Fireworks festivals are joyful events that everyone can enjoy. In Fukuoka, these festivals take place from late July to September across various locations. Not only do they light up the night sky, but they are also enjoyed as illusions combined with music and visuals. Recently, they have been held as entertainment regardless of the season. Many of these festivals are part of local celebrations and are generally free of charge. However, some events offer reserved seating with tickets available for pre-sale. Wearing a yukata to these festivals is highly recommended!
Fireworks Displays Scheduled for 2024
Jul. 13 (Sat.)
• Sasaguri-machi: Sasaguri-machi Fireworks Festival
Jul. 20 (Sat.)
• Kitakyushu City: Kukinoumi Fireworks Festival
• Miyama City: Miyama Noryo Fireworks Festival
Jul. 21 (Sun.)
• Miyawaka City: Miyawaka Noryo Fireworks Festival
Jul. 27 (Sat.)
• Onga-gun: Ashiya Fireworks Festival
Jul. 28 (Sun.)
• Nogata City: Nogata Summer Festival
Aug. 1 (Thu.)
• Iizuka City: Iizuka Noryo Fireworks Festival
Aug. 3 (Sat.)
• Buzen City: Buzen Port Festival
Aug. 5 (Mon.)
• Kurume City: Chikugo River Fireworks Festival
Aug. 13 (Tue.)
• Kitakyushu City: Kanmon Kaikyo Fireworks Festival
Aug. 24 (Sat.)
• Nakagawa City: Nakagawa Citizens’ Festival
• Asakura City: Amagigawa Fireworks
• Onga-gun: Onga-machi Summer Festival
Sep. 15 (Sun.)
• Kurume City: Hanabi Douranbachi
Sep. 22 (Sun., hol.)
• Fukutsu City: Make a wish come true! Kaiun Fireworks Festival
Oct. 26 (Sat.)
• Tagawa-gun: Soeda Fireworks Festival
Nov. 16 (Sat.)
• Sasebo City, Nagasaki: Kyushu Fireworks Festival
Jul. 13 (Sat.)
Sasaguri-machi Fireworks Festival
The annual summer festival in Sasaguri-machi culminates with a spectacular fireworks display. The day begins at 10 AM with the Gion Yamakasa procession. At 2 PM, the local junior high school band performs a parade, followed by a children’s mikoshi (portable shrine) departing from Suga Shrine at 3:20 PM. The festival reaches its climax with the fireworks show at 8 PM. Throughout the day, approximately 100 food and game stalls line the grounds of Suga Shrine, starting from noon.
• 7/13 (Sat.) *canceled in case of inclement weather
• Fireworks: 20:00~20:40
• Approx. 1,000 fireworks
• Free viewing
• Suga Shrine
• 5010 Sasaguri, Sasaguri-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka
• Access: 10 min. on foot from JR Sasaguri Sta.
• https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/event/14116
Jul. 20 (Sat.)
Kukinoumi Fireworks Festival
The Wakato Ohashi Bridge, a suspension bridge boasting a length of 627m, was the longest in the orient when it opened in 1962. during the representative fireworks festival in Kitakyushu, the Dokai Bay, spanned by the iconic red structure, is closed to ship traffic. Instead, a barge is anchored in the middle of the bay to launch the fireworks. A staggering 4,500 fireworks are set off, creating an overwhelming view unique to this sea-based display. The sight of the fireworks raining down over Dokai Bay is breathtakingly beautiful.
• 7/20 (Sat.) *canceled in the event of inclement weather
• 20:00~20:40
• Approx. 4,500 fireworks
• Free viewing
• Dokai Bay, Wakato Ohashi Bridge
• Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• Access: 3 min. on foot from JR Wakamatsu Sta.
• https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/wakamatsu/file_0033.html
48th Miyama Noryo Fireworks Festival
This will be the last Miyama Noryo Fireworks Festival, offering a final chance to see the fireworks launched from the banks of the Yabe River. The main venue, Setaka Elementary School grounds, will feature various food and game stalls.
• 7/20 (Sat.) *postponed to 7/27 (Sat.) or 7/29 (Mon.) in case of inclement weather
• 20:00~
• Approx. 8,000 fireworks
• Free viewing
• Around Setaka Elementary School
• 1373 Shimonosho, Setaka-machi, Miyama City, Fukuoka
• Access: 15 min. on foot from JR Setaka Sta.
• https://www.instagram.com/p/C8BY6LIyuk4/
Jul. 21 (Sun.)
52nd Miyawaka Noryo Fireworks Festival
The summer tradition of Miyawaka City, the cool evening fireworks festival, features approximately 30 food and game stalls at the venue. Starting at 8 PM, 3,000 fireworks will be launched, creating a spectacular display.
• 7/21 (Sun.) *postponed to 7/24 (Wed.) in case of inclement weather
• 20:00~21:00
• Approx. 3,000 fireworks
• Free viewing
• Inunaki Riverside
• 29-1 Miyata, Miyawaka City, Fukuoka
• Access: 20 min. by bus towards Hakata Sta. from JR Nogata Sta., get off at Miyata and 8 min. on foot from the bus stop.
• https://www.city.miyawaka.lg.jp/kiji003448430/index.html
Jul. 27 (Sat.)
Ashiya Fireworks Festival
A historic fireworks festival dating back to the Taisho era, this event features 5,000 fireworks launched from floating platforms on the Onga River. Highlights include large fireworks and the 250-meter “Niagara Falls” display spanning both banks of the river. Spectators can enjoy the stunning fireworks in the night sky, as well as their vibrant reflections on the river’s surface. The venue is about a 20-minute walk from the Ashiya Boat Race parking lot. On the day of the event, a temporary bus service will run from Orio Station to the venue.
• 7/27 (Sat.) *slight rain or shine, no postponement in case of rain.
• 20:00~21:00
• 5,000 fireworks
• Free viewing
• Onga River estuary
• Ashiya-machi, Onga-gun, Fukuoka
• Access: From JR Orio Station, take the Kitakyushu Municipal Bus bound for Ashiya, get off at Yamaga Post Office and 5 min. on foot from there
• https://www.town.ashiya.lg.jp/site/kanko/24391.html
Jul. 28 (Sun.)
Nogata Summer Festival 2024
Nogata City’s summer tradition takes place at Riverside Park, where around 180 food and game stalls line the riverbank. This fireworks festival marks the finale of the Nogata Yamakasa, a traditional event with a history of about 400 years. After the splendid Kakiyama floats race through the city streets, the fireworks are launched, creating a grand and festive atmosphere.
• 7/28 (Sun.) *postponed to 7/31 (Wed.) or 8/6 (Tue.) in case of inclement weather
• Nogata Yamakasa 19:10~19:45, Fireworks 20:00~21:00
• Approx. 6,000 fireworks
• Free viewing
• Nogata Riverside Park
• 1-1-1 Mizohori, Nogata City, Fukuoka
• Access: 15 min. on foot from JR Nogata Sta.
• https://www.instagram.com/nogatahanabi/
Aug. 1 (Thu.)
100th Iizuka Noryo Fireworks Festival
This year marks the 100th anniversary of this major event in Chikuho. In addition to large-scale set pieces like the Niagara Falls display, the festival attracts many people eager to see the fireworks light up the night sky. Numerous food and game stalls line the area around the venue, adding to the lively atmosphere.
• 8/1 (Thu.) *postponed to 8/6 (Tue.) in case of inclement weather
• 20:00~21:10
• Approx. 5,000 fireworks
• Free viewing
• Nakanoshima, Onga River
• 23 Shiniizuka, Iizuka City, Fukuoka
• Access: 5 min. from JR Shin-Iizuka Sta.
• https://www.iizuka-cci.org/2024/04/post-3918/
Aug. 3 (Sat.)
72nd Buzen Port Festival
The annual fireworks festival in Buzen City features 3,000 aerial fireworks and water fireworks that reflect off the sea, vividly lighting up the night at the fishing port. Near JR Unoshima Station, the Hiraike Park hosts Buzen’s summer staple, the “Saturday Night Market,” lined with various food and game stalls.
• 8/3 (Sat.) *postponed to 8/5 (Mon.) in case of inclement weather
• 20:00~21:00
• Approx. 3,000 fireworks
• Free viewing
• Unoshima Port
• 347 Unoshima, Buzen City, Fukuoka
• Access: 30 min. on foot from JR Unoshima Sta.
• https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/event/13610
Aug. 5 (Mon.)
365th Chikugo River Fireworks Festival
Originating as a dedication fireworks display for Suitengu Shrine along the Chikugo River, this historic festival boasts a history of over 350 years. With 15,000 fireworks launched, it is one of the largest fireworks displays in Western Japan. Each venue offers different set-piece fireworks, but all provide a breathtaking experience with massive rapid-fire displays and earth-shaking fireworks that light up the entire sky.
• 8/5 (Mon.) *postponed to 8/7 (Wed.) in case of inclement weather
• 19:40~20:50
• Approx. 15,000 fireworks
• Free viewing
• Nagatoishi Riverside, Komorino Riverside, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Venues: Kyomachi, Sasayama, Komorino, Nagatoishi, Miyaki (map)
• https://www.city.kurume.fukuoka.jp/1500soshiki/9119kanko/3010oshirase/2024-0603-1446-289.html
Aug. 13 (Tue.)
37th Kanmon Kaikyo Fireworks Festival
The Kanmon Strait, located between Honshu and Kyushu, hosts a joint fireworks festival by Kitakyushu City’s Moji and Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Spectators can enjoy the fireworks from the coastline and the hills on both sides of the strait. Highlights on the Moji side include consecutive large fireworks and music-synchronized fireworks, while the Shimonoseki side features 15-inch shell fireworks and underwater fireworks. In 2024, there will be no free viewing areas around the venue; only those who purchase sponsorship tickets, aimed at the maintenance, preservation, and beautification of Moji Port, will have access to the viewing areas.
• 8/13 (Tue.) *slight rain or shine, canceled in case of inclement weather
• 19:50~20:20
• Approx. 15,000 fireworks
• Admission to viewing area: ¥1,000 (ticket for cooperation in environmental improvement), special sponsor seats (paid, reserved viewing seats)
• Moji area, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• Access: 10 min. on foot from JR Mojiko Sta.
• https://kanmon-hanabi.love/
Aug. 24 (Sat.)
48th Nakagawa Citizen’s Festival
The Nakagawa City Summer Festival, a beloved tradition with a 47-year history, is making a comeback thanks to dedicated volunteers after a 5-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and rising costs. The festival will feature around 30 food trucks and 60 booths from local businesses. The event concludes with a spectacular fireworks display launched from two different locations.
• 8/24 (Sat.) *cancelled in case of rain
• 15:00~21:00 (fireworks 20:10~20:45)
• Approx. 2,000 fireworks
• Free viewing
• Antoku Minami Elementary School Athletic Field, Kajiwara Athletic Field
• 1-1 Kamikajiwara, Nakagawa City, Fukuoka
• Access: 9 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Nakagawa Heights bus stop
• https://www.instagram.com/festival_of_nakagawa/
Amagigawa Fireworks Festival
Approximately 4,000 fireworks of varying sizes near the Amagi Bridge over the Koishiwara River, which gracefully meanders through Asakura City. The fireworks will be set off at various points along the 200-meter width of the river, creating a radiant panorama that lights up the night sky.
Simultaneously, the traditional Nagare-Kanjo Buddhist memorial service will be taking place. This event is a time-honored ritual where participants pray for the peaceful repose of their ancestors’ souls and the safety of their family members. Join us for this profound and visually spectacular evening, where tradition and spectacle harmoniously unite.
• 8/24 (Sat.)
• 19:40~20:30
• Approx. 4,000 fireworks
• Free viewing
• Amagi Bridge, Koishiwara River
• Amagi, Asakura City, Fukuoka
• Access: 10 min. on foot from Amagi Sta. (Amagi Railway), 15 min. on foot from Nishitetsu Amagi Sta.
• https://www.city.asakura.lg.jp/www/contents/1420523586819/index.html
Onga-machi Summer Festival
Onga-machi’s largest summer event brings together dancers from various districts within the town for an all-inclusive group dance and stage events. The festival culminates in a fireworks display starting at 8 PM, marking the grand finale of the celebration.
• 8/24 (Sat.) *slight rain or shine, cancelled in case of inclement weather
• 18:00~20:40 (fireworks 20:00~20:30)
• Approx. 4,000 fireworks
• Free viewing
• Onga Sports Park
• 23-6 Hirowatari, Onga-cho, Onga-gun, Fukuoka
• Access: 10 min. on foot from JR Ongagawa Sta.
• https://www.town.onga.lg.jp/soshiki/7/1182.html
Sep. 15 (Sun.)
Hanabi Douranbachi
Witness a unique fireworks spectacle that has been a part of Fukuoka’s intangible folk culture for over 360 years. Held annually on September 15th at Ouji Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine, the event is named “Douranbachi,” inspired by the image of bees swarming out of a disturbed hive. Originally a simple ritual to offer fireworks for a bountiful harvest and protection against disease, the tradition evolved after a prominent family serving the Kurume domain taught the locals the art of “trap fireworks.”
Unlike the sky-filling displays of typical fireworks festivals, the event’s highlight is the explosive sound and intense scattering of sparks. This intriguing fireworks experience is sure to captivate your senses, as it serves both as a community prayer for prosperity and an astonishing display of pyrotechnics.
• 9/15 (Sun.) *will be postponed in case of rain
• 19:30~20:10
• Free viewing
• Ouji Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine
• 569 Yamakawa-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• Access: 15 min. on foot from JR Mii Sta.
• https://welcome-kurume.com/events/detail/
Sep. 22 (Sun., hol.)
Make a wish come true! Kaiun Fireworks Festival
During the Autumn Grand Festival, the most significant festival of Miyajidake Shrine, a grand fireworks display takes center stage. This illuminating spectacle is set off with the heartfelt hope that all attendees’ wishes will be fulfilled and their worries will be dispelled.
Join us in this meaningful celebration, bask in the vibrant hues of the fireworks, and immerse yourself in the powerful, hopeful ambiance as we collectively wish for happiness and peace.
• 9/22 (Sun., hol.)
• 20:00~
• Approx. 1,000 fireworks
• Free viewing
• Miyajidake Shrine
• 7-1 Miyajimoto-machi, Fukutsu City, Fukuoka
• Access: Take Nishitetsu Bus from JR Fukuma Sta. (Kagoshima Main Line) to Miyajidake-jinja-mae bus stop.
• https://www.miyajidake.or.jp/event/syuki
Oct. 26 (Sat.)
Soeda Fireworks Festival
The fireworks festival is held near Kanyusha Hiko-san Station, which is served by the BTR Hikoboshi Line that began operation in 2023. On October 26th and 27th, the major local event “Furusato Festival” will also take place.
• 10/26 (Sat.)
• 18:00~18:40
• Approx. 3,000 fireworks
• Free viewing
• Around Road Station Kanyusha Hikosan
• 1113-1 Noda, Soeda-machi, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka
• Access: A short walk from JR “Kanyuusha Hiko-san” Station (BRT)
Nov. 16 (Sat.)
11th Kyushu Biggest Fireworks Festival
Get ready for a dazzling display of 22,000 fireworks – the largest fireworks show in Western Japan, sure to illuminate the night sky in a spectacle of awe and wonder. This year’s event will showcase an array of Japanese fireworks, recipients of the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award – the highest honor in the fireworks industry.
Adding an international touch, we will also feature a spectacular show by American pyrotechnicians. The grand finale includes the breathtaking one-shaku-dama firework display, expanding to a diameter of 280 to 320 meters, and culminates in a phenomenal 5,000-shot starmine, all unfolding in a swift and captivating five minutes. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary show of light, color, and artistic mastery!
©HuisTenBosch/J－21461
• 11/16 (Sat.)
• 18:45〜20:30
• 22,000 fireworks
• 1-Day Passport: ¥7,400, HS and JHS ¥6,400, ES ¥4,800, pre-school: ¥3,700
* If you want to use the special viewing seats, you must purchase advance tickets separately.
• Huis Ten Bosch
• 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch-machi, Sasebo City, Nagasaki
• Access: 6 min. on foot from JR Huis Ten Bosch Sta.
• https://english.huistenbosch.co.jp/event/fireworks/kyushu_autumn/
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NOTE: The information presented in this document was collected and summarized by the Fukuoka Now team. While we strive for accuracy, there may be some errors or details that have since changed. If you spot any inaccuracies or updates, we’d appreciate it if you could let us know. This report was initially written in July 2017.
