Hokkaido – July 26 Otaru Ushio Festival Grand Fireworks Display

Access

Using public transportation to reach the venue is strongly recommended.

• From the nearest stations:
  • Approximately 10–15 minutes on foot from JR Otaru Station
  • Approximately 22 minutes on foot from JR Minami-Otaru Station

Alternative routes during busy periods:
Traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue on the day of the fireworks, and Otaru city center is expected to be extremely crowded. In particular, the area around JR Otaru Station is likely to be congested, so allow plenty of time. Another recommended option is to walk to the venue from Otaru Station along the canal, enjoying a stroll along the way.

Be mindful of the last trains:
Although the fireworks are scheduled to end at 20:30, getting away from the venue is expected to take some time. Check in advance for information about extra trains departing from JR Otaru Station, as well as the last train on the line you plan to use, and plan accordingly.

Reserved Seating and Tickets

The Otaru Ushio Festival Grand Fireworks Display offers paid seating for a more comfortable view of the fireworks up close.

• Paid viewing area: Premium seats closest to the launch site, offering excellent views of all the fireworks, including set-piece displays.
  • Advance general admission (elementary school students and older): ¥2,500
  • Same-day general admission (elementary school students and older): ¥3,500 (2025 results)
  • One preschool-age child per adult is admitted free (if using a stroller, please be considerate of other guests).
  • Seating within the area is unassigned, and guests must bring their own sheet or chair (approximately 1 square meter of space per person is recommended). Food and drinks may be brought in.
• Special viewing seats: Seating that includes a complimentary drink and access to an air-conditioned lounge area.
  • Price: ¥10,000 (elementary school students and older)
• Highball Terrace Fireworks Viewing Seats: Table seating in the central part of the venue, allowing you to relax and enjoy the fireworks.
  • Price: ¥24,000 per table (tax included, for up to 4 people)

Ticket sales:
Tickets for the paid viewing area are on sale from Saturday, June 13, 2026, through Saturday, July 25, 2026. Special viewing seats and Highball Terrace Fireworks Viewing Seats are also available. For details, check the official website or the ticketing website.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

The main venue at the base of Otaru Port No. 3 Wharf offers spectacular views but is expected to be extremely crowded. Here are several recommended lesser-known spots for those who would like to avoid the crowds and enjoy the fireworks at a more leisurely pace.

1. Temiya Park:
   Located on elevated ground overlooking Otaru Port, this scenic spot offers panoramic views of the entire fireworks display. Although it is some distance from the main venue, you can enjoy the combination of Otaru’s townscape and the fireworks.
2. Asahi Observatory:
   This observatory offers sweeping views of Otaru city and Otaru Port, creating a romantic combination of city lights and fireworks. It is especially recommended for couples.
3. Mount Tengu:
   From Mount Tengu, one of Otaru’s symbols, you can enjoy the unique experience of watching the fireworks from the air aboard the ropeway. From the summit, the night view of Otaru and the fireworks unfold together in a magical scene.
4. Around Otaru Canal (Asakusabashi and Chuo Bridge):
   The area around Otaru Canal is ideal for those who want to enjoy the fireworks alongside Otaru’s atmospheric scenery. The fireworks reflected in the canal are beautiful and make for great photos. However, areas too close to the launch site will be crowded, so it is best to watch from a little farther away. Arriving early and enjoying an evening stroll along the canal or a meal is also recommended.
5. Suitengu Shrine:
   From Suitengu Shrine, located on elevated ground, you can watch the fireworks from the hillside while enjoying a charming view. It is a good option for those looking to avoid some of the crowds.
6. Wing Bay Otaru:
   Wing Bay Otaru, a large shopping complex, is popular with families who want to enjoy the fireworks while shopping. You can watch the display in a comfortable setting.

These lesser-known spots may also become crowded on the day of the event. Consider arriving early to secure a spot and using public transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How crowded does it get?
A. The Otaru Ushio Festival is one of Otaru’s largest events, attracting around 900,000 visitors over 3 days in a typical year. On the day of the fireworks, severe congestion is expected throughout the city, including around the venue, JR Otaru Station, and Otaru Canal. The station becomes especially crowded after the fireworks end, so allow plenty of time and consider using one of the lesser-known viewing spots to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Q. Is parking available?
A. There is no dedicated parking lot at the fireworks venue. Traffic restrictions will also be in place around the venue during the festival, and visitors cannot arrive by private car. Public transportation is strongly recommended.

Q. What happens if it rains?
A. The fireworks will be held in light rain but canceled in severe weather. The decision on whether the event will go ahead is often made at 15:00 on the day (2025 results). Be sure to check the latest information on the official website before setting out. There have been cases in the past when the event was canceled due to bad weather.