Are you looking for a way to enjoy the warm weather before fall hits and it gets cold? Maybe you’re craving a little magic — that unforgettable magic movie moment under the stars? Look no further, because I’ve found the best way to light up your life: firework festivals in the Kansai area!
If you’ve read any of my past articles, you already know that I’m no stranger to magic movie moments and doing anything that sparks joy within me. Whether it’s discovering a hidden gem, attending a Japanese cultural event, or exploring scenic places in Japan, I’m always chasing that cinematic feeling.
You can check out some of my past adventures here:
As you can see, I love to have a little fun — and that’s exactly why I’m here to tell you about a few amazing Japanese firework festivals you absolutely need to experience before the season ends.
If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I LOVE Tanabe. I actually live there part-time, so there’s a good chance you might catch me biking through the countryside if you got there haha.
And it’s with great pleasure that I introduce you to one of my favorite events ever: Tanabe Benkei Matsuri — a lively festival that celebrates history, culture, and of course, fireworks that will take your breath away.
Benkei Matsuri is a huge annual festival held in Tanabe during the first week of October. This year, it took place on October 3 and 4, and it was pure magic from start to finish.
It starts bright and early, with tons of traditional cultural activities — from taiko drumming to colorful street parades. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a lively scene from a Japanese summer movie.
This year, I didn’t make it to the festival until the evening, just in time for the fireworks show. It rained during the day (so I stayed cozy indoors for a while haha), but the fun really begins after sunset.
The Tanabe fireworks display is what everyone looks forward to the most. The entire community comes together, pooling donations to make it happen — and it shows! With over 3,000 rounds of fireworks launched into the night sky, it’s easily one of the most spectacular firework shows in Wakayama Prefecture and the Kansai region.
My family and I headed to Ogigahama Beach, where the festival takes place, arriving around 6:30 PM.
Before the fireworks began, we enjoyed watching the Yosakoi dance performances, grabbing some delicious Japanese festival food, and chatting with my Japanese teacher, Yukiko-sensei, who had saved us perfect seats right near the front. HUGE shoutout to Yukiko-sensei for getting there early and reserving seats. I recommend you do the same if you want a good viewing spot; they fill up fast!
Yukiko-sensei came prepared with chairs, picnic sheets, and umbrellas. 🙂
It was so nice to sit, laugh, and talk while waiting for the show to begin. When the fireworks finally lit up the night sky, the entire beach gasped in awe. The reflection of the lights on the ocean made the scene feel like a dream.
As someone who has lived in Tanabe for years, going to Benkei Matsuri has become one of my favorite annual traditions. It’s always a highlight of my year and serves as a reminder of why I love living in Japan and soaking in its small-town culture.
Given how beautiful the firework show is, I just had to share it with you so you can mark it on your calendar for next year!
If you’re looking for a firework show in Osaka rather than the countryside, the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is the perfect choice. It’s one of the most famous fireworks festivals in all of Japan, known for its jaw-dropping river views and massive crowds.
I’ve known about this festival for years, but always avoided it because of how incredibly popular it is lol. It’s always super crowded because hundreds of thousands of people go just for this event!
This year, though, my friend suggested we finally go, and since I’m still on a fireworks high from Benkei Matsuri, I figured… why not go for round two?
This year marks the 37th anniversary of the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival — and trust me, they’re going all out! You can catch the fun on October 18, and even though it’ll be crowded, it’s going to be worth it.
I’d argue it’s one of the top five firework festivals in the Kansai region, attracting people from Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and even Tokyo!
If there’s any festival to wrap up your summer (or early fall) with, this is the one. Between the music, the atmosphere, and the incredible fireworks bursting over the Yodo River, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season.
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Make sure to put on your best yukata, grab your camera, and leave extra room for delicious Japanese festival food like yakisoba, takoyaki, and shaved ice as you enjoy these Kansai fireworks festivals.
You truly won’t regret it! There’s something so magical about watching fireworks light up the night sky with people you love. Whether you’re visiting Japan or living here, it’s one of those unforgettable experiences that capture the heart of Japanese summer and fall culture.
So go out, make memories, and enjoy your own movie-magic moment under the fireworks. Until the next article, stay happy, safe, healthy, and full of spark!
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