Kanto · IbarakiFireworks
Japan’s top pyrotechnicians compete for the Prime Minister’s prize in one of the country’s three great fireworks contests.
Overview
The Tsuchiura All-Japan Fireworks Competition is one of Japan’s three great competitive fireworks events, held each autumn beside the Sakura River in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki. Rather than a simple show, it is a serious contest in which leading fireworks makers from across the country vie for top honours, including the Prime Minister’s prize.
The 2026 edition marks the 95th competition, a milestone year for the event.
When & Where
The 2026 competition is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, from around 17:30 to 20:00, on the Sakura River bank near the Gakuen Bridge.
Nearest station: JR Tsuchiura Station.
Getting There
Tsuchiura is about 45 minutes to an hour from Ueno on the Joban Line. On competition day, shuttle buses run from JR Tsuchiura Station to the riverside site, which is also reachable on foot in around half an hour. Crowds are very large, so allow extra travel time.
What to Expect
The programme is judged across categories, including precise starmine sequences, individual 10-inch shells and creative set-piece works, letting spectators compare the craft of Japan’s best makers side by side. Because it is a contest, the quality and variety of shells is exceptionally high.
Tickets & Access
General riverside viewing is free. Paid reserved seats are sold, often by advance lottery, and sell out well ahead of the date; check the official site for the application window.
Tips for Visitors
November evenings in Ibaraki are cold, so dress warmly and bring something to sit on. Arrive early for a free spot or secure a paid seat in advance, and plan for slow, crowded transport once the finale ends.
Access and Map
| Dates | Saturday, November 7, 2026, ~17:30–20:00 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Sakura River bank near Gakuen Bridge, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki |
| Access | Shuttle bus from JR Tsuchiura Station (or ~30 min walk) |
| Admission | Free (general); paid reserved seats by lottery |
| Official site | Tsuchiura All-Japan Fireworks Competition (official) |
Source: Tsuchiura All-Japan Fireworks Competition (official)
Image: Photo: PIRELLI from Tokyo, Japan / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.1 jp (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.1/jp/deed.en)
