The 67th Hita Kawabiraki Kanko Matsuri festival celebrates the opening of fishing season for ayu (sweetfish) on 5/24 (Sat.) and 5/25 (Sun.) in Hita City, Oita Prefecture. Hita is known for its various rivers, which run through the town from the headwater of the Chikugo River. With summer just around the corner, it’s a nice chance to enjoy fireworks near the ryokan and hotels along the Mikuma River. During the two-day festival, a total of 10,000 fireworks illuminate the night sky above the yakatabune party houseboats floating on the river (5/25~5/26,19:30~ at Mikuma River). Other activities include Hangiri Genpei Gassen tub-boat race (5/24, 13:00~15:00) on the Mikuma River; and the Suikyo Hita Dontaku Carnival (5/25, 10:00~) featuring song, dance, and drum performances through the city’s center. Special traffic regulations are enforced throughout the city, temporary free parking spaces are available, and free shuttle bus services are offered from some parking spaces to the festival site.
• Festival: 5/24 (Sat.) and 5/25 (Sun.) *Fireworks: (5/25~5/26,19:30~)
• Mikuma River, Hita City, Oita
• 0973-23-3111 (Hita City Tourism Division) / 0973-22-2036 (Hita City Tourist Information Center
• http://www.oidehita.com/15767.html