Kanmon Kaikyo Fireworks 2026: Twin-Shore Summer Spectacle
Kyushu-Okinawa · FukuokaFireworks
Some 18,000 fireworks rise from both shores of the Kanmon Strait in one of western Japan’s biggest displays.
Overview
The Kanmon Kaikyo Fireworks Festival lights up the narrow strait that separates Kyushu from Honshu, launched simultaneously from Moji in Kitakyushu and Shimonoseki across the water. With around 18,000 shells and a crowd often topping a million on both sides, it ranks among the largest fireworks events in western Japan. The two cities effectively compete and cooperate, filling the sky above the strait for nearly an hour.
When & Where
The festival is held annually on August 13; in 2026 the display runs for roughly fifty minutes from about 19:50. The Kyushu-side venue is the Moji Port (Mojiko) waterfront in Moji Ward, Kitakyushu, with the matching Shimonoseki venue directly opposite. Nearest station: JR Mojiko (Kagoshima Main Line).
Getting There
Take the JR Kagoshima Main Line to Mojiko Station, a short walk from the retro harbour district where the Kyushu-side crowds gather. Trains to and from Mojiko are extremely busy on the night, and roads close near the waterfront, so travel light, arrive early and expect long queues afterward. An IC card speeds up station gates.
What to Expect
Fireworks are fired from both banks, with rapid volleys and music-synchronised sequences on the Moji side and underwater fireworks and giant shells from Shimonoseki. The reflections on the strait and the silhouettes of passing ships add to the scale. The finale sends up a dense barrage that lights the whole channel.
Tickets & Access
General viewing along the Moji waterfront is free, though the best spots fill hours ahead. Paid reserved seating is usually sold in advance for those who want a guaranteed view. Check the official listing for current seating options and any venue restrictions.
Tips for Visitors
Arrive in the afternoon to claim a waterfront spot, and bring a mat, water and a hand fan for the summer heat. Plan a patient exit—consider walking to a less crowded station or waiting out the initial rush. The retro Mojiko district has cafes and sights to fill the wait.
Access and Map
| Dates | August 13, 2026 (approx. 19:50–20:40) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Moji Port (Mojiko) waterfront, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka |
| Access | JR Mojiko Station (Kagoshima Main Line); short walk |
| Admission | Free to view (paid reserved seating available) |
| Official site | Fukuoka Now (Kanmon Kaikyo Fireworks) |
Source: Fukuoka Now (Kanmon Kaikyo Fireworks)
Image: Photo: ka23 13 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
