Fireworks are one of the most popular summer traditions in Japan!
Do you know how Japanese people enjoy fireworks?
We will introduce Japanese summer culture along with information on fireworks displays in the Kansai region.
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This is how Japanese people enjoy fireworks!
Japanese fireworks are among the most delicate and beautiful in the world!
[Hyogo] The 48th Ashiya Summer Carnival(August 1, 2026)
[Osaka] Tenjin Festival Dedication Fireworks(July 25, 2026)
[Osaka] The 38th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival(October 17, 2026)
[Osaka, Hyogo] Inagawa Fireworks Festival (November 7, 2026)
[Hyogo] Minato HANABI 5 Days of Colorful Kobe(October 19 – October 23, 2026)
This is how Japanese people enjoy fireworks!
In other countries, fireworks are often shot off at New Year’s Eve events.
In Japan, they are said to have taken root in the summer time to avoid the sweltering heat of summer days and to enjoy the cooler weather.
At fireworks festivals held in various locations, many people are seen wearing yukata, a traditional Japanese summer garment, to enjoy the once-a-year event.
The yukata is usually worn with geta (Japanese wooden clogs) and an uchiwa (Japanese fan) or fan for relief from the heat.
For yukata rentals, we recommend Kyo Aruki produced by KYOTO SAGANOKAN!
Food stalls are often set up in the vicinity of the fireworks display, and these stalls are also a source of enjoyment.
In addition to takoyaki, yakitori, cotton candy, shaved ice, and other gourmet food stalls, there are also yo-yo scooping, target shooting, and other game stalls that are very lively.
Japanese fireworks are among the most delicate and beautiful in the world!
Fireworks are popular all over the world, but Japanese fireworks are said to be particularly delicate and artistic.
They have a beautiful spherical shape that never goes out of shape, colors that change midway, and the graceful way they all light up and disappear at the same time. The elaborate and gorgeous fireworks, which pyrotechnists have studied and improved over the years with their craftsmen’s souls, show the aesthetic sense of the Japanese people.
But you can’t appreciate the splendor of the fireworks until you actually see them!
The following is a list of fireworks displays held in the Kansai region, so please come and see the world-class Japanese fireworks with your own eyes!
[Hyogo] The 48th Ashiya Summer Carnival
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Scheduled for 19:45 – 20:30
Light rain will be held, cancelled in case of stormy weather
Ashiya City General Park facing the sea is the main venue for this event, which is run mainly by Ashiya citizens. Stage performances are held, fair stalls are set up, and the place is bustling from the noon time.
This year, the fireworks are even more powerful! A cutting-edge entertainment with flames, fireworks, and music will be presented for about 45 minutes.
Entry to the fireworks show is available only to holders of sponsor bleacher tickets or civic plaza admission tickets.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
1-1, Yoko-cho, Ashiya-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
30-minutes from Hanshin Main Line Ashiya Station
[Osaka] Tenjin Festival Dedication Fireworks
Friday, July 25, 2025
19:30 – 20:50
Cancelled in case of stormy weather
If you want to experience the mood of a Japanese festival, the dedicated fireworks of Tenjin Matsuri is recommended!
Tenjin Matsuri, one of the three major festivals in Japan, has a history of more than 1,000 years. The Tenjin Matsuri ends with a dedication fireworks display. Approximately 3,000 fireworks are launched as a dedication to the gods.
About 100 boats, including boats decorated with traditional dolls on the bow and boats with bonfires lit, come and go along the Okawa River, the site of the festival. The fireworks shining in the sky and the lively river are a picturesque sight!
If you visit Japan, this is a festival you must see at least once.
You can enjoy the food stalls at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, and Sakuranomiya Park, and the fireworks can be viewed from the area stretching from Sakuranomiya Park to Kawasaki Park and along the Okawa River. If you plan to watch the fireworks, we recommend arriving at your chosen viewing spot by 5:00 PM.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
Nakano-cho, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka [MAP]
Access
15-minute walk from Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line Minamimorimachi Station
[Osaka] The 38th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Saturday, October 17th, 2026
19:30 – 20:30
Rain will be held, cancelled in case of stormy weather
This fireworks display is held on the Yodogawa River, which flows through the center of Osaka. Many people look forward to this handmade fireworks display every year with the help of about 2,000 local volunteer staff.
In the grand finale, fireworks of overwhelming volume and grand scale will fill the sky.
If you want to view the fireworks in a relaxed atmosphere, paid seats are recommended. Due to road construction, free viewing is not available on the embankment on the Umeda side, and large crowds are expected along the embankment on the Hankyu Juso Station side.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
Yodogawa-ku, Osaka [MAP]
Access
Get off at Hankyu Juso Station
and walk 15 minutes from the west exit to the central stairs of the riverbed.
Website
[Osaka, Hyogo] Inagawa Fireworks Festival
Saturday, November 7th, 2026
18:00-18:30
Cancelled in case of stormy weather, no postponement
About 4,000 fireworks will light up the night sky on the banks of the Inagawa River, near Osaka International Airport.
We recommend that you visit the Cupnoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda, a very popular tourist spot located near the event site, during the daytime and watch the fireworks at night.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
2-1782-1, Momozono, Ikeda-shi, Osaka [MAP]
Access
10-minute walk from Hankyu Takarazuka Line Kawanishi-noseguchi Station
10-minute walk from Hankyu Takarazuka Line Ikeda Station
[Hyogo] Minato HANABI 5 Days of Colorful Kobe
Monday, October 19 – Friday, October 23, 2026
18:30-18:50
Rain will be held, cancelled in case of stormy weather
In Japan, fireworks displays are usually held in the summer, but there are also fireworks displays held in the fall.
The “Minato Hanabi – 5 Days of Colorful Kobe” is a fireworks display held at Meriken Park, a tourist attraction in Kobe. The fireworks display against the backdrop of the night view of the port city creates a romantic atmosphere.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
2, Hatoba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
10-minute walk from Hanshin Main Line Motomachi Station
13-minute walk from Hankyu Kobe Line Hanakuma Station
Website
Tips for Enjoying a Fireworks Festival
Here are three tips for enjoying a fireworks display.
1.The weather can change quickly in the summer, so be sure to bring a folding umbrella.
2.Due to heavy crowds, please check your large luggage.
Hands-Free Travel | Baggage Storage and Delivery Services at Hankyu Tourist Center in Osaka Umeda Station
3.The trains get very crowded. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance or using an IC card.
Fireworks festivals are precious events packed with Japanese life and Japanese culture!
Please visit Kansai to experience the entire festival atmosphere.
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