Ibaraki – July 4 Kashima City Fireworks Festival

Access

When using public transportation, the nearest station is JR Kashima Line’s Kashima Jingu Station. It takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes to walk from the station. Heavy congestion is expected on the day of the fireworks, so getting around may take longer than usual. Be sure to allow plenty of time.

Please note that there will be no free shuttle bus service to the venue for the 2026 fireworks festival.

If you are arriving by car, traffic restrictions will be imposed around the venue. Traffic restrictions on the embankment road will begin uniformly at 6:00 a.m. on the day of the event, after which vehicles will not be allowed to pass or park. Parking on streets around the venue can cause accidents and traffic jams, so be sure to use designated parking lots.

Temporary parking options include paid parking lots around JR Kashima Jingu Station, the parking lot in front of the Kashima City Chamber of Commerce building (free after 15:30), the municipal Miyachu parking lot (free after 17:30), and the Kashima Shiroyama Park parking lot (free). These parking areas are also expected to be crowded, so arriving early is recommended.

Trains on the way home will be extremely crowded. In particular, check the time of the last train in advance and plan your return accordingly.

Reserved Seating and Tickets

Paid viewing seats will be available for the 2026 Kashima City Fireworks Festival. Sales began at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026.

The main types of paid seating and approximate prices are as follows:

• A席（テーブル・椅子・弁当付）：¥14,000
• B席（椅子のみ）：¥5,000
• カメラ席A：A space 100 cm wide and 200 cm deep, with 1 chair, in front of the large torii at the lower part of the embankment
• カメラ席B：A space 90 cm wide and 100 cm deep, with 1 chair, in front of the large torii at the 4th row of B seats on the upper part of the embankment

Paid viewing seats are excellent spots for watching the fireworks, allowing you to enjoy the powerful display at a leisurely pace. For the latest availability and information on how to purchase tickets, check the official website of the Kashima City Tourism Association.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

For those who want to enjoy the Kashima City Fireworks Festival at a more relaxed pace while avoiding the crowds, here are several recommended lesser-known viewing spots.

1. Lake Kitaura waterfront on the Itako City side The Lake Kitaura waterfront on the Itako City side, across from Kashima City, is a lesser-known spot familiar to local residents. It is a little farther from the venue, but you can enjoy a magical view of the fireworks reflected on the lake. There are fewer food stalls and less bustle, making it ideal for those who want to watch the fireworks in peace.
2. Kashima Shiroyama Park Located on elevated ground near the venue, Kashima Shiroyama Park offers a scenic vantage point where you can look down toward the fireworks. The park has spacious lawns, making it a relaxing place for families and couples to enjoy the display. It also has a parking lot, making it convenient to access by car.
3. Michi-no-Eki Itako Michi-no-Eki Itako, located a little farther from the venue, is another spot where you can enjoy the fireworks while avoiding the crowds. It is recommended for those who want to watch the display at a leisurely pace in a calm atmosphere.
4. Around Kanpo no Yado Itako This lesser-known spot on the Itako City side has few obstructions, allowing you to see the fireworks clearly. Day-use bathing is also available, so relaxing in the hot springs before the fireworks can be a pleasant option.

These lesser-known spots are not officially designated viewing areas, so it is recommended that you check the rules regarding reserving space and the conditions in the surrounding area in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When will the 2026 fireworks festival be held? A. The 2026 Kashima City Fireworks Festival will be held from 19:30 to 20:30 on Saturday, July 4. In the event of severe weather, fog, or strong winds, it will be postponed to Sunday, July 5.

Q. How can I get to the venue? A. The venue is the Lake Kitaura waterfront (Ofunatsu area). If you are using public transportation, it is approximately a 25–30-minute walk from Kashima Jingu Station on the JR Kashima Line. There will be no free shuttle bus service in 2026. If you are arriving by car, traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue, so please use the temporary parking lots.

Q. Are paid seats available? When can I purchase them? A. Yes. Paid viewing seats will be available for the 2026 Kashima City Fireworks Festival. Sales began at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026. For details about the types of seats and prices, check the official website of the Kashima City Tourism Association.