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7 Amazing Firework Festivals Near Osaka And Kyoto in 2024
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Learn about major firework festivals in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and the rest of the Kansai region in 2024. Find out details, and access information for seven iconic firework displays and enjoy the Japanese summer with traditional celebrations.
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This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
Firework Displays Near Osaka And Kyoto
Firework displays, also known as hanabi, come to mind when people in Japan think of summer. Even though there is an immeasurable number of fireworks displays held throughout the year all over Japan, you can find the highest density of them in summer.
Firework festivals are common in Japan, but they are mesmerizing no matter how many times them, due to the different scales and themes. This article covers the largest, most popular ones in the Kansai region, in areas like Osaka and Kyoto.
*The information mentioned in this article such as event dates and times is subject to change. Please check the official websites before visiting these events.
*Travel times to the venues from the nearest station are the average travel times. On the day of the event, the roads will probably be congested so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to travel to and from the venue.
1. Tenjin Matsuri Festival Fireworks Display in Osaka
Picture courtesy of Pixta
The Tenjin Matsuri Festival Dedication Fireworks Display adorns the night sky on the final day of the Tenjin Festival, which is one of Japan’s top three festivals alongside the Kanda Festival in Tokyo and the Gion Festival in Kyoto.
We recommend enjoying the Tenjin Festival itself before the fireworks. It is held in an area that is easily accessible from Osaka Station. 1,300,000 people visit from all across Japan every year. There are all sorts of ways to enjoy this festival such as admiring the scenery while on a boat or walking around while enjoying food from one of the food stalls.
Fireworks spelling out the names of businesses supporting the festival are very popular at the Tenjin Matsuri.
Tenjin Matsuri Festival 2024: Fireworks Schedule
Venue: Near Kema Sakuranomiya Park Google Map
Access: 5 minutes on the JR Loop Line (bound for Kyobashi) from Osaka Station to Sakuranomiya Station (120 yen) and a 5-minute walk from Sakuranomiya Station
Date: July 25, 2024
Time: 19:30 - 20:50 (2019)
Official Website: http://www.tenjinmatsuri.com/tenjinfestival (Japanese)
2. Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, Osaka
Picture courtesy of Pixta
The Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is one of the most representative fireworks displays of Osaka alongside the Tenjin Matsuri Festival Fireworks Display. It is held along the riverbed of the Yodo River, which flows through central Osaka and attracts thousands of people each year.
The fireworks sent into the air from the water are widespread and very impressive. The climax makes the sky as bright as day with the brilliance of the fireworks being shot up in the air one after another.
Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival 2024
Venue: Osaka, Yodogawa, Shinkitano, Yodo Riverbed Google Map
Access: 30-minute walk from JR Osaka Station, a 15-minute walk from Hankyu Juso Station, and JR Tsukamoto Station
Date: August 3, 2024
Time: starts at 19:30
Official Website: http://www.yodohanabi.com/ (Japanese)
3. Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks Display, Kyoto
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Miyazu City, situated in northern Kyoto, is famous for Amanohashidate, one of the "Three Sights of Japan", which refers to exceptionally beautiful sights within Japan.
The Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks Display is an especially popular summer event in Kyoto. Various multi-colored fireworks are launched into the air and reflect beautifully in the water.
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Toro nagashi is a magical spectacle of more than 10,000 lanterns floating across the water with offerings and decorations for one's ancestors. On the day itself, toro nagashi will be held from 19:00 followed by the fireworks at 19:30.
It may be best to stay at a nearby hotel for the night and sightsee Amanohashidate the next day as the venue is not close to Kyoto Station.
Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks Display 2024
Event Date: August 16, 2024
Venue: Near Shimasaki Park Google Map
Access: Approximately 2 hours by Hashidate Limited Express from Kyoto Station to Miyazu Station (2,190 yen) or by bus (around 2,600 yen)
Access from the nearest station: 10-minute walk from Miyazu Station
Time: Around 17:30 - 21:30
4. Minato Kobe Marine Fireworks Festival, Kobe
Picture courtesy of Pixta
This is the beautiful night scenery of the port city of Kobe. It has even been evaluated as a “million-dollar night view." Approximately 10,000 fireworks decorate the sky at the Minato Kobe Marine Fireworks Festival
Enjoy the colorful night scenery introduced by the fireworks while smelling the salty sea breeze. The easy accessibility from Motomachi, the town center of Kobe, and Sannomiya is another appeal of the event.
Minato Kobe Marine Fireworks Festival 2024
Event Date: Late October
Venue: Port of Kobe (above the water on the south side of the new port breakwater) Google Map
Access: 15-minute walk from Motomachi Station or a 20-minute walk from Sannomiya Station
Time: Around 19:30 - 20:30 (2019)
Official Website: https://kobehanabi.jp/ (Japanese)
5. Nagahama Kita-Biwako Fireworks Festival, Shiga
Picture courtesy of Pixta
The Nagahama Kita-Biwako Fireworks Festival is a firework display held in Nagahama, Shiga.
During the event, the firework display will be reflected on the surface of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, as the beautiful scenery spreads right before your eyes.
Make sure to visit this event after you have confirmed the train timetable and other information on how to get back to your hotel beforehand as the train will most likely be very full.
Nagahama Kita-Biwako Fireworks Festival 2023
Event Date: To be announced
Venue: The area of Nagahama Port Google Map
Access: Approximately 70 minutes on the JR Special Rapid Service bound for Nagahama from JR Kyoto Station to Nagahama Station (1,320 yen). Around 1 hour and 40 minutes on the JR Special Rapid Service from JR Osaka Station to Nagahama Station (1,940 yen).
Access from the nearest station: 10-minute walk from Nagahama Station
Time: 20:30 - 20:50
6. Hikone Fireworks Festival, Shiga
The Hikone Fireworks Festival held in Hikone in Shiga is similar to the Nagahama Kita-Biwako Fireworks Festival as it is also held with Lake Biwa at its center.
During this festival, you can watch fireworks launch into the air above Hikone Castle which is known as one of Japan's great national treasures.
The night sky decorated with colorful fireworks reflected on the surface of Lake Biwa is a mystical sight.
As a word of caution, the walk from Hikone Station to the venue will take approximately 40 minutes. If you’ll be traveling from Osaka or Kyoto, we recommend making your way home quickly as the final train will leave at around 23:00.
Hikone Fireworks Festival 2024
Event Date: August 8, 2024
Venue: Lake Biwa Matsubara swimming area Google Map
Access: Approximately 50 minutes on the JR Special Rapid Service bound for Nagahama from JR Kyoto Station to Hikone Station (1,140 yen). Around 80 minutes on the JR Special Rapid Service bound for Nagahama from JR Osaka Station to Hikone Station (1,940 yen).
Access from the nearest station: 40-minute walk from Hikone Station
Time: 19:30 - 20:30
7. Yoshinogawa Festival Noryo Fireworks Display, Nara
The Yoshinogawa Festival Noryo Fireworks Display is a firework display held in Nara. Nara is filled with many noteworthy places such as Horyuji Temple and large Buddha statues.
At this event, you can enjoy an artistic firework display accompanied by music and laser beams. There are also plenty of food stalls at the festival, so please enjoy the fireworks display to your heart’s content while eating delicious food.
We recommend traveling to the festival from Nara Station. The last train from Osaka and Kyoto will leave early and includes having to transfer trains. It takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes from the JR Nara Station to the JR Gojo Station in Kyoto.
Yoshinogawa Festival Noryo Fireworks Display 2023 in Nara
Event Date: August 15, 2024
Venue: Yoshinogawa riverside under Okawa Bridge Google Map
Access: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours on the train bound for Wakayama from Nara Station to Gojo Station (970 yen). *Please note that it may be necessary to transfer trains between stations.
Access from nearest station: 10-minute walk from Gojo Station
Time: 20:00 - 21:00
Official Website: http://www.gojo.ne.jp/g-kanko/index.html (Japanese)
FAQ
Where is the best place to watch the fireworks in Osaka?
One of the best places to watch fireworks in Osaka is at the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival. This festival usually takes place in early August along the banks of the Yodo River, near the Juso and Shin-Osaka areas. The fireworks display is quite impressive, typically featuring thousands of fireworks lighting up the night sky.
Another popular spot to watch fireworks in Osaka is at the Tenjin Matsuri festival, which is held in late July. While the focus of this festival is not solely on fireworks, there is usually a spectacular display that lights up the sky over the Okawa River in the evening.
Both of these events are well-known for their vibrant atmosphere, food stalls, and traditional performances, making them great places to enjoy a summer evening in Osaka.
Where are the best fireworks in Japan?
Japan hosts some of the most captivating fireworks festivals in the world, with standout events like the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo and the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show in Niigata for their scale and artistry. Osaka's Yodogawa Fireworks Festival along the Yodo River and the Omagari Fireworks Competition in Akita showcase impressive displays, while the Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival in Nagano offers a serene lakeside setting. These festivals draw millions of spectators each year, celebrating the beauty and tradition of Japanese fireworks in spectacular fashion, making them among the best places to experience the magic and grandeur of these dazzling displays in Japan.
Does Kyoto have fireworks?
Kyoto does have fireworks festivals, although they are not as well-known or as large-scale as some of the major fireworks festivals in other cities like Osaka or Tokyo. One of the notable fireworks festivals in Kyoto is the Kyoto Minoh Fireworks Festival, which typically takes place in late summer. This event features a display of fireworks set against the backdrop of the scenic Minoh Park, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
While Kyoto may not be as famous for its fireworks festivals as some other cities in Japan, the city does host smaller-scale events that offer a unique and charming way to enjoy fireworks in a traditional Japanese setting. If you happen to be in Kyoto during a fireworks festival, it can be a wonderful opportunity to experience this cultural tradition in a more intimate and local atmosphere.
Where can I watch Tenjin fireworks?
The Tenjin Matsuri festival in Osaka typically features fireworks that are launched over the Okawa River. To watch the Tenjin fireworks, one of the prime viewing locations is along the riverbanks of the Okawa River. A popular spot to observe the fireworks is from the Temmabashi Bridge, which offers an excellent vantage point for enjoying the spectacle.
Additionally, you can find good viewing locations along the riverside parks and promenades near the festival area. These spots provide a scenic backdrop for the fireworks display during the Tenjin Matsuri festival. As the event is well-attended, it's advisable to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and fully enjoy the fireworks along with the festivities of the festival.
How much does it cost to go to the fireworks festival in Japan?
Attending a fireworks festival in Japan can involve various costs, including potential admission fees for prime viewing spots, transportation expenses to reach the festival site, money for food and drinks from vendors at the event, possible expenses for souvenirs or merchandise, accommodation costs if staying overnight, and other personal expenditures like sunscreen or insect repellent. The overall affordability of such an outing depends on factors such as the festival's scale and location. While some smaller local events may be free, larger festivals with grand displays and amenities could incur more significant expenses. Planning ahead, budgeting wisely, and considering all potential costs can help make the experience of enjoying a fireworks festival in Japan both memorable and financially manageable.
Enjoy Summer Nights with Fireworks in Kansai
In this article, we introduced several firework displays in the Kansai region. Fireworks are an important part of Japanese culture and the displays are carefully organized with the help of professional pyrotechnicians.
Firework displays are not only held in summer--some are held in autumn and spring. However, if you’re traveling in Japan in the summer, why not experience this season to the fullest?
Read also
Original Author: Jihyeon Kim
This article is a revision updated for 2023 of an article originally published on June 30, 2016.
This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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