Ehime – July 22 Uwajima Ushi-Oni Festival Marine Fireworks

Getting There

Both public transportation and cars can be used to reach the venue for the “Uwajima Ushi-Oni Festival Marine Fireworks.”

By Train

• JR Uwajima Station is the nearest station. The area around the venue is approximately a 7-minute walk from JR Uwajima Station.
• The venue is also approximately a 3-minute walk from Uwajima Jidosha and the Uwajima Bus Center.

By Car

• The venue is just a short drive from Uwajima Asahi IC on the Matsuyama Expressway.
• Temporary parking lots will be available on the day, but public transportation is recommended because congestion is expected.
• Free parking information for Wednesday, July 22:
  • Uwajima City Hall parking lot (Akebonocho): 17:30–22:00 (approximately 100 spaces)
  • Fuji Grand Kita-Uwajima parking lot (Ibukicho): 9:00–22:00 (approximately 300 spaces)
  • Uwajima City General Gymnasium parking lot (Bentencho): 18:00–22:00 (approximately 250 spaces)※ For marine fireworks spectators. Entry is not possible from the back entrance (the seaside). Please enter through the main entrance. After the fireworks end, the back entrance will be opened as an exit once the congestion nearby has eased.
  • Jonan Junior High School: 18:00–22:00 (approximately 100 spaces)※ For marine fireworks spectators. It may be unavailable depending on the condition of the grounds.
• Traffic restrictions: In connection with the fireworks launch, traffic restrictions such as road closures will be implemented on major roads around Uwajima Bay and the port area. Entering the restricted area may force you to take a detour and could leave you caught in congestion on surrounding roads, so it is important to check the traffic restriction information in advance and familiarize yourself with alternative routes. Street parking and unauthorized parking are strictly prohibited, as they inconvenience local residents.
• Be careful of the last train home: The area around the station becomes extremely crowded after the fireworks end. Check the last train time from JR Uwajima Station in advance and allow plenty of time for your journey.

Paid Viewing Areas and Tickets

For the 2026 “Uwajima Ushi-Oni Festival Marine Fireworks,” paid viewing areas have been expanded to commemorate the 60th edition, allowing visitors to enjoy the fireworks from special vantage points.

Types of Paid Viewing Areas

• Sakashizu (さかしづ) venue: A classic viewing location where you can enjoy music-synchronized fireworks up close.
• Uwajima Castle Keep Plaza: From the elevated area around the castle keep, you can look down on the fireworks while taking in panoramic views of Uwajima’s nighttime scenery and Uwajima Bay. It is also an excellent spot for photography. However, visitors cannot descend until the fireworks have finished, and entry into the keep is not permitted.
• Uwajima Fisheries High School grounds: Located close to Uwajima Bay, this spot lets you experience the power of fireworks launched over the water. You can enjoy the dazzling display while feeling the sea breeze.
• Fireworks viewing cruise: This plan includes a mini-cruise departing from Uwajima Shinnai Port, with views of the sunset sinking over the waters off Kushima. From the boat, you can enjoy the spectacular marine fireworks closer than anyone else.

How to Purchase Tickets

Tickets for the paid viewing areas are available only through FamilyMart Tickets. Please note that tickets are not sold at counters, and phone reservations and shipping are not available. For details, check the official website of the Uwajima Ushi-Oni Festival Executive Committee.

Estimated Prices

Please wait for the official announcement regarding the specific prices of the paid viewing areas.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

Because Uwajima Bay has a bowl-shaped ria coastline, fireworks are easy to see from a variety of angles. Here are several free, lesser-known viewing spots that are also popular with locals.

1. Along the waterfront near Tensha-en The waterfront walkway near Tensha-en is a comfortable distance from the launch site and is known as a hidden gem where you can take in the entire fireworks display. The sea breeze is refreshing, making it a relaxing place to watch the show.
2. Atago Park Observation Deck From the Atago Park Observation Deck, you can look down over Uwajima’s cityscape with the fireworks in view. The fireworks seen from the elevated area around the castle keep are also ideal for anyone hoping to capture Uwajima’s nighttime scenery and the display in a single photograph.
3. Kushima From Kushima, located on the opposite side of Uwajima Bay, you can enjoy the fireworks from a distance. The view from Kushima Bridge in particular opens up to a beautiful scene of fireworks with the entire bay as a backdrop.
4. Around Uwajima Port (main free viewing area) The area around Uwajima Port and Shin Port is the main free viewing area. You can enjoy underwater and waterborne fireworks spreading beautifully near the surface of the sea from an unobstructed, ideal angle. However, because the launch site is very close, burning debris and ash may fall depending on the wind direction, so bringing a towel and glasses is recommended. Also, take great care not to fall into the sea near the quay.
5. Gongen-yama Observation Deck The Gongen-yama Observation Deck is another elevated spot overlooking Uwajima Bay where you can enjoy the fireworks and Uwajima’s nighttime scenery at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can the fireworks festival be canceled? A. The event may be canceled in severe weather. It is often held in light rain, but be sure to check the official “Uwajima Ushi-Oni Festival” website for the latest event information before heading out.

Q. Will food stalls be set up around the venue? A. Yes. During the festival, food stalls will be set up in two large areas, the “Kisaiya Hiroba Area” and the “Fureai Hiroba Area (All Comer Festa),” where you can enjoy local cuisine.

Q. Is filming with a drone permitted? A. No. Vessel traffic is prohibited in the fireworks launch area, and filming with drones is also prohibited because it is extremely dangerous. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the event is operated safely.