8 Best Fireworks Festivals in Fukuoka

Know before you go

A fireworks festival typically attracts huge crowds of spectators, often filling the venue to capacity. To secure a good viewing spot, you can either reserve a paid seat in advance or arrive early on the day of the event to secure a spot.

Since most fireworks festivals take place during the hot summer months, it is advisable to bring portable fans, cooling wet wipes, and other items to stay cool. Additionally, remember to stay hydrated to avoid heat stroke—yes, even in the evening.

Get around with the Fukuoka City Subway 1-Day Pass

For a cost-effective way to visit major attractions in Fukuoka City, consider buying the convenient Fukuoka City Subway 1-Day Pass.

The pass provides unlimited travel on all Fukuoka City Subway lines for one day. Additionally, showing your day pass at various restaurants and shops can qualify you for discounts.

Save the festival map before you go

Fukuoka City: Shoro Nagashi Fireworks Festival

The Shoro Nagashi, or Spirit Boat Festival, is part of Japan’s Obon Festival in mid-August, featuring the ceremony of releasing floating lanterns that symbolize the spirits of the departed. Before the fireworks festival begins, you can enjoy the spectacular sight of lanterns floating on the sea's surface. Fireworks are released from the water’s surface, beautifully illuminating the coastline.

Shoro Nagashi Fireworks Festival
Address: Marina Town Seaside Park, 2-3 Atagohama, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: 15-min walk from Meinohama Station (Fukuoka City Subway)
Number of fireworks: Approximately 1,200
Time: 8:00 p.m. - 8:20 p.m.
Date: Annually on August 15
Official website: http://www.meiyuukai.com/fireworks/ (in Japanese only)

Kurume City: Chikugo River Fireworks Display

The Chikugo River Fireworks Display, touted as the largest in western Japan, boasts a history of over several hundred years, drawing tens of thousands of spectators annually. With up to 15,000 fireworks, including displays in the shape of massive waterfalls, and continuous bursts, it lights up the night sky in a spectacular fashion. To manage the crowd effectively, the organizers have set up five venues, ensuring a better viewing experience for everyone.

Chikugo River Fireworks Display
Address: Nagatomi Riverbank and Komorino Riverbank, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: 30-min walk from JR Kurume Station
Number of fireworks: 15,000
Time: 7:40 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.
Date: August 5, 2025
Official website: https://www.kurume-matsuri.jp/fire/index.html (in Japanese only)

Kitakyushu: The Kanmon Straits Fireworks Display

The Kanmon Straits Fireworks Display, held annually on August 13, features around 13,000 fireworks launched from venues on both sides along the Kanmon Strait—think Mojiko Retro District in Fukuoka Prefecture and Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Highlights include 120 consecutive large-shell fireworks, those in the shape of a phoenix, and some released directly on the water’s surface, offering stunning reflections.

The Kanmon Straits Fireworks Display
Address: Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture/Arukaport-ku, Shimonosek-shi, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Access: 5-min walk from JR Mojiko Station
Number of fireworks: 15,000
Time: TBA
Date: Annually on August 13
Official website: https://kanmon-hanabi.love (in Japanese only)

Ashiya: Ashiya Fireworks Festival

The Ashiya Fireworks Festival, a local tradition since the Taisho era (1912-1926,) features continuous fireworks launched from boats on the Onga River. In addition to dazzling large-scale fireworks, there are water fireworks and a waterfall-shaped display spanning 250 meters across the river, creating a spectacular one-hour fireworks show that will keep onlookers mesmerized.

Ashiya Fireworks Festival
Address: Near the mouth of the Onga River, Ashiya-cho, Onga-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: 25-min bus ride from JR Orio Station to Yamaga Yubinkyoku-mae bus stop, from there it's a 5-min walk
Number of fireworks: 7,000
Time: From 8:00 p.m.
Date: July 26, 2025
Official website: https://www.town.ashiya.lg.jp/site/kanko/24391.html (in Japanese only)

Iizuka City: Iizuka Noryo Fireworks Festival

The Iizuka Noryo Fireworks Festival, with nearly a century of history and attracting about 100,000 spectators annually, features nine intricately designed fireworks displays. Highlights include a 400-meter-wide waterfall fireworks display, color-changing fireworks, and a unique large-scale fireworks show imitating racing motorcycles, a spectacle exclusive to this festival.

Iizuka Noryo Fireworks Festival
Address: Naka-no-shima, Onga-gawa, Iizuka-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: 10-min walk from JR Shin-Iizuka Station
Number of fireworks: 5,000
Time: 8:00 p.m. to 9:10 p.m.
Date: September 25, 2025 (in case of stormy weather it will be postponed to September 26)
Official website: https://www.iizuka-cci.org/tourism/hanabi/ (in Japanese only)

Kitakyushu City: Kukinoumi Fireworks Festival

The Kukinoumi Fireworks Festival, one of Kitakyushu City's most famous summer traditions, features spectacular fireworks launched from barges in Dokai Bay. One part of the show is synchronized to jazz music, and you can witness a 260-meter-wide "Niagara Falls" fireworks curtain, and massive 300-meter-diameter fireworks launched from boats.

Kukinoumi Fireworks Festival
Address: Dokai Bay, around Wakato Bridge, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: 3-min walk from JR Wakamatsu Station; or 5-min walk from JR Tobata Station
Number of fireworks: 4,500
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 7:40 p.m.
Date: October 25, 2025
Official website: https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/wakamatsu/file_0033.html (in Japanese only)

Fukuoka City: Hakata Bay Art Fireworks Festival

The Hakata Bay Art Fireworks Festival brings together award-winning Japanese pyrotechnicians for a grand fireworks show. This event combines fireworks with famous Japanese songs, light and dark contrasts, and color changes to tell a captivating story.

Hakata Bay Art Fireworks Festival
Address: Marina Town Seaside Park, 2-3 Atagohama, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: 25-min walk from Meinohama Station (Fukuoka City Subway)
Number of fireworks: 13,000
Time: TBA
Date: TBA
Official website: https://fukuoka.geijutsuhanabi.com/ (in Japanese only)

3 summer activities to enjoy in Fukuoka

Before attending the fireworks festival at night, make the most of your day in Fukuoka by participating in some local cultural experiences which can be conveniently booked through WAmazing Play.

Take a leisurely boat ride along the Suigo Yanagawa River

The Yanagawa area in Fukuoka Prefecture features a network of waterways, utilized for relaxing boat tours. The 60-minute Suigo Yanagawa River Boat Ride offers travelers the opportunity to enjoy lush scenery while listening to the boatman narrate local history or sing traditional folk songs. The tour fee includes a round-trip on a shuttle bus, conveniently located a three-minute walk from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station.

Tour Dazaifu City's shrines with a professional photographer

During the tour, you’ll visit several shrines in Dazaifu City, including Sakamoto Hachimangu Shrine, Ishiana Inari Shrine, and Tenkai Inari Shrine, while the photographer will capture beautiful photos for you to keep as mementos. If you have a larger budget, consider opting for the kimono dressing option. Wearing a stunning kimono will enhance your experience and make your photos against the backdrop of traditional Japanese shrines even more memorable.

Savor authentic Japanese cuisine and learn about samurai culture

Taking place at a well-established Japanese restaurant with a refined traditional garden, immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture by dressing in traditional samurai attire and learning sword techniques with a professional instructor. Then, enjoy a delicious Japanese meal at the restaurant.

After dining, stroll through the elegant garden and appreciate the beautifully cultivated flowers, plants, and trees.

Discover Fukuoka's fireworks festivals

The above information introduces eight fireworks festivals worth seeing in Fukuoka Prefecture this year. If you happen to be in the area during any of these events, don't miss this chance to experience the lively summer atmosphere firsthand.

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*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.