Of course, summer! But also autumn and winter! Introducing Hokkaido's fireworks festivals
We introduce fireworks festivals recommended by Hokkaido residents that brighten up the short summer, as well as fireworks festivals that can be enjoyed in hot spring towns unique to Hokkaido, the paradise of hot springs!
Don't miss the winter fireworks festivals that color the clear night sky of the northern land. Enjoy the large fireworks that add color to your trip to Hokkaido.
* Please note that the information about the fireworks festivals includes the dates and contents of the most recent events. Details may change, so please check the official website for the latest information.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Summer Tradition! Fireworks Festivals Loved by Hokkaido Residents
Hokkaido boasts a variety of fireworks festivals, from those with long histories to those that bring the community together to celebrate summer. Each festival has its own unique charm. Why not visit a fireworks festival that is cherished by the locals and has become a beloved summer tradition?
- Hakodate Port Fireworks Festival
- Held: Mid-July
Location: 函館市 豊川ふ頭～青函連絡船記念館摩周丸前岸壁
This fireworks festival announces the arrival of summer in Hakodate. The expansive venuea, stretching about 600 meters, offers an immersive fireworks show where music and lights combine for a powerful spectacle. The Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship "Mashumaru" is also illuminated, creating a unique ambiance that differs from daytime. Watching the fireworks from the Mashumaru’s deck during its special nighttime opening is highly recommended. 
- Official site (Japanese)
- Toyohira River Fireworks Display (Doshin/UHB Fireworks Display)
- Held: Last Friday of July
Location: 札幌市 豊平川南大橋～幌平橋間
Held in Sapporo City, the venue is easily accessible, being about a 5-minute walk from Horohira bashi Station on the subway. You can enjoy the fireworks from the venue, or from a restaurant on a high floor in the city center, or even while boating in Nakajima Park. Watching the fireworks in your preferred way is highly recommended. 
- Official site (Japanese)
- Otaru Ushio Festival & Doshin Summer Fireworks Display
- Held: Late July
Location: 小樽市 小樽港第3ふ頭
The Otaru Ushio Festival is a celebration of gratitude to the sea and prayers for Otaru's prosperity. During the festival, events such as "Ushio Nerikomi," "Ushio Taiko," and "Mikoshi Parade" fill Otaru's summer with excitement. The grand finale, the "Doshin Summer Fireworks Display," is a spectacular show. Viewing the fireworks from the observatories on Mt. Tengu and Mt. Kenashi is highly recommended. 
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- Muroran Port Festival & Summer Fireworks Display
- Held: Late July
Location: 室蘭市 室蘭港フェリーふ頭
The Muroran Port Festival is packed with events such as the lively "Citizen Dance," the impressive "Muroran Nerikomi" with mikoshi and floats, and the captivating "YOSAKOI Soran in Muroran." The festival kicks off with a fireworks display that lights up the Muroran night sky, setting the perfect festive mood. 
- Official site (Japanese)
- Monbetsu Port Festival Okhotsk Fireworks Display
- Held: Late July
Location: 紋別市 紋別港第1ふ頭前
The Monbetsu Port Festival is a summer festival to express gratitude for the blessings of Monbetsu Port. Stalls and special stages are set up around the old station street, allowing you to enjoy local gourmet food. The highlight of the festival is the "Okhotsk Fireworks Display." The fireworks are launched one after another, vividly coloring the Okhotsk sea and night sky, and enhancing the festival atmosphere... 
- Official site (Japanese)
- Abashiri Okhotsk Summer Festival Fireworks Display
- Held: Late July
Location: 網走市 網走川右岸特設会場
The Abashiri Okhotsk Summer Festival is a summer tradition in Abashiri, featuring parades like the "Drift Ice Dance" and "Abashiri Drift Ice Rambu" to the rhythm of the Drift Ice Ondo. The highlight of the festival is the fireworks display, featuring large-scale fireworks such as wide star mines and two-foot shells, providing a powerful spectacle. The booming sound of the fireworks echoing around the venue is also a must-see! 
- Official site (Japanese)
- Hakodate Port Festival Doshin Fireworks Display
- Held: Every year on August 1
Location: 函館市 函館港
The "Hakodate Port Festival" is held every year from August 1 to 4. The event that marks the first night of the festival is the "Doshin Fireworks Display." Watching the fireworks from the surrounding area or from Mt. Hakodate is highly recommended. You'll be mesmerized by the collaboration of fireworks and one of Japan's three great night views. Another main event of the festival is "Wasshoi Hakodate," where citizens showcase their stylish hand dances. 
- Official site (Japanese)
- Kushiro Shimbun Fireworks Display
- Held: Every year on August 16
Location: 釧路市 新釧路川鳥取橋上手公園
One of the leading fireworks displays in Eastern Hokkaido, featuring about 8,000 fireworks. The must-see highlight is the giant Niagara, stretching about 1 km in length. You'll be captivated by the waterfall of fireworks cascading into the river. The fireworks launched in the spacious riverside venue are truly spectacular! Watching from the riverside venue is highly recommended. 
- Official site (Japanese)
Fireworks Festivals in Hot Spring Towns
One of Hokkaido's unique features is the many fireworks festivals held around hot spring towns. Make the most of your trip to Hokkaido by playing all day, watching fireworks at night, and then relaxing in a hot spring to end the day. It's the perfect way to enjoy your trip!
- Lake Toyako Long Run Fireworks Display
- Held: Late April to Late October
Location: 洞爺湖町 洞爺湖温泉
A fireworks festival held daily for about six months. Be sure to watch the fireworks reflected on the lake's surface. It's also recommended to take a sightseeing boat that operates during the fireworks time to view the fireworks from the boat. This allows you to see the fireworks from the opposite side of the shore, which is why it's called the "Reverse Fireworks Cruise." 
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- Jigokudani Demon Fireworks
- Held: Every Thursday and Friday from June to July
Location: 登別市 登別温泉
An event where the guardian gods "Yukijin" of Noboribetsu Onsen Jigokudani (Hell Valley) launch rare handheld fireworks to pray for health and ward off evil. After the Yukijin perform a powerful dance, the handheld fireworks are ignited one after another. The height of the fire columns can reach up to 10 meters! You will be amazed by the spectacular sight, reminiscent of an eruption. 
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- Sounkyo Hot Spring Gorge Fire Festival Summer Fireworks
- Held: Late July to early August
Location: 上川町 層雲峡特設会場
The summer festival at Sounkyo Hot Spring is derived from the traditional Ainu ceremony "Owl Ritual." The Ainu folk dances and fire performances held on the special stage in the hot spring town are a must-see! The sound of the fireworks launched at the climax echoes through the gorge, creating a powerful spectacle. Enjoy the sound along with the large fireworks up close. 
- Official site (Japanese)
- Yunokawa Hot spring Fireworks Festival
- Held: Mid-August
Location: 函館市 湯の川温泉
This fireworks festival takes place near the mouth of the Matsukura River, which flows through the hot spring town. During this season, the Tsugaru Strait reaches its peak for squid fishing. A unique highlight of the festival is the sight of large fireworks blooming in the sky above the glowing fishing lights of boats on the sea, creating a spectacular display that is distinctly characteristic of the Yunokawa Hot spring Fireworks Festival. 
- Official site (Japanese)
- Toyako Onsen Winter Fireworks
- Held: Early to mid-February
Location: 洞爺湖町 洞爺湖温泉
The winter night sky is illuminated by magnificent fireworks, which are also reflected on the surface of the lake, creating a dazzling scene that adds charm to the winter at Lake Toya. From November to March, an illuminated tunnel appears in the hot spring town. Walking through the sparkling, shimmering tunnel offers an enchanting and magical experience. 
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- Lake Akan Ice Festival "Winter Fireworks"
- Held: Early February to mid-March
Location: 釧路市 阿寒湖温泉
At night, temperatures at Lake Akan can drop to around -20°C. However, this creates clear, crisp air, making the vibrant and magnificent fireworks in the night sky even more dazzling. During the day, you can enjoy various activities on the frozen surface of Lake Akan. Winter at Lake Akan is a perfect opportunity to fully immerse yourself in its charm. 
- View more
Fireworks Festivals with Paid Viewing Seats
Paid viewing seats where you don't need to secure a spot on the day are perfect for travelers who want to use their time efficiently. Make a reservation in advance and enjoy both sightseeing and fireworks to the fullest. Good seats may sell out quickly, so be sure to book early!
- Makomanai Fireworks Festival
- Held: Early July
Location: 札幌市 真駒内セキスイハイムスタジアム
This fireworks festival is a spectacular entertainment show that combines fireworks with music, lighting, and flame effects. It's packed with highlights, featuring artistic performances that can only be seen at this event! With the largest number of fireworks in Hokkaido, totaling 22,000, you'll be amazed by the dazzling lights in the night sky and the close-up view of the fireworks from the stadium. 
- Official site (Japanese)
- Kachimai Fireworks
- Held: August 13th every year
Location: 帯広市 十勝川河川敷
Ranked among the top fireworks festivals in Japan, this event is a must-see. The combination of fireworks, music, and lighting creates a breathtaking spectacle, with large fireworks filling the night sky. The grand finale features the "Nishiki Kamuro," a cascade of golden fireworks from the sky. Be sure to witness this signature display of the Kachimai Fireworks Festival up close! 
- Official site (Japanese)
- Hokkaido Hanabi
- Held: Early September
Location: 札幌市 モエレ沼公園
This unique fireworks festival takes advantage of the varied terrain of Moerenuma Park to create a three-dimensional display. The fireworks are synchronized with the rhythm and melody of the music, making for an artistic spectacle! Enjoy the seamless integration of fireworks and music. Please note that all seats at the venue are paid, and you cannot enter without a ticket. 
- Official site (Japanese)
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