What this is
Rooted in a 1650 land donation by a feudal lord to Suiten Shrine, this riverside spectacle has been lighting up the Chikugo River for over 350 years — making it one of Japan's oldest and largest fireworks festivals. Around 15,000 fireworks are launched from the banks opposite Suiten Shrine and Shinoyama Castle ruins, including starmine sequences and aerial Niagara waterfall effects. Over 450,000 spectators gather annually, placing it firmly among the country's premier summer hanabi events.
Who should go
Anyone in Kyushu in early August who wants a serious fireworks experience rather than a small local display. The scale and historical weight make it worth the crowd for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.
Good to know
Reserved viewing seats are typically sold in advance through local tourism offices and convenience store ticket terminals such as Lawson Ticket — these sell out quickly, so book as early as possible if you want a guaranteed spot. General viewing along the riverbank is free but space is extremely competitive given the 450,000-person crowd; arriving 3–4 hours early is not unusual for prime positions. The festival is held in Hita City, Ōita Prefecture — note that while the event is listed under Fukuoka, the actual venue is across the prefectural border, so plan your transport accordingly from Fukuoka City (approximately 90 minutes by JR Kyudai Line to Hita Station). Cash is strongly recommended for food stalls and any on-site purchases.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.