7 Fireworks Festivals Near Osaka and Kyoto in 2026

Firework Displays Near Osaka and Kyoto

In Japan, summer and fireworks displays (known as hanabi) go hand in hand. While spectacular fireworks are held throughout the year all over the country, summer is when you will find the highest concentration of these dazzling events.

No matter how many times you see them, Japanese fireworks festivals never lose their magic, as each one features a completely unique scale and theme.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the largest and most popular displays in the Kansai region, including can't-miss events in Osaka and Kyoto.

2026 Fireworks Festivals near Osaka and Kyoto

1. Tenjin Festival Fireworks in Osaka (July 25)
2. Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks in Osaka (October 17)
3. Miyazu River Lanterns and Fireworks (August 15)
4. Kobe: Minato Hanabi Fireworks Festival (October 19 - 23)
5. Nagahama Kita-Biwako Fireworks (September 16 - 18, October 16)
6. Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival near Kyoto (August 6)
7. Yoshinogawa Festival Fireworks Display, Nara (August 15)

1. Tenjin Festival Fireworks in Osaka

Picture courtesy of Pixta

As one of Japan’s top three festivals—alongside Tokyo’s Kanda Festival and Kyoto’s Gion Festival—the Tenjin Festival culminates in a spectacular Dedication Fireworks Display on its final day.

The fireworks are launched over the Okawa River, illuminating a majestic river procession of roughly one hundred lavishly decorated festival boats. Every year, a staggering 1.3 million visitors from across Japan gather to experience the energy.

Easily accessible from Osaka Station, the festival offers endless ways to take in the festivities. You can stroll through the vibrant streets, sampling traditional food stall treats, or even admire the view from a boat on the water.

Keep an eye out for a local favorite: unique fireworks that spell out the names of the festival's corporate sponsors!

Tenjin Festival 2026: 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 and a 5-minute walk from Sakuranomiya Station
Date: July 25, 2026
Time: 19:30 - 20:50
Official Website: https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/saijireki/tjm (Japanese)

2. Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, Osaka

Alongside the Tenjin Festival, the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is one of Osaka’s most iconic summer events. Held along the banks of the Yodo River in central Osaka, this spectacular display draws massive crowds every year.

The festival is famous for its panoramic water launches, where fireworks are shot directly from the river surface in a wide, breathtaking sweep. The show builds to a magnificent climax, launching a rapid-fire barrage that turns the night sky as bright as day.

Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival 2026

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: October 17, 2026
Time: starts at 19:30
Official Website: http://www.yodohanabi.com/ (Japanese)

3. Miyazu River Lanterns and Fireworks Display, Kyoto

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Located in northern Kyoto Prefecture, Miyazu is famous for Amanohashidate, celebrated as one of the "Three Scenic Views of Japan."

A highlight of the local summer calendar is the Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks Display. During this deeply atmospheric event, a vibrant array of multi-colored fireworks lights up the night, casting stunning reflections across the bay's tranquil waters.

Picture courtesy of Pixta

The toro nagashi (lantern floating) ritual is a magical spectacle, featuring more than 10,000 lanterns carrying ancestral offerings and decorations drifting across the water. On the night of the festival, the lantern floating begins at 19:20, followed by a brilliant fireworks display at 19:50.

Because the venue is quite far from Kyoto Station, we highly recommend staying at a nearby hotel for the night. This lets you skip the late-night commute and gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the scenic wonders of Amanohashidate the following day.

Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks Display 2026

Event Date: August 15 (Saturday), 2026
Venue: Near Shimasaki Park Google Map
Access: Approx. 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 18:30 - 21:35
Website: https://miyazu-cci.or.jp/hanabi (Japanese)

4. Minato Hanabi Fireworks Festival in Kobe

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Kobe's stunning waterfront is famous for its "million-dollar night view," but it becomes even more magical during the Minato Hanabi Fireworks Festival.

To celebrate its 5th anniversary this year, the festival is grander than ever, lighting up the night sky with approximately 10,000 fireworks.

You can take in the colorful display and the spectacular city skyline while enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze. Best of all, the event is incredibly easy to access from Kobe’s main downtown hubs, Motomachi and Sannomiya.

Minato Hanabi Kobe Fireworks Festival 2026

Event Date: October 10 (Monday) - 23 (Friday)
Venue: Meriken Park Google Map
Time: 18:30 - 18:50
Official Website: https://minatohanabi.jp/ (Japanese)

5. Nagahama Kita-Biwako Fireworks Festival near Kyoto

The Nagahama Kita-Biwako Fireworks Festival is a fireworks display held in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture.

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.

In 2026, this fireworks festival will be held in two rounds:

- In Nagahama, with the fireworks launched over Lake Biwa - each evening from September 16 to 18.
- In northern Nagahama, with the fireworks launched over Lake Yogo, on October 16 (Friday).

We recommend booking a hotel room in Nagahama in advance, or ensuring your transportation on the day, because trains will be very full on the event days.

Nagahama Kita-Biwako Fireworks Festival 2026

Dates:
- Nagahama: September 16 - 18 (3 consecutive days)
- Yogo: October 16 (Friday)

Venue: The area of Nagahama Port
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 - 20:45
Website: https://kitabiwako.jp/fireworks

6. Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival near Kyoto

The Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival takes place in Otsu, a city just a short train ride east of Kyoto on the shores of Japan's largest lake.

Celebrating its milestone 40th anniversary in 2026, this year's festival promises to be more spectacular than ever.

Each year, roughly 350,000 visitors gather along the waterfront to witness 10,000 fireworks—including massive starmines—illuminating the night sky against a lush natural backdrop, beautifully synchronized with choreographed fountain jets.

Want the best view? Paid seating options are available, offering a premium, up-close vantage point of the entire show. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the official website (Japanese).

Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival 2026

Event Date: August 6, 2026
Venue: Otsu Port (Google Map)
Access from the nearest station: 4-minute walk from Biwako-Hamaotsu Station
Time: 19:30 - 20:30
Website: https://global.biwako-visitors.jp/things-to-do/21876/

7. Yoshinogawa Festival Noryo Fireworks Display, Nara

The Yoshinogawa Festival Noryo Fireworks Display is a dazzling summer event held in Nara Prefecture—a region famous for its historic treasures like Horyuji Temple and its magnificent Great Buddha statues.

During the festival, the night sky comes alive with a stunning fusion of fireworks, music, and dramatic laser light shows. Visitors can also explore a vibrant stretch of traditional food stalls to enjoy delicious local street food while taking in the display.

The festival takes place near JR Gojo Station in Nara, which is about a 1.5-hour train ride from JR Nara Station. If you are traveling from Osaka or Kyoto, please plan your return journey carefully, as the last trains back to these cities depart relatively early and transfers may be required.

Yoshinogawa Festival Noryo Fireworks Display 2026 in Nara

Event Date: August 15, 2026
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: 19:30 - 20:30
Official Website: https://www.gojo.ne.jp/g-kanko/leisure/03yoshinogawa-maturi.html (Japanese)

Enjoy Summer Nights with Fireworks in Kansai

These spectacular Kansai fireworks festivals offer a glimpse into an important piece of Japanese culture, brought to life through the incredible artistry of professional pyrotechnicians.

Although fireworks displays take place year-round—including in the spring and autumn—summer remains the quintessential season for hanabi.

If you're planning a summer trip to Japan, attending one of these festivals is the perfect way to experience the season to its absolute fullest.