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Event Guide · Kansai

Biwako Grand Fireworks Festival

AugustLake Biwa
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Overview

Overview

One of the Kansai region's signature summer fireworks displays, held off Otsu Port on Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. In 2026, the 40th anniversary edition was held on August 6, with about 12,000 fireworks launched over the lake. Fireworks reflected on the water and the wide, open staging possible only on a lake are its hallmarks.

When
Usually a weekday evening in early August (about 1 hour)
Venue
Waters off Otsu Port (Hama-Otsu, Otsu, Shiga)
Official website
https://www.biwako-visitors.jp/hanabi/
Highlights

Highlights

More than 10,000 fireworks launched from the lake are reflected on its surface, with lake-only effects such as underwater fireworks and angled launches. In 2026, the show was also combined with a drone show and lasers.

Times

Times

Fireworks19:30–20:30

2026 example (Part 1, 19:30–19:45: a drone show combined with lasers and music; Part 2, 19:45–20:30: angled launches of large 30 cm shells and more)

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Much of the lakeshore around Otsu Port becomes a paid viewing area; in 2026, paid seats started at 7,500 yen for a chair seat. If you want a guaranteed view, buy in advance through the spring lottery or general sales from late May
  • ✓The Hama-Otsu area gets very crowded well before the fireworks, so it's best to arrive early in the evening and enjoy nearby restaurants and sightseeing
  • ✓The official website publishes a route map (Japanese and English PDF) before the event. Download it in advance, as the site gets heavy traffic on the day
  • ✓It is only about 30 minutes by train from central Kyoto, so you can stay in Kyoto and make a day trip to see it
  • ✓In stormy weather it is canceled with no postponement (2026 rules). If the weather looks uncertain, check the official website before setting off
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Biwako-Hamaotsu Station (Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line / Keishin Line)About a 5 min walkThe closest station to the venue at Otsu Port
  • Otsu Station (JR Biwako Line)About a 15 min walkOn the day, the station area and the road to the lakeshore are extremely crowded
  • Zeze Station (JR Biwako Line)In 2026, Special Rapid trains made an extra stop here on the day of the festival
From major stations
  • Kyoto Station: JR Biwako Line to Otsu Station (2 stops) (About 10 min)
  • Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station: Subway Tozai Line, running through onto the Keihan Keishin Line, to Biwako-Hamaotsu Station (About 25 min)
Extra buses & shuttles
No information on dedicated shuttle buses could be confirmed. In 2026, JR West ran extended late services and extra trains, and Special Rapid trains made an extra stop at Zeze Station
IC cards (Suica etc.)
IC cards such as ICOCA and Suica can be used on JR and Keihan
Getting back
  • Right after the show, crowds converge on Otsu and Biwako-Hamaotsu stations, and you may wait a long time just to enter the station. Consider leaving a little later, or walking to a neighboring station such as Zeze or Ishiba
  • Buy your return ticket or top up your IC card on the way there
  • Traffic is restricted around the venue, making travel by car or taxi difficult. Plan on using public transportation
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
From the evening of the event until just after the fireworks end, especially around the stations after the show
Quieter times
Daytime on the event day (though crowds build rapidly toward evening)
Saving a spot
Free viewing spots are limited to areas outside the paid zones and fill up early. With a paid seat, there's no need to claim a spot
Time needed
The fireworks last about 1 hour. Allow around 3–4 hours including travel and waiting
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
In early August, the Otsu area is hot and humid, around 25°C even at night (based on JMA normals)
What to wear
Breathable summer clothes or a yukata. Bring insect repellent for the lakeshore, plus a drink and a hand fan for the wait
Rain, snow & typhoons
Canceled in stormy weather, with no postponement (2026 rules)
Where to check for cancellations
Biwako Grand Fireworks Festival official website (https://www.biwako-visitors.jp/hanabi/), call center 050-5536-3944 (weekdays 10:00–17:00)
☁ Kansai weather in August →
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Take your trash home, or sort it into the designated bins
  • !Do not enter paid viewing areas without a ticket
  • !Refrain from using selfie sticks and tripods in crowded areas. Do not fly drones without permission
  • !Do not smoke while walking; smoke only in designated areas
  • !Follow the directions of security and staff, and do not stop in no-standing zones
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Temporary toilets are set up around the venue, but there are long lines before and after the show. Go early at a station or shopping facility
Lockers & luggage
Station coin lockers fill up early. It is best to leave suitcases near where you are staying, such as Kyoto Station, before coming
Paying at food stalls
Some food stalls are cash only, so bring cash, including small change
ATMs
Convenience store ATMs (Seven Bank, etc.) around Otsu Station and Hama-Otsu can be used, but they are busy on the day
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
On the day, the route from the stations to the venue is extremely crowded, making it difficult to get around with a wheelchair or stroller. Check the official website for wheelchair access to paid seats
Food

Food

Local favorites
Omi beef dishesLake fish dishes (ayu sweetfish, Biwa trout)Festival stall foodKakigori (shaved ice)
Vegetarian & halal
Food stalls rarely have vegetarian or halal labels. If this concerns you, it's safest to eat beforehand
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

Lakeside hotels in Otsu fill up early for the festival day. Staying in Kyoto or nearby areas such as Kusatsu and traveling by train is the realistic option

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Biwako Grand Fireworks FestivalPR

PRSee more places to stay near Biwako Grand Fireworks Festival on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Kansai

January

Wakakusa Yamayaki

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually the fourth Saturday of January (fireworks from around 18:15 in the evening, ignition around 18:30)

Photo coming soonJanuary–February

Kobe Luminarie

Kansai ・ Kobe & Arima Onsen

Usually about 10 days from late January to early February (lit from dusk to around 21:30)

2027 (32nd): Jan 29 – Feb 7

February

Baikasai (Plum Blossom Festival)

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Every year on February 25 (outdoor tea ceremony 10:00–15:00)

Every year on February 25 (Feb 25 in 2027)

May

Aoi Matsuri

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Every year on May 15 (postponed to the 16th if it rains; if it also rains on the 16th, the procession is canceled). Preliminary rites such as Yabusame horseback archery (May 3) and the Saio-dai purification ceremony (May 4) are held in early May

2027: May 15 (held every year on May 15; postponed to the 16th if it rains)

May–October

Noryo Yuka / Kawadoko (Kamogawa & Kibune)

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Kamogawa Noryo Yuka usually runs May 1 – October 15, and Kibune Kawadoko usually runs May 1 – September 30 (season and hours vary by restaurant). In 2026, Kamogawa Noryo Yuka runs until October 15

July

Gion Matsuri

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Usually July 1–31 (Yamahoko procession: Saki Matsuri July 17, Ato Matsuri July 24; Yoiyama eves: Saki Matsuri July 14–16, Ato Matsuri July 21–23)

July

Tenjin Matsuri

Kansai ・ Osaka

Every year on July 24 (Yoimiya) and 25 (Hongu). Related events from late June

2027: Jul 24 (Yoimiya) & Jul 25 (Hongu) (held on the same dates every year)

Photo coming soonJuly

Nachi Fire Festival (Nachi no Ogi Matsuri)

Kansai ・ Shirahama & Nanki

Every year on July 14 (held during the day; Yoimiya offering events are also held the day before, on the 13th)

2027: Jul 14 (held every year on July 14)

August

Koyasan Candle Festival (Mando Kuyo-e)

Kansai ・ Koyasan

Every year on August 13 (the candle festival runs from evening into the night; the Mando Kuyo-e memorial service starts at 20:00)

2027: Aug 13 (held every year on August 13)

September–October

Kishiwada Danjiri Festival

Kansai ・ Osaka

The September festival is usually on a weekend in mid- to late September, and the October festival on a weekend in early to mid-October (2 days each)

Next: 2026 October festival (Higashi-Kishiwada district and others), Oct 10 – Oct 11. The 2026 September festival was held Sep 19 – Sep 20

Photo coming soonOctober–November

Annual Exhibition of Shōsōin Treasures

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually late October to early November (about 2–3 weeks)

2026 (78th): Oct 24 – Nov 9, open every day during the exhibition

October

Kanname-sai

Kansai ・ Ise & Shima

Usually October 15–17 (Geku first, then Naiku). Hatsuhobiki is usually on October 15 and 16

2026: Oct 15 – Oct 17 (Geku: night of Oct 15 – Oct 16; Naiku: night of Oct 16 – Oct 17)

Photo coming soonDecember

Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri Festival

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually December 15–18 (the Owatari-shiki starts at noon on December 17)

2026: Dec 15 (Tue) – Dec 18 (Fri); Owatari-shiki on Dec 17 (Thu)

See all events →

Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.

Last checked: 2026-09-30

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