Written by TC Team
A great chance to see some of Japan’s best fireworks outside of the summer festivals. This is a competitive display admired across the country and features around 20,000 fireworks.
What happens?
Held on the Sakuragawa Riverside in the Gakuen-Ohashi area, there’s plenty of seating with a good view. The newest designs and creations are displayed by the best pyrotechnicians in Japan, and it originally started as a memorial event for officers who died during the war. The event is pretty long, lasting around two and a half hours. Grab some food from the street stalls along the way and get your seat early.
How to watch the fireworks for free
The main area that is usually open to the public (downstream along the river near the JR Joban Line) requires tickets costing from ¥3,000. Roads near the venue and private property cannot be used but the firework display is quite large so there are several spots you can use for free such as Tsuchiura City Kasumigaura Comprehensive Park, under the bypass of Route 6 near Aeon Mall Tsuchiura, and the lesser-known Kamitakatsu Shell Mound.
How to get there
The nearest station to the riverside is Tsuchiura Station on the JR Joban Line, around a 30-minute walk or 10-minute shuttle bus (provided on the day for ¥280 one way). It’s about 70 minutes by local train from Ueno Station or 45 minutes by express.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.