What is the Koga Fireworks Festival?
Koga Fireworks Festival (Koga Hanabi Taikai) is one of the largest fireworks events in the Kanto region, held in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
What it's especially famous for is the spectacular "Sanjakudama" that expands to about 650 meters in diameter and the extravagant starmine displays that are launched one after another.
About 200,000 spectators visit every year to enjoy the lavish fireworks that light up the night sky.
This event, which blends Koga City's traditions dating back to the Edo period with the latest fireworks technology, is a major summer attraction in Japan and popular with overseas visitors.
In this article, we’ll introduce the attractions of the Koga Fireworks Festival, recommended viewing spots, how to get there, and more!
Highlights of the Koga Fireworks Festival
1. The overwhelming power of the Sanjakudama — one of Kanto’s largest fireworks
The biggest highlight of the Koga Fireworks Festival is the launch of one of the Kanto region’s largest fireworks, the "Sanjakudama" (three-shaku shell).
The Sanjakudama is a giant shell with a diameter of 90 cm that, when launched, blooms into a huge flower about 650 meters across in the sky.
Features of the Sanjakudama
- One of the largest fireworks in the Kanto region (the largest in Ibaraki Prefecture)
- Rises to about 600 meters above the ground
- Produces a thunderous explosion sound that reverberates like an earth-shaking roar
This powerful display is the highlight of the event each year and draws loud cheers from the crowd.
2. A continuous lineup of luxurious starmine displays
You shouldn’t miss the starmine (rapid-fire fireworks) at the Koga Fireworks Festival either.
Fireworks of various colors and shapes are launched in succession, beautifully lighting up the night sky.
Starmine highlights
- "Music fireworks" synchronized with music
- Extra-large starmine launched in rapid succession
- A super-wide mega starmine that crowns the finale
These fireworks are precisely designed by professional pyrotechnicians and launched with perfect timing.
The finale in particular is a breathtaking moment when the entire sky is filled with fireworks!
3. Best viewing spots & paid seating information
To fully enjoy the fireworks festival, securing a good viewing spot is key.
Recommended viewing spots
- Koga Golf Links (main venue)
- Directly faces the fireworks, offering a powerful, up-close view of the launches
- Most popular and crowded, so arrive early
- The embankment along the Watarase River
- Opens up the view, allowing you to see the entire fireworks display beautifully
- A bit farther from the main venue, so you can watch more relaxedly
- Aeon Koga store parking lot
- You can watch from the store rooftop (convenient for eating and drinking)
- Check parking permission in advance to be safe
Paid seating information
- Special viewing areas (sajiki boxes): Prices generally range from the tens of thousands to the low hundreds of thousands of yen per section.
- Chairs & table seats: Comfortable viewing areas for groups
Paid seats often require advance reservation, so check the official site for the latest details.
Practical information for travelers
Event information (2024 schedule)
- Date: Usually on a Saturday in the 1st or 2nd week of August
- Time: 19:20 – 20:30 (about 1 hour 10 minutes)
- Venue: "Koga Golf Links", Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture
※ Please check the official site for the latest information.
How to get there (access to the Koga Fireworks Festival)
By train
- From Tokyo: Take the JR Utsunomiya Line (Shōnan–Shinjuku Line) to Koga Station — about 60 minutes → approximately a 20-minute walk to the venue
- From Mito: Take the JR Joban Line to Oyama Station — about 50 minutes → transfer to the JR Utsunomiya Line to Koga Station — 10 minutes → approximately a 20-minute walk
By car
- From Tokyo: About 30 minutes from the Tohoku Expressway’s Tatebayashi IC or Kazo IC
- From Mito: About 1 hour via the Joban Expressway and the Yawara (Yagawa?) route
※ Large-scale traffic restrictions are in place on the day of the fireworks festival, so using trains is recommended!
Tips to avoid crowds
- Arrive early (around 16:00 is ideal)
- For leaving, either move immediately after the fireworks or wait a bit to avoid the worst congestion
- Stations and bus stops become extremely crowded, so check your return transport in advance
Wi‑Fi information
- Free Wi‑Fi is available around Koga Station and at cafés
- Because this is a large event, connections may slow down — download any necessary info in advance
Language support
- Tourist information centers provide pamphlets in English and Chinese
- The official site may also post fireworks information in English
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
The Koga Fireworks Festival is a summer tradition featuring one of Kanto’s largest Sanjakudama shells and luxurious starmine displays.
By choosing a good viewing spot and securing your access early, you can enjoy an unforgettable fireworks experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the best place to watch the Koga Fireworks Festival?
A: The main venue at Koga Golf Links offers the most dramatic views, but the embankment along the Watarase River and Aeon Koga are also recommended.
Q: How early should I arrive?
A: To secure a good spot, aim to arrive between 16:00 and 17:00.
Q: Is it enjoyable with small children?
A: It gets crowded, so a baby carrier is more convenient than a stroller. To avoid the return crowds, plan to leave early if needed.
Q: Are there food stalls?
A: Yes — many food stalls are set up, so you can enjoy festival food!
Q: If driving, is there parking?
A: There are official parking lots, but they fill up quickly — arrive early or use public transportation.
Please enjoy the magnificent fireworks at Ibaraki’s summer tradition, the Koga Fireworks Festival!
