Five Recommended Fireworks Festivals that Light Up the Fukuoka Summer Nights
In Japan, fireworks are seasonal summer events. If you are visiting Japan between July and August, you should definitely go to a fireworks festival. Here are five popular fireworks festivals held in the Fukuoka area of Kyushu.
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1. Chikugogawa Fireworks Festival
The Chikugogawa Fireworks Festival, held in Kurume, has a history of more than 350 years, and was the clear winner in a ranking of popular fireworks in Kyushu last year. The gorgeous sight of fireworks being launched from Kyo-machi and Sasayama Castle on opposing banks of the river wows the audience. Please enjoy the majestic and brilliant fireworks said to be one of the best in western Japan.
2017 event date: Saturday, August 5
Number of fireworks: 18,000
Recommended viewing spots: Komorino site, Miyaki site, around Mamezubashi
2. Kanmon Strait Fireworks Festival
This fireworks festival is held jointly from both sides of a strait between Moji in Kitakyushu in Fukuoka and Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi. The highlight of the Moji side is the successive launch of large fireworks, and of the Shimonoseki side, the "water fireworks" that are shot into the water. At this festival, you can enjoy the fireworks launched from both shores as if in a competition, together with the surrounding night view.
2017 event date: Sunday, August 13
Number of fireworks: Approx. 15,000
Recommended viewing spots: Mt. Kazashi Observatory, Ganryu-jima, Kaikyo Yume Tower
3. Nishinihon Ohori Fireworks Festival
This fireworks festival is held in Fukuoka and is one of the largest fireworks festivals held in a city. The fireworks are launched from Ohori Park, which has a massive pond, and the appeal is the great location that affords the audience a 360-degree view. As it is held within Fukuoka City, there are many hotels, shops, and tourist destinations in the vicinity. How about a stroll around the city during the day, and watching the fireworks at night?
2017 event date: Tuesday, August 1
Number of fireworks: Approx. 6,000
Recommended viewing spots: Fukuoka Yahuoku! Dome, Fukuoka Tower, Fukuoka Castle (Maizuru Park)
4. Yume Hanabi
Yume Hanabi is held in Ogori. The site is set up on the riverbed of Homan River near Ogori Sport Park so you can enjoy the brilliant fireworks with the riverside as the background. Be sure not to miss the Star Mine fireworks with 1,000 continuous bursts and the 200m-wide Niagara (fireworks lined up on a tube and ignited simultaneously to create waterfall-like fireworks)!
2017 event date: Friday, August 11 (national holiday)
Number of fireworks: Approx. 8,000
Recommended viewing spots: Around Ogori Sport Park, Ogori Municipal Ohara Elementary School
5. Kukinoumi Fireworks Festival
This fireworks festival takes place around Wakato Bridge in Dokai Bay in Kitakyushu. It is held in a great location for fireworks that are launched from a boat in the middle of the bay, and the large fireworks that appear right above are stunning! There are many highlights, including fireworks choreographed to live jazz music and a 260m-wide Niagara.
2017 event date: Saturday, July 29
Number of fireworks: Approx. 4,000
Recommended viewing spots: Kuinohama, Miyakojima Observatory Park, Takatoyama Park
These are all popular fireworks festivals that light up the Fukuoka nights. Please go to enjoy them.
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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