As summer approaches, the skies of Hyogo Prefecture come alive with the vibrant colours of fireworks. Here are the top 5 summer fireworks festivals in and around Hyogo Prefecture, listed in chronological order. Each festival offers a unique experience, so make sure to mark your calendars!
Note: The popular Kobe Minato Fireworks Festival will be held in October. You can check out the details here.
1. 2023 Hamasaka Hometown Summer Festival Fireworks Display
Date and Time: July 16, 2023, from 14:00 to 22:00
Location: Shin-Onsen Town Prefectural Road Mio Hamasaka Line Ashiya (in front of Hamasaka Kenmin Sun Beach)
Website: Hamasaka Hometown Summer Festival
The 2023 Hamasaka Hometown Summer Festival Fireworks Display is set to take place on July 16, 2023. The festival will be held in front of the Hamasaka Kenmin Sun Beach, promising a day filled with fun, food, and a spectacular fireworks display.
2. 45th Ashiya Summer Carnival
Date and Time: July 22, 2023, from 13:00 to 21:00
Location: Ashiya City General Park, Ground South Lawn
Entry: Pre-reservation required (capacity limit). Free for citizens. Non-residents are required to pay 500 yen.
Website: Ashiya Summer Carnival
The 45th Ashiya Summer Carnival is set to be a memorable event, taking place at the Ashiya City General Park. The festival offers a platform for local performances and a variety of stalls. Entry to the festival is free for residents, while non-residents are required to pay a safety measure fee of 500 yen. Please note that pre-reservation is required due to capacity limits.
3. Shingu Summer Festival & Fireworks Display
Date and Time: July 22, 2023, from 18:00 to 21:00 (Fireworks launch from 20:00 to 20:40)
Location: Fireworks launch from the top of Nitta Mountain
Contact Information: Shingu Summer Festival
The Shingu Summer Festival & Fireworks Display is a grand event featuring a spectacular fireworks display launched from the top of Nitta Mountain. The festival also includes the Jizo Festival and a variety of food stalls, ensuring a fun-filled evening for everyone. Please note that the area around the fireworks launch site is off-limits, so make sure to secure a good viewing spot from a distance.
4. 35th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Date and Time: August 5, 2023, from 19:30 to 20:30
Location: Yodogawa Riverbed, from Shin-Mido-suji Yodogawa Bridge downstream to National Route 2
Website: Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
While located in Osaka, it’s hard not to include the 35th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival as it is the biggest in the region. This festival can be seen from many areas in Hyogo (at a distance) and is set to light up the night sky with the theme “HOPE – Everyone’s thoughts ride on the fireworks of hope!”. The event will be held in rain, but will be cancelled in case of bad weather.
5. 75th Inagawa Fireworks Festival
Date and Time: August 19th, 2023, from 19:20 to 20:20
Location: Inagawa Riverbed, near Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture
Contact Information: Inagawa Fireworks Festival
The 75th Inagawa Fireworks Festival will light up the night sky with approximately 4,000 fireworks, including star mines. The venue will open from 4:30 pm, and it’s advised to secure a viewing spot on the south side of the Inagawa Bridge for the best experience. Please remember that the use of drones, BBQ, and bringing fire into the venue is strictly prohibited. In case of rain, don’t forget to bring a raincoat as using an umbrella can be dangerous due to the crowd.
Each of these festivals offers a unique experience, so make sure to mark your calendars and enjoy the vibrant colours of summer in Hyogo Prefecture! Check out the official website for each event for all the latest news.