Ehime – July 31 Niihama Summer Fireworks Festival

Access

By Train

The nearest station is Niihama Station on the JR Yosan Line. It takes approximately 20 minutes to walk from Niihama Station to the venue. The area around the venue becomes extremely crowded on the day of the fireworks, so allow plenty of time for your journey.

By Car

It takes approximately 10～20 minutes to reach the venue by car from the Niihama IC on the Matsuyama Expressway. Around 1,600 free designated parking spaces are available near the venue. However, illegal roadside parking has caused problems for local residents in previous years, so be sure to use the designated parking areas.

Traffic restrictions From 19:00 to 21:30 on the day of the fireworks, traffic restrictions—including vehicle closures—will be in effect around the venue, along the pedestrian and bicycle path between Hirakata Bridge and the west bank of Shikishima Bridge. Shikishima Bridge will be open to pedestrians only. Residents of the restricted area who need to drive a vehicle into the area during the restricted hours must obtain a permit from the police station.

Be Careful Not to Miss the Last Train Home

The fireworks are scheduled to end at 21:00, but it takes time to leave the venue. If you plan to use public transportation, check the last train departure time from JR Niihama Station in advance and make sure to plan your journey with plenty of extra time.

Paid Seating and Tickets

The Niihama Summer Fireworks Festival does not offer paid viewing seats for the general public. The fireworks can be enjoyed free of charge.

However, sponsor seating may be offered as a benefit for corporate sponsors. The organizers also recruit sponsors for “commemorative fireworks,” in which fireworks are launched along with a message celebrating occasions such as a marriage, birth, or entering school.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

Because the Niihama Summer Fireworks Festival is held along the riverbank, the area around the venue becomes extremely lively. For those who would like to avoid the crowds and enjoy the fireworks at a more relaxed pace, here are several recommended lesser-known viewing spots.

1. イオンモール新居浜 Located approximately 5 minutes by car from the venue, Aeon Mall Niihama is a popular lesser-known spot thanks to its convenience. The rooftop parking area of the North Mall is expected to be opened as a viewing area, with few buildings obstructing the view and a clear look at the fireworks. A major advantage is that visitors can stay cool inside the mall, eat, and shop before the fireworks begin. Food trucks are also scheduled to appear in 2026 (18:30～20:30).

2. 新高橋（しんたかはし）周辺 The area around Shintakahashi, about a 10-minute walk upstream from the venue, is a lesser-known spot where the crowds are lighter than around the main venue, allowing visitors to enjoy the fireworks in a more relaxed setting. The open view from the southern sidewalk is particularly suitable for photography. However, lighting is limited at night and the ground can be dark, so families with small children should take extra care.

3. 城下橋（じょうかばし）北側 The area north of Jogebashi, approximately a 10-minute walk from the venue, also offers a clear view of the fireworks. Located about 1.5km from Hirakata Bridge, it is appealing because it is relatively uncrowded. It is less congested than the riverbank south of the bridge and convenient for groups who want to spread out a large sheet, but there are few restrooms, so it is recommended that you use one in advance.

4. Near the Niihama Municipal Soccer Field The area around the Kokuryo River Green Space B-5 soccer field is located just downstream from Hirakata Bridge, the main venue. From along the embankment or on the bridge, visitors can enjoy the fireworks from an elevated vantage point. Despite being close to the venue and offering an impressive view of the fireworks, this area tends to be relatively uncrowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Could the fireworks festival be canceled? A. Yes. In case of rain, it will be postponed to Monday, August 3, 2026. It may be postponed again or canceled due to severe weather or other circumstances, so please check the official website for the latest information before heading out.

Q. Is it possible to reserve a spot at the venue? A. Reserving spots on the bicycle and pedestrian paths along the riverbank is prohibited. Visitors are also asked not to use stones from the riverbed to weigh down leisure sheets or other items, as this could obstruct traffic after the fireworks and the use of the riverbank. For everyone’s safety, please follow the instructions of security staff.

Q. Will food stalls be available at the venue? A. Yes, food stalls are scheduled to open around the venue. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food and drinks, but they are encouraged to participate in the “Zero Waste Campaign” by bringing a bag for their trash and disposing of it in the designated bins or taking it home.