Kyushu and Okinawa, with their warm climates, are paradises for fireworks, with the fireworks season starting in April. There are plenty of fireworks festivals that you won’t want to miss, such as the annual Huis Ten Bosch fireworks and the night view of Nagasaki and fireworks.
★ Fukuoka Fireworks Festival (Fukuoka Prefecture)
One of the largest fireworks festivals in Kyushu, set at Fukuoka Port. Approximately 10,000 shots.
Date: Scheduled for early August 2026
Number of launches: Approximately 10,000 shots
Transportation: Walk from Kaizuka Station on the Hakozaki Subway Line
Paid seats: Available (sold by lottery)
Official: https://www.fukuoka-hanabi.jp
Highlight: The night view of Hakata Bay and fireworks. The fireworks with Fukuoka Tower in the background are beautiful.
★ Nagasaki Fireworks Festival (Nagasaki Prefecture)
Approximately 8,000 fireworks are held at Nagasaki Port. Co-starring the night view of the World Heritage site and fireworks.
Date: Scheduled for mid-August 2026
Number of launches: Approximately 8,000 shots
Transportation: 15 minutes walk from JR Nagasaki Station
Paid seats: Yes
Official: https://www.nagasaki-hanabi.jp
Highlights: The night view of Mt. Inasa and the fireworks together are a spectacular view that can only be found among the world’s new top three night views.
★ Huis Ten Bosch Fireworks (Nagasaki Prefecture)
Theme park fireworks are held throughout the year. Especially on a large scale in the summer.
Event date: Held all year round in 2026 (every day in summer)
Number of launches: hundreds to thousands of shots each day
Transportation: Walk from JR Huis Ten Bosch Station
Paid seats: Park admission fee only (some areas have a fee)
Official: https://www.huistenbosch.co.jp
Highlights: Fireworks with the Dutch cityscape in the background give you an extraordinary feeling. A synchronized show of music and fireworks.
★ Kumamoto Fireworks Festival (Kumamoto Prefecture)
A fireworks display to pray for the reconstruction of Kumamoto Castle. Approximately 10,000 shots.
Date: Scheduled for early August 2026
Number of launches: Approximately 10,000 shots
Transportation: JR Kumamoto Station, walk from Kumamoto City Tram
Paid seats: Yes
Official: https://www.kumamoto-hanabi.jp
Highlights: Fireworks with Kumamoto Castle in the background are a symbol of recovery. The impressive performance is appealing.
★ Kagoshima Kinko Bay Fireworks Festival (Kagoshima Prefecture)
Spectacular fireworks with Kinko Bay and Sakurajima in the background. Approximately 15,000 shots.
Date: Scheduled for mid-August 2026
Number of launches: Approximately 15,000 shots
Transportation: Bus from JR Kagoshima Chuo Station
Paid seats: Yes
Official: https://www.kagoshima-hanabi.jp
Highlights: The scale of the fireworks with Sakurajima and Kinko Bay in the background is overwhelming. From the tropical dusk to the fireworks.
★ Okinawa Ocean Expo Fireworks Festival (Okinawa Prefecture)
Okinawa’s largest fireworks show is held at Emerald Beach near Churaumi Aquarium.
Date: Scheduled for mid-July 2026
Number of launches: Approximately 10,000 shots
Transportation: Approximately 2 hours by express bus from Naha Airport
Paid seats: Yes
Official: https://oki-hanabi.jp
Highlight: An extraordinary experience of enjoying fireworks on a tropical beach. The contrast between the emerald green sea and the fireworks.
★ Beppu Onsen Fireworks Festival (Oita Prefecture)
A summer tradition in the hot spring area of Beppu. A fantastic collaboration of steam and fireworks.
Date: Scheduled for early August 2026
Number of launches: Approximately 5,000 shots
Transportation: Walk from JR Beppu Station
Paid seats: Yes
Official: https://www.beppu-navi.jp
Highlights: Fantastic scenery created by hot spring steam and fireworks. Enjoy both hot springs and fireworks.
● Kyushu/Okinawa fireworks viewing points
・Fireworks season starts in April in Kyushu. You can also enjoy spring fireworks.
・The best season for fireworks in Okinawa is from July to August after the rainy season ends.
・Huis Ten Bosch is a little-known spot where you can enjoy fireworks all year round.
