It is summertime in Japan and you know what that means, Fireworks and Matsuri! For the past three years, we had to deal with the coronavirus so most if not all festivals and fireworks shows were cancelled. But now that life has somewhat returned to normal, events are up and running again for everyone to enjoy!
I wanted to give you a list of fireworks shows and matsuris coming up so you know when a festival is coming to a town near you.
First up, let's start with the fireworks shows.
Fireworks Events:
Mito Komon Fireworks Event
When: This weekend, Saturday, July 29th, 19:30-20:30
Where: Mito Senba Lake
Enjoy an hour-long spectacular display of fireworks at Mito Senba Lake! Around 5000 rounds of fireworks will be used for everyone to enjoy. Grab a spot by the lake, get some Japanese yatai food, and enjoy the show, I went to this event last year in October and I had a great time.
For more info, check out the event's website:
Hitachi River Fireworks Festival
When: Saturday, August 5th, 19:30-20:00
Where: Hitachi city, Kawahara
This is the first time in four years since fireworks have lit up the night sky in Hitachi city. The event is pretty close to Kawarago Beach. You can enjoy the beach during the day (don't forget to grab a burger at Beach Burger 9), and then check out the beautiful fireworks at night.
For more info, check out the hanabi walker plus website :
The 45th Tokai Festival Fireworks Event
When: Friday (Mountain Day), August 11th, 19:00-20:30
Where: Tokai Village, Akogaura Park
This fireworks event will have the Nomura Hanabi Kogyo Company launching their fireworks and they have won many awards in the past. This is definitely a fireworks show you would not want to miss if you are in the Tokai area.
For more info, check out the hanabi walker plus website:
The 68th Tone River Fireworks Display
When: Saturday, August 12th, 19:00-20:15
Where: Toride City, Toride Green Sports Park
The 68th!? Wow, this event has been around for a while. Toride throws a great display of fireworks. The event location is at the sports park but you can probably see the fireworks anywhere along the Tone River. Grab some yatai takoyaki, sit by the river, and enjoy!
For more info, check out the hanabi walker plus website:
The 29th Hitachinaka Festival and Fireworks
When: Saturday, August 19th
Where: Hitachi Naka City, Near the Self Defense Force's Base
I have gone to this event many times (before the pandemic) and I have always had a good time. I highly suggest coming by train to Katsuta station. There will be food stalls everywhere and you can walk toward the base to watch the fireworks or hang around Showa Dori street and see the fireworks from there.
For more info, check out the fireworks display website:
Unfortunately, not all fireworks festivals are going ahead this year. Koga City and Daigo machi's fireworks events are canceled this year. Hopefully, they can resume next year.
Next, let's move on to the matsuris.
Matsuri events:
Ushiku Kappa Festival
When: Saturday, July 29th, and Sunday, July 30th, 15:00-21:30
Where: Ushiku city, the parks nearby Ushiku city hall
Have you ever seen a kappa parade? Well, now is your chance at the Ushiku Kappa Festival! Enjoy kappa dancing, Japanese matsuri food, and a day of fun. The area can be very hot during the day so be careful about that. Let's go see some kappas!
For more info, check out the matsuri's website:
Tsuchiura Kirara Festival:
When: Saturday, August 5th, and Sunday, August 6th, 15:00-21:00
Where: Tsuchiura city, from Tsuchiura station all the way down to Kijo Park
Come to Tsuchiura and enjoy a dancing parade (Saturday), big parade floats (Sunday), and a small fireworks display (Saturday). There will also be live music at Mall 505 near the station. Come and check out this festival full of dancing and fun!
For more info, check out the matsuri's website:
Hitachi Port Festival
When: Sunday, July 30th, 13:00-21:00
Where: Hitachi City, at Hitachi Port
Come and enjoy a fun festival while enjoying that cool ocean breeze from the port. You can also check out the fireworks at night that I have posted above. The ocean and fireworks, if that doesn't scream summer, I don't know what does.
For more info, check out the Hitachi city website:
Hitachinaka Festival
When: August 20th Sunday 15:00-21:00
Where: Hitachinaka city, near Katsuta station
After you checked out the fireworks display the day before, head over to Katsuta station and check out the Hitachinaka matsuri. There will be parade floats on the streets, taiko drums, and mikoshi for your viewing enjoyment.
For more info, check out the festival's website:
Mito Komon Festival
When: Saturday, August 5th, and Sunday, August 6th, 10:00-21:00
Where: Mito city, from Mito station down Route 50
That's right. All the way down Route 50! This has to be one of the biggest matsuris in Ibaraki. Any yatai food you want to try, the festival will have it. Live music and events? This festival has it. Parade floats and mikoshi? Check!
For more info, check out the festival's website:
Matsuri Tsukuba
When: Saturday, August 26th, and Sunday, August 27th, 10:00-21:00
Where: Tsukuba city, around Tsukuba station and Tsukuba center
Want to check out the biggest party in Tsukuba? Then you need to head over to the Tsukuba festival. So many food stalls, live events, and one of the biggest mikoshi's I have ever seen. I think that mikoshi weighs a ton or two. Don't forget to check out all the Nebuta parade floats!
For more info, check out the festival's website:
Happy Matsuring everyone! Enjoy the summer fireworks and festivals all around Ibaraki!
Who knows, you might see me at one of these festivals. Sipping on a beer, eating some takoyaki, and enjoying the show.
Enjoy!
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