7 Aug Aomori Prefecture Fireworks Festivals

75th Goshogawara Fireworks Festival

This fireworks festival illuminates the summer night sky of 五所川原市 (Goshogawara City) and is held as the eve festival for 立佞武多 (Tachineputa). It features various large and small starmines that synchronize exquisitely with fireworks and music, with the highlight of the finale being the competition between an 80-meter-wide water curtain and fireworks.

• Date & Time Held on August 3, 2026 (Monday), from 7:20 PM to 9:00 PM. In case of stormy weather, it is scheduled to be postponed to August 9 (Sunday).
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station The venue is the "北斗グラウンド" (Hokuto Ground) on the 岩木川河川敷 (Iwaki River Riverside). Access by public transport is convenient, being approximately a 10-minute walk from JR五能線 (JR Gono Line) "五所川原駅" (Goshogawara Station).
• Number of Fireworks & Expected Visitors Approximately 5,000 fireworks are launched. The annual number of visitors is estimated to be around 20,000.
• Availability of Paid Seating Some paid viewing seats will be provided. For details, it is necessary to check the official website of the 五所川原商工会議所 (Goshogawara Chamber of Commerce and Industry) or other sources.
• Hidden Gems for Viewing The area around the 岩木川河川敷 (Iwaki River Riverside) is spacious, so if you secure a spot early, you can enjoy the view relatively leisurely.
• Google Maps Link to Venue View Map

46th Hachinohe Fireworks Festival

This fireworks festival marks the end of summer in 八戸市 (Hachinohe City) and is held at 館鼻漁港 (Tatehana Fishing Port). Large-scale fireworks, including 尺玉 (Shakudama) and starmines, beautifully dye the night sky and sea surface.

• Date & Time Held on August 22, 2026 (Saturday), from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with gates opening at 5:00 PM. In case of stormy weather, it will be postponed to the following day, August 23 (Sunday).
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station The venue is 館鼻漁港 (Tatehana Fishing Port). It is approximately a 7-minute walk from JR八戸線 (JR Hachinohe Line) "陸奥湊駅" (Mutsu-Minato Station) and approximately a 10-minute walk from JR八戸線 (JR Hachinohe Line) "白銀駅" (Shirogane Station). You can also access it in about 3 minutes on foot from the 八戸市営バス (Hachinohe City Bus) "新湊二丁目" (Shinminato Nichome) bus stop.
• Number of Fireworks & Expected Visitors Approximately 7,000 fireworks are scheduled to be launched. The annual number of visitors is approximately 7,000.
• Availability of Paid Seating Only paid viewing seats are available within the venue; there is no free viewing area. Shuttle buses and temporary parking lots exclusively for ticket purchasers are also provided.
• Hidden Gems for Viewing 館鼻公園 (Tatehana Park) is about a 10-minute walk from 陸奥湊駅 (Mutsu-Minato Station) and is a hidden spot where you can view the fireworks from a high vantage point, looking down on them. Additionally, 蕪嶋 (Kabushima), known as a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls, is also cited as a good spot to see the fireworks clearly because only the sea is in view.
• Google Maps Link to Venue View Map

76th Asamushi Onsen Fireworks Festival

This fireworks festival is held in 浅虫温泉 (Asamushi Onsen), located in 青森市 (Aomori City), with fireworks launched from サンセットビーチあさむし (Sunset Beach Asamushi). It is a traditional fireworks festival that was revived last year through crowdfunding, and the theme for 2026 is "Continuation."

• Date & Time Fireworks launch begins at 7:00 PM on September 26, 2026 (Saturday). In case of rain, it will be canceled and postponed to the following day, September 27 (Sunday).
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station The venue is サンセットビーチあさむし (Sunset Beach Asamushi). Arrival by 青い森鉄道 (Aoimori Railway) is recommended, and the fishing park next to the venue will serve as a temporary paid parking lot, but space is limited, so early arrival is advised.
• Number of Fireworks & Expected Visitors The number of fireworks is unknown, but fireworks are expected to light up the night sky of the hot spring town.
• Availability of Paid Seating A variety of paid viewing seats are available, including S Block (2-seat set with reclining chairs for 10,000 JPY, approx. $67), A Block (1 chair seat for 3,000 JPY, approx. $20), B Block (1 free mat-seating spot for 1,500 JPY, approx. $10), and C Block lawn area (1 designated square for 5,000 JPY, approx. $33, or 1 free spot per person for 1,000 JPY, approx. $7).
• Hidden Gems for Viewing It may be possible to view the fireworks from the coastline around the venue or from slightly elevated areas. However, viewing from paid seats will likely offer the most comfortable and spectacular experience.
• Google Maps Link to Venue View Map

Koto Hirosaki Fireworks Gathering

This is one of the largest fireworks festivals in Aomori Prefecture (青森県), heralding the arrival of summer in 弘前市 (Hirosaki City). Hibikiya Omaga Hanabi (響屋大曲煙火) from 秋田県 (Akita Prefecture) is in charge of the launch, featuring gorgeous and powerful fireworks such as artistic fireworks and special starmines from the renowned Omagari (大曲).

• Date & Time Scheduled to begin launching at 7:45 PM on June 20, 2026 (Saturday). The event will proceed in case of rain, but in stormy weather, it will be postponed to the following day, June 21 (Sunday). The decision on whether the event will be held on the day will be announced at 5:00 PM via fireworks and FMアップルウェーブ (FM Applewave).
• Venue and Access from Nearest Station The venue is 岩木川河川敷運動公園 (Iwaki River Riverside Sports Park) (悪戸地区 - Akuto area). Access from 弘前駅 (Hirosaki Station) to the venue can be by bus or taxi.
• Number of Fireworks & Expected Visitors Approximately 10,000 fireworks are launched, with about 25,000 visitors annually. Fireworks including 5-go dama and 10-go (尺玉 - Shakudama) are also launched.
• Availability of Paid Seating Paid seats are planned to be set up. For details, please check official information from the 弘前商工会議所 (Hirosaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and other sources.
• Hidden Gems for Viewing The area around the 岩木川河川敷 (Iwaki River Riverside) is wide, so it may be possible to view the fireworks from a spot slightly away from the main venue. However, the closer you are to the launch site, the more impressive the experience, so securing a spot early is important.
• Google Maps Link to Venue View Map

Tips for Enjoying Fireworks

Here are some tips for comfortably enjoying the fireworks festivals in Aomori Prefecture (青森県).

• Securing a Spot For popular fireworks festivals, securing a good viewing spot early is essential. Especially for large-scale festivals like the 青森ねぶた祭協賛花火大会 (Aomori Nebuta Festival Commemorative Fireworks Festival) and 古都ひろさき花火の集い (Koto Hirosaki Fireworks Gathering), many people consider purchasing paid seats or laying down sheets to secure a spot from early morning. In free viewing areas, crowds often start to gather several hours before the fireworks begin.
• What to Bring Even on summer nights, Aomori (青森) can get chilly. It's wise to bring a light jacket or blanket. Don't forget insect repellent spray. If you plan to sit for a long time, a leisure sheet, folding chair, or cushion will make it more comfortable. It's also convenient to prepare drinks, light snacks, and a trash bag.
• Managing Crowds on the Way Home After the fireworks festival ends, the nearest stations, parking lots, and surrounding roads become extremely crowded. If using public transportation, check service information in advance and ensure your IC card (such as Suica or Pasmo) is charged to ensure a smooth journey. JR Pass holders should check if their pass covers the specific train lines. If driving, check information on temporary parking and shuttle buses, and allow ample time. To avoid traffic, consider leaving a little later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will all fireworks festivals be held in 2026? A. The information provided only covers festivals confirmed for 2026, but there is a possibility of sudden cancellations or postponements due to bad weather or social conditions. Please always check the official website of each festival for the latest information before heading out.

Q. Where can I purchase paid viewing seats? A. Paid viewing seats are often available at major fireworks festivals. Ticket sales periods and purchase methods vary by festival, but generally, they are sold on the festival's official website, various ticket agencies, and convenience stores. Popular seats can sell out quickly, so we recommend purchasing early.

Q. Is there parking available near the fireworks festival venues? A. For large-scale fireworks festivals, temporary parking lots may be provided, but the number of spaces is usually limited. Additionally, traffic regulations are often imposed around the venue, so using public transportation is recommended. Please be sure to check each festival's official website for parking and traffic regulation information.

Q. Will there be food stalls? A. Many fireworks festivals feature food stalls around the venue, adding to the festive atmosphere. You can enjoy festival gourmet food at events such as the 青森ねぶた祭協賛花火大会 (Aomori Nebuta Festival Commemorative Fireworks Festival) and the 十和田市夏まつり花火大会 (Towada City Summer Festival Fireworks Festival).

Q. Is drone photography allowed? A. Flying drones at or around fireworks festival venues is almost always prohibited for safety reasons. Unauthorized flights may also be punishable by law, so please refrain from doing so.