[Akita/Japan's three major fireworks festivals] Enjoy spectacular fireworks all year round! A thorough introduction to “Omagari Fireworks Festival”

1. What kind of festival is “Omagari Fireworks”?

1-1 One of Japan's three major fireworks festivals!

Omagari Fireworks, one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals, began in 1910 when fireworks were set off as entertainment during a festival at Suwa Shrine. Fireworks were originally a popular form of entertainment in Omagari. It has a long history, dating back to the time of the Battle of Sekigahara, when Yoshinobu Satake, the first lord of the Akita domain, brought a fireworks expert with him.

National Fireworks Competition “Omagari Fireworks”

【basic information】

Name: National Fireworks Competition

Venue: Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, Omagari Fireworks Bridge Downstream River Green Sports Park

Contact: 0187-88-8073 (Omagari Chamber of Commerce and Industry)

WEB Omagari fireworks official website

1-2 Fireworks at noon? A historic competition to determine Japan's best fireworks display

The official name of the competition held every summer is the National Fireworks Competition, and it is no exaggeration to say that it is a prestigious competition that determines the best fireworks expert in Japan. The festival consists of daytime fireworks and nighttime fireworks, and the daytime fireworks include an unusual competition in which people compete to see the beauty of the patterns created by colored smoke such as red, blue, and green. Night fireworks are judged not only on color but also on various aspects such as size, altitude, and sound, and the best one is awarded the Prime Minister's Award and recognized as the best in Japan.

daytime fireworks

2. You can enjoy Omagari fireworks throughout the year!

2-1 Fireworks masters gather from overseas for “Spring Chapter: Fireworks of the World, Fireworks of Japan”

``Omagari Fireworks Festival'' generally refers to the summer festival, but in fact fireworks festivals are held in Omagari throughout the year. Spring is held in April and is called ``Spring Chapter''. It was held in 2016 in response to the following year's international symposium. Since then, fireworks vendors from overseas have been invited to the event, providing an opportunity to see fireworks with a rich international flavor.

Omagari Fireworks - Spring Chapter

2-2 Speaking of Omagari fireworks, this is it! Summer “National Fireworks Competition”

The National Fireworks Competition, held in August, is a large-scale fireworks festival with a history of over 100 years. Omagari is now the only place where a daytime fireworks competition is held. In the competition fireworks competition, beautiful fireworks such as ``No. 10 fireworks'' and ``creative fireworks'' are set off one after another, highlighting the skills of craftsmen. There is also a special program, and the sight of wide star mines launching all over the riverbed in time with the music is a sight to behold.

National Fireworks Competition “Omagari Fireworks”

2-3 Spectacular theatrical fireworks “Autumn Chapter”

It has been held since 2015, and the "Autumn Chapter" is held in October. What is different from the summer is that it is a theatrical fireworks show with particular attention to direction. A variety of innovative fireworks will be launched, specializing in "fireworks for display." It's recommended because it's less crowded than in the summer and you can enjoy the view in peace.

Omagari Fireworks -Autumn Chapter-

2-4 Fireworks seen in winter are a special treat “Winter Chapter New Fireworks Collection”

“Winter Chapter” is held around the end of March every year. This is the "New Fireworks Collection" where young fireworks artists show off their skills. The event is held for the purpose of nurturing young people and passing on traditions, and sometimes you can see experimental and unusual fireworks.

Omagari Fireworks - Winter Chapter - New Fireworks Collection

2-5 Fireworks go off every month! Check the “Fireworks Calendar”

In addition to the four festivals mentioned above, various fireworks festivals are held in Daisen City. The frequency of the event is every month. Fireworks displays are held in each region, such as Tanabata festivals in shopping districts and sponsored by neighborhood associations. The number of launches varies from around 200 to over 5,000. You can check the dates, locations, scale, etc. on the ``Fireworks Almanac'' published by the Daisen City Tourism and Products Association, so if you aim for it, you can enjoy high-quality fireworks without crowds.

3. Let's tour Daisen City, the "city of fireworks"

3-1 Fireworks display venue “Omono Riverside”

The Omagari fireworks festival is held on the banks of the Omono River. The riverbed is usually calm and spacious, but it attracts a large number of people, especially during summer tournaments. It's about a 25-minute walk from Omagari Station on the JR Akita Shinkansen, but it can take more than an hour depending on the congestion and viewing area. Not only when you go there, but also if you have time for the train on the way back, make sure to leave plenty of time for your trip.

【basic information】

Name: Omonogawa Riverside

Address: Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, Omagari Fireworks Bridge River Green Sports Park

Contact: 0187-88-8073 (Omagari Chamber of Commerce and Industry)

WEB Omagari Chamber of Commerce and Industry official website

3-2 Digging deeper into fireworks! Go to “Fireworks Traditional Culture Inheritance Museum Hanabi Am”

Daisen City is home to the ``Fireworks Traditional Culture Inheritance Museum Hanabi-Am,'' which is unique to the ``Fireworks City'' and can be entered for free. At this facility, you can learn about the history and manufacturing methods of fireworks, and experience setting off fireworks of your own design on a screen.

【basic information】

Name Fireworks Traditional Culture Inheritance Museum Hanabi-Am

Address: 7-19 Omagari Omachi, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture

Contact 0187-73-7931

WEB Fireworks Traditional Culture Inheritance Museum Hanabi-Am official website

4. Stretch your legs! 5 recommended nearby spots

4-1 Walk through the castle town and travel back in time to the Edo period "Kakunodate Samurai Residence"

Kakunodate Samurai Residence in Semboku City still retains a valuable streetscape where you can feel the atmosphere of the Edo period. Also known as ``Michinoku no Kyoto,'' there are many samurai residences, storehouses, and gates lined up within a radius of about 2km, and you can actually go inside and take a look around. You can enjoy the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, colored leaves in autumn, and snow in winter, and the famous weeping cherry tree is particularly beautiful.

Kakunodate samurai residence "Ishiguro family"

【basic information】

Name: Kakunodate Samurai Residence

Address: Kakunodate-cho, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture

Contact: 0187-43-3352 (Semboku City Tourism Division)

WEB Tazawako Kakunodate Tourism Association official website

4-2 “Lake Tazawa” with its beautiful lapis lazuli lakeside

Lake Tazawa, one of Japan's top 100 scenic spots, is a tourist attraction with its brilliant cobalt blue color. It is a circular lake with a circumference of approximately 20 km, and the depth of the water is 423.4 m, making it the deepest in Japan. It is a lake where the legend of Princess Tatsuko who turned into a dragon remains, and the contrast between the golden Tatsuko statue and the deep blue surface of the lake attracts people.

Lake Tazawa “Tatsuko Statue”

【basic information】

Name Lake Tazawa

Address: Tazawakogata, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, Akiko

Contact: 0187-43-2111 (Semboku City Tazawako Tourist Information Center "Forake")

WEBSemboku City official website

4-3 Akita's secret hot spring "Nyuto Onsenkyo"

Nyuto Onsenkyo is known as a secret hot spring that is coveted by hot spring lovers. Located at the foot of Mt. Nyuto in Lake Towada-Hachimantai National Park, hot spring inns are dotted in the midst of a lush virgin beech forest. Each inn uses a different source, so you can soak in completely different hot springs, from milky white to colorless and transparent.

Nyuto Onsenkyo “Tsuru no Yu”

【basic information】

Name Nyuto Onsenkyo

Address: Lake Tazawa, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture

WEB Nyuto Onsenkyo official website

4-4 A treasure trove of Heian art! World Heritage Site “Hiraizumi Chusonji”

A place you should visit at least once is Hiraizumi Chusonji, a world heritage site in Iwate Prefecture. It was opened in 850, and a large-scale temple and pagoda was constructed by the Oshu Fujiwara clan at the beginning of the 12th century. What is famous here is the Amida-do Hall, which is decorated in gold. The hall is majestic with its luxurious features such as mother-of-pearl work, openwork carving, and lacquer maki-e.

Chusonji Konjikido Shinbakudo

【basic information】

Name Chusonji Temple

Address: 202 Hiraizumi Kinoseki, Hiraizumi-cho, Nishiiwai-gun, Iwate Prefecture

Contact 0191-46-2211

WEB Chusonji official website

4-5 Freshly made soft serve ice cream is special and delicious “Koiwai Farm”

Koiwai Farm in Iwate Prefecture is a popular tourist spot that can be enjoyed by both adults and children. Makibaen, a spacious farm with Mt. Iwate in the background, offers a variety of experiences including guided tours, horseback riding, and feeding ponies. You can also enjoy gourmet food such as Genghis Khan with fresh meat, BBQ, and pizza made with handmade cheese.

Koiwai Farm Makibaen “Milk Hall”

Koiwai Farm Makibaen “Sheep Grazing”

【basic information】

Name Koiwai Farm

Address: 36-1 Maruyachi, Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture

Contact 019-692-4321

WEB Koiwai Farm official website

5. Enjoy the gorgeous Omagari fireworks festival all year round

The Omagari Fireworks Festival is a historic event with a history of over 100 years. You can enjoy fireworks in all seasons. Tohoku may seem a little far away, but it will be a very satisfying trip where you can enjoy fireworks and sightseeing together. Please enjoy the Omagari fireworks to the fullest.