Wakayama – August 1 SKY ART FESTIVAL

Venue and Map

The venue for SKY ART FESTIVAL 2026, Shirarahama Beach, is a beautiful stretch of beach with approximately 620m of brilliantly white, fine sand—true to Shirahama’s name. The bow-shaped beach faces Enyama Bay, and its contrast with the emerald-green sea creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a tropical resort. On the day of the event, this expansive beach will host live performances during the day and musical fireworks at night.

View the venue on Google Maps

Please note that access to Shirarahama may be restricted from 17:00 on Friday, July 31, 2026, until 0:00 on Sunday, August 2, 2026, due to the event. However, there is also information that areas of the beach outside the work zones and swimming areas may remain available, so please check the official website for details.

Getting There

By Train or Bus

The nearest station is Shirahama Station on the JR Kisei Main Line. From Shirahama Station, take a Meiko Bus bound for Sandanbeki. Shirarahama bus stop is approximately 14 minutes away, and the venue is just a short walk from the stop.

Buses from Shirahama Station are expected to be extremely crowded on the day of the fireworks festival. Allow plenty of time and plan to travel early. Return buses are also expected to be crowded, so be sure to check the time of the last train.

By Car

From the Nanki-Shirahama IC on the Kisei Expressway, Shirarahama is approximately 10 minutes away via the Flower Line Prefectural Road.

Extensive traffic restrictions will be implemented around the venue on the day of the event, so checking the details in advance is essential. Congestion on surrounding roads is also expected.

The former runway at Nanki-Shirahama Airport is scheduled to be used as a temporary parking area, with shuttle buses operating to the venue entrance. The temporary parking area at the former Nanki-Shirahama Airport site is free, but it takes approximately 30 minutes to walk to the venue and includes uphill sections. Families with small children should allow extra time for the journey. If you plan to use a parking area, consider purchasing a ticket that includes parking.

Reserved Seating and Tickets

SKY ART FESTIVAL 2026 offers the following 3 types of paid seating for a more comfortable experience during the live performances and fireworks.

• VIP seats: Advance sale: adults 30,000円, children 15,000円. Includes chair seating in the front area of the live stage, reclining seats for viewing the fireworks, and an exclusive rest tent.
• S seats: Awaiting official announcement
• A seats: Awaiting official announcement

Tickets are available through eplus and other outlets. Please check the event’s official website for details on seating categories, prices, and how to purchase tickets.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

Shirarahama is the best place to experience the fireworks up close, but for those who want to avoid the crowds or view the entire display from a little farther away, here are several lesser-known viewing spots.

1. Around Shirahama Energy Land Located on the southern side of Shirarahama, this area is slightly elevated, so it may be possible to watch the fireworks in relative comfort. There are few tall buildings, allowing you to enjoy an unobstructed view.
2. Elevated areas near Nanki-Shirahama Airport The former Nanki-Shirahama Airport site will be used as a temporary parking area, and the elevated areas nearby offer views across the whole of Shirarahama. Since this spot is some distance from the venue, it is recommended for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy fireworks spreading across a wider area. The airport also has parking and restrooms, making it a convenient option for families with children.
3. Southern Shirarahama The southern end of Shirarahama is a little farther from the main venue, so it may be possible to watch the fireworks in a more relaxed atmosphere. In particular, for those who want to see waterborne fireworks such as underwater starmines up close, the sand at Shirarahama offers the most powerful viewing experience.

These spots are also expected to be crowded on the day, so arriving early to secure a place is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will food stalls be set up at the venue?
A. Official information about SKY ART FESTIVAL 2026 does not specify whether food stalls will be present. In some past years, it was announced that no street vendors would be operating at the Nanki-Shirahama Fireworks Festa. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Q. Can I swim at the beach around the venue?
A. Due to the event, access to Shirarahama may be restricted from 17:00 on Friday, July 31, 2026, until 0:00 on Sunday, August 2, 2026. However, there is also information that the beach and swimming areas outside the work zones may remain available. For the latest information about swimming on the day of the event, check the official website. You may also wish to consider nearby beaches such as Rinkaiura Beach and Etsura Beach.

Q. Where do you recommend staying?
A. There are many accommodations around Shirarahama, but they become extremely busy on the day of the fireworks festival. Options include ocean-view hotels in convenient locations approximately 3 minutes on foot from Shirarahama, as well as accommodations where you can enjoy hot springs. Early reservations are recommended.