NOTE: THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED FOR 2025. THE DETAILS OF EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, PLEASE SO LOCAL GUIDES CLOSER TO THE EVENT DATES.

Summer in Japan means festivals and fireworks. Most cities and towns across Japan have their own summer festivals and fireworks show. People make a day of it, getting the best spots early and having a picnic, buying food from the numerous yatai, street stalls and washing it down with plenty of beer.

Major Fireworks Festivals in Hyogo 

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1. Minato HANABI – Kobe’s Waterfront Fireworks

• Dates: October 20 (Mon) to October 24 (Fri), 2025
• Time: 18:30–18:45 each night
• Location: Meriken Park, Kobe City
• Details: A modern-style fireworks show choreographed to music, running for 15 minutes each evening across five nights. This event highlights Kobe’s waterfront rather than a single big festival.
• Admission: Free
• Note: Light rain will not cancel the event, but strong weather may.
  👉 Official Event Page (Feel Kobe)

2. Ashiya Summer Carnival (47th Edition)

• Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
• Location: Ashiya City General Park area
• Details: One of Ashiya’s biggest summer events. Expect stage performances, food stalls, and a stylish fireworks display over the sea.
• Fireworks Time: TBA (usually around 19:45)
  👉 Official Website

3. Himeji Minato Festival Fireworks

• Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025
• Location: Around Himeji Port
• Details: One of the largest fireworks displays in the region, with around 10,000 shots fired across the evening. A long-running community favourite with a festive atmosphere.
• Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
  👉 Visit Himeji Official Travel Guide 

4. Awaji Island Festival Fireworks – Sumoto City

• Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025
• Location: Near Sumoto Port, Awaji Island
• Details: A long-standing event on the island, closing the local festival with fireworks over the water. Date shifted to autumn this year—check accommodations early as this event draws big crowds.
  👉 Awaji Island Festival Official Website

5. Kinosaki Onsen Dream Fireworks

• Dates: Weekdays from July 30 (Wed) to August 22 (Fri), excluding Obon (Aug 12–15)
• Time: 21:00–21:10
• Location: Kinosaki Onsen town, Toyooka City
• Details: Short but charming fireworks displays take place most weeknights during summer in this beautiful historic onsen town. Combine with a night stroll in yukata for the perfect summer memory.
  👉 Visit Kinosaki Event Info 

6. Itami Fireworks Festival

• Date: Saturday, August 24, 2025
• Time: 19:30–20:30
• Location: Ina River, Itami City
• Details: As one of the final fireworks displays of the summer, this event attracts around 70,000 spectators who enjoy a vibrant show along the river.
  👉 Japan Travel – Itami Fireworks Festival

7. Inagawa Fireworks Festival

• Date: Mid-August 2025 (exact date TBA)
• Location: Inagawa Riverside, Kawanishi City
• Details: A traditional summer event offering a free-entry fireworks display along the Inagawa River.
  👉 Japan Travel – Inagawa Fireworks Festival

🎇 Notable Fireworks in Neighbouring Prefectures

1. Yodogawa Fireworks Festival – Osaka

• Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
• Time: 19:30–20:30
• Location: Yodogawa River, Osaka City
• Details: One of Osaka’s largest fireworks events, attracting approximately 450,000 spectators. The 2025 edition has been rescheduled to October due to the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
  👉 Japan Travel – Yodogawa Fireworks Festival

2. Tenjin Matsuri Fireworks – Osaka

• Date: Friday, July 25, 2025
• Time: 19:30–21:00
• Location: Okawa River, Osaka City
• Details: Part of the Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan’s top three festivals, featuring a river procession and a spectacular fireworks display.
  👉 Wikipedia – Tenjin Matsuri

🗓️ Note on Schedule Changes

Several fireworks festivals have adjusted their schedules in 2025:

• Yodogawa Fireworks Festival: Moved from August to October due to the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
• Awaji Island Festival Fireworks: Shifted to November, offering an autumnal experience.
• Kobe’s Minato Fireworks: Replaced by the “Minato HANABI” event in October, featuring shorter, nightly displays.

🎯 Tips for Enjoying Fireworks Festivals

• Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up quickly. Consider arriving a few hours in advance.
• Public Transport: Use public transportation as parking is often limited.
• Weather Check: Events may be canceled due to inclement weather. Check official sources on the day.
• Stay Hydrated: Summer nights can be warm; bring water and stay hydrated.