The Akita Kanto Festival is one of the three great festivals of Tohoku, held annually in August in central Akita City and designated as a National Imp...
Omagari Fireworks Festival - One of Japan's Three Major Fireworks Festivals
About This Event
The Omagari Fireworks Festival, known as the "National Fireworks Competition," is held annually in Omagari, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, and is recognized as one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals and the nation's most prestigious fireworks competition. With origins dating back to 1910 (Meiji 43), when the "Ou Rokken Enka Kyoshinkai" began as entertainment for the Suwa Shrine Festival, this event boasts over a century of tradition.
The festival's greatest distinction is being the only competition in Japan to feature both daytime and nighttime fireworks on the same day. In the daytime fireworks category, pyrotechnicians compete using colored smoke to paint beautiful patterns and colors across the blue sky, showcasing their technical prowess and artistic vision. The nighttime fireworks include "shiniribari-mono" (core-insert shells), where perfectly spherical 10-gō dama (尺玉) shells expand to approximately 300 meters in diameter, displaying multi-layered beauty; "jiyū-dama" (free-style shells) that require delicate craftsmanship such as senrin-giku (thousand-wheel chrysanthemums) and kanmuri-giku (crown chrysanthemums); and the "sōzō hanabi" (creative fireworks) category, introduced in 1964 as the world's first, which emphasizes synchronization with music and thematic storytelling, presenting fireworks as a comprehensive art form.

Approximately 28 pyrotechnic companies selected from across the nation participate in the competition to showcase their skills. The technical level is extremely high, earning it the nickname "the Olympics of fireworks." The highest award is the Prime Minister's Award, and the competition features the most numerous prizes in fireworks competitions, including the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award and the Director of the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Award.
Another highlight of the festival is the "taikai teikyō hanabi" (festival-provided fireworks) launched between competitive rounds. The wide starmine displays prepared over a year by local youth groups span hundreds of meters in width and captivate audiences with spectacular rapid-fire presentations. In recent years, collaborative performances featuring drones and fireworks have been added, creating a unique entertainment experience that fuses traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology.

With approximately 18,000 fireworks launched annually and attracting over 700,000 visitors, this is one of Japan's largest regional fireworks festivals. Its convenient location, about a 25-minute walk from JR Omagari Station, draws fireworks enthusiasts and tourists from across the country. Daisen City also hosts themed fireworks festivals in spring, autumn, and winter, earning its reputation as a "fireworks town" year-round.
The Omagari Fireworks Festival, combining the pinnacle of Japanese fireworks culture with the passion of local residents, continues to move countless visitors as both a quintessential summer tradition and a world-class cultural event.
Reviews
Event Review
明亮花火點綴星空,也點燃心中的幸福。
Main Experience
Omagari Hanabi Fireworks Aug30 Viewing Tour
Enjoy reserved seating at one of Japan’s top fireworks shows! Watch 18,000+ fireworks, including award-winning displays—no need to come early. Book now for an unforgettable night! Enjoy a guaranteed seat at one of Japan’s top fireworks festivals! Watch 18,000+ fireworks, including stunning starmine displays and award-winning designs. Comfort & Great View – No need to arrive early! Enjoy the show from a reserved seat. Top Fireworks Competition – See pyrotechnicians compete for the Prime Minister’s Award. Book now for an unforgettable night! ## **How to use** - Your reserved seating tickets will be handed to you by your guide, who will be waiting for you at Ōmagari Station on the day of the event.The guide will escort you to the venue and assist you with the entry procedures. ## **What's included** **Ōmagari National Fireworks Competition** The event will take place from approximately 17:10 to 21:30. Pyrotechnicians from across Japan will showcase their skills in a spectacular fireworks display, perfectly synchronized with music.With a reserved seat, you can enjoy this world-class fireworks show in comfort, avoiding the crowds and soaking in the romantic summer night atmosphere. - Bleacher tickets (chair seats) ## **What is not included** - Transportation to the venue - Other personal expenses ## **Cancellation Policy** - All sales finalTravelers will not receive any refund regardless of cancellation status. ## **Confirmation before booking** - Your paper ticket includes a seat number.Please show your ticket to the staff near the seating area and take your assigned seat as indicated. - You will not know your seat number until you receive your physical ticket. - **About the Reserved Seating Ticket**All seats at the venue are paid. There are no free seats, so please make sure to book in advance.Entry is not allowed without a valid ticket. Lost or missing tickets cannot be reissued.Tickets are required for elementary school-aged children and above. Younger children must be accompanied by a guardian. If a child also requires their own seat, a separate ticket must be purchased.No refunds will be given unless the event is officially canceled.In case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the event may be postponed. Tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled date. No refunds will be provided even in the case of postponement.Please check the official event website or contact the event office for the latest updates. - **Venue Rules**Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas. Smoking elsewhere in the venue is prohibited.Temporary toilets in and around the venue do not provide toilet paper. Please bring your own.Only small tabletop tripods are allowed. Monopods and full-size tripods are prohibited unless you are seated in a designated photography area.The use of tents, chairs, tables, drones, fire-related equipment (such as gas burners), or smoke machines is not permitted in the seating area.However, chairs and tables may be used within the picnic mat or photography seat areas, as long as they do not exceed your designated space.No animals or pets (regardless of size) are allowed.Tents and parasols are not allowed. In case of rain, please wear a raincoat instead of using umbrellas. ## **Notes for the day** - **Meeting Point & Time** Please meet at the *West Exit of Ōmagari Station between 15:00 and 15:10*. A guide holding a “Holiday Travel” sign will be waiting for you. The group will depart at 15:20 and is expected to arrive at the venue around 16:20. The guide will escort you to your seat. The fireworks show will run from 17:10 to 21:30. After the show ends, please return on your own. Guide service concludes once you are shown to your seats. 
Stay Updated
Get notified about early ticket sales and event updates
Event Information
- Location
- Akita
- Categories
- Fireworks (hanabi)
- Event Dates
- August
- Official Website
- Visit Official Site
Related Festivals & Events
View All →Experience the spectacular Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of the three great festivals of Tohoku, held annually in August in Aomori City, Aomori Prefectu...
Awa Odori - One of Japan's Three Great Bon Festivals
Awa Odori is Japan's largest bon dance festival held annually during the Obon period in August in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture. With over 400 ...