance.

By car
The area around the venue is approximately 10 to 15 minutes by car from the Tatebayashi IC on the Tohoku Expressway. Several free parking lots are available, but they are extremely crowded in most years. Since they are likely to fill up before evening, arriving by around 16:00 is recommended.
The main parking lots are as follows.

• San-no-maru South Parking Lot
• Cultural Hall Parking Lot
• Tatebayashi City Hall Parking Lot
• Obiki Parking Lot
• Shiro-numa Sports Ground Parking Lot
• Tsutsujigaoka Fureai Center Parking Lot
• Hanayama Parking Lot
• Ryokudo Parking Lot
• Tsutsujigaoka Park Main Entrance Parking Lot (if the above lots are full)

Traffic restrictions may be imposed around the venue, so check the latest information on the official website and allow plenty of time for your journey.

Paid Seating and Tickets

There are no paid viewing areas planned for the 2026 Tatebayashi Handheld Fireworks Festival. The fireworks can be viewed free of charge.

Recommended Hidden Spots

The main venue is the best place to experience the power of the handheld fireworks up close. However, for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the aerial fireworks at a more relaxed pace, the following hidden spots are recommended.

1. Shiro-numa Sports Ground Located approximately 10 minutes (about 800m) on foot from the venue, this relatively nearby spot has a large grassy area where you can relax on a leisure sheet. It also has restrooms and vending machines, making it popular with families. Arriving around 15:00 should make it easier to secure a good spot.

2. Tsutsujigaoka Park Known in spring for its azaleas, this park offers views of the aerial fireworks from higher ground. The columns of fire from the handheld fireworks may be difficult to see from a distance, but you can still fully enjoy the starmines lighting up the sky.

3. Plaza in Front of the Gunma Museum of Art, Tatebayashi Located approximately 10 minutes on foot from Tatebayashi Castle Yumehiroba, this spot is appealing for its spacious lawn and unobstructed views. The powerful columns of fire from the handheld fireworks can also be seen in a quiet, relaxed setting, making it a good choice for families and couples.

4. Tatara-numa Park Although it is somewhat far from the venue, this is one of the recommended hidden spots for enjoying the fireworks at a leisurely pace while avoiding the crowds.

5. Around Tatebayashi City Hall The handheld fireworks take place at ground level and cannot be seen from here, but this area offers relatively relaxed views of the starmines in the sky. Consider this spot if you want to avoid the crowds at the main venue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is there an admission fee?
A. Admission to the Tatebayashi Handheld Fireworks Festival is free. There are also no paid viewing areas.

Q. Will the event be held in rainy weather?
A. The event will go ahead in light rain, but it may be suspended in the event of a thunderstorm and canceled in severe weather such as a typhoon. There will be no postponement. The event will also be canceled if a weather warning is issued for the Tatebayashi area, so check the latest information on the official website before heading out.

Q. Are there trash cans at the venue?
A. No trash cans are provided at the venue. Please help keep the area clean by taking your trash home with you.

Q. Can drones be used at the venue?
A. The use of drones and other small unmanned aircraft operated by remote control is prohibited within the festival venue.