367th Chikugogawa Fireworks Festival 2026
Last updated: July 18, 2026. All facts below are compiled from official festival, city and tourism association websites (linked at the end of this page).
The Chikugogawa Fireworks Festival is regarded as one of the oldest fireworks festivals in Japan. It traces its origins to 1650, when fireworks were set off to celebrate the completion of the main hall of Suitengu shrine in Kurume, the head shrine of all Suitengu shrines in Japan, which stands on the riverbank near today's venues. For most of its history the event was held as a votive fireworks display for the shrine, and it has continued for more than 370 years; the 2026 edition is counted as the 367th festival.
Key Facts
| Date | August 5, 2026 (Wed) — Officially confirmed |
|---|---|
| Time | 19:40-20:40 |
| Venue | Chikugo River banks, 6 viewing areas (Sasayama, Kyomachi, Komorino, Nagatoishi, Miyaki, Tosu) |
| Nearest station | JR Kurume Station (about 10 min walk) |
| Fireworks | 12,000 |
| Admission | Free (paid seat details not listed on official tourism page) |
| Official site | https://welcome-kurume.com/events/detail/ee39e5e5-fb6b-46b1-b16a-618264042dda |
Highlights
- About 12,000 fireworks over a continuous 60-minute program (19:40-20:40), one of the largest displays in western Japan.
- Two separate launch sites on the Komorino and Nagatoishi riverbeds, so the show spreads across a wide stretch of the river; from the Miyaki area you can watch both at once.
- One of Japan's oldest fireworks festivals, with origins going back to 1650 and more than 370 years of history tied to Kurume's Suitengu shrine.
- Fireworks launched close to the free riverside viewing areas, with large bursts reflected on the surface of the Chikugo River.
- Completely free to attend — six official viewing areas and no paid seating — with rows of food stalls at the venues.
Where to Watch
Kyomachi area (Free)
One of the two main viewing areas on the central Kurume side of the Chikugo River, facing the launch sites across the water. It is the most convenient area for visitors arriving by train and is one of the two areas covered by the official YouTube live stream, so expect the densest crowds here.
About 20 minutes on foot from JR Kurume Station (official guide figure; the tourism office lists the riverbank venue as about 10 minutes from the station at its nearest point).
Sasayama area (Free)
The other main viewing area on the Kurume city-center side, also covered by the official YouTube live stream. It is the festival's accessibility hub: a viewing section for visitors with disabilities is provided, with chairs, wheelchairs, ground-sheet seating and accessible toilets (a disability certificate is required, no advance registration).
About 20 minutes on foot from the temporary shuttle-bus drop-off; temporary buses run from Nishitetsu Kurume Station (210 yen one way, roughly 16:00-22:00).
Komorino area (Free)
Riverbank area next to one of the two launch sites (Komorino riverbed). The official guide describes it as a venue where you can watch more slowly and calmly than at the other areas, so it suits visitors who want closer fireworks with thinner crowds.
About 20 minutes on foot from Nishitetsu Miyanojin Station (Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line, one stop from Nishitetsu Kurume).
Nagatoishi area (Free)
Riverbank area beside the other launch site (Nagatoishi riverbed), across the river from central Kurume. Officially described as a calmer venue than the main areas; note that access down to the bank is by stairs only, with no slopes, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
About 30 minutes on foot from JR Kurume Station, crossing the Chikugo River.
Miyaki area (Free)
Viewing area in Miyaki, on the Saga Prefecture side of the river. The official guide notes it is the spot where you can see the fireworks rising from both launch sites at the same time, making it a good choice for photographers.
About 30 minutes on foot from JR Kurume Station.
Tosu area (Free)
Viewing area on the Tosu (Saga Prefecture) side of the river, the farthest of the six from central Kurume and correspondingly less crowded. It returned to use in the 2025 edition after a period out of service.
About 30 minutes on foot from JR Hizen-Asahi Station (JR Nagasaki Main Line).
How to Buy Tickets
No tickets are sold for this festival. The organizers state explicitly that no paid viewing areas are set up; all six viewing areas along the Chikugo River are free and unreserved. Reserving spots with sheets before the day of the event is prohibited, so simply arrive early on August 5 and claim space at your chosen area.
Getting There
The festival is held on the banks of the Chikugo River in Kurume, about 40 km south of Fukuoka City, and works well as a day trip. From Hakata Station, take a JR Kagoshima Line regional rapid train to JR Kurume Station (7 stops, about 40 minutes) or the Kyushu Shinkansen (about 17 minutes). From Tenjin in central Fukuoka, the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line limited express reaches Nishitetsu Kurume Station in about 31 minutes. The nearest viewing areas are roughly 10-20 minutes on foot from JR Kurume Station (use the west/Suitengu side), and temporary shuttle buses run from Nishitetsu Kurume Station (210 yen one way, roughly 16:00-22:00). There is no event parking and traffic restrictions around the river start at 18:30, so public transport is effectively mandatory. The show ends at 20:40, which leaves time to return to Fukuoka the same night, but stations are extremely crowded after the finale — expect to queue, and check the last train times for your line in advance rather than aiming for the final departure.
Crowd & Timing Tips
- Arrive well before the 19:40 start: traffic restrictions begin at 18:30, and good riverside spots at the main Kyomachi and Sasayama areas fill up much earlier.
- For a calmer experience, skip the two main areas and head to Komorino, Nagatoishi or Tosu, which the official guide describes as venues where you can watch at a more relaxed pace.
- Do not plan to drive: there is no festival parking, and roads around the venues are closed or congested from the evening onward.
- After the 20:40 finale, tens of thousands of people head to the same few stations at once — either leave a few minutes before the end or plan to wait, and confirm your last train back to Hakata/Tenjin beforehand.
- Follow the festival's posted rules: watch only from the designated viewing areas, take your trash home, and note that drones, pets (except service dogs) and advance place-holding are prohibited.
Weather Policy
The festival goes ahead in light rain. If weather forces a postponement, the rain date is Friday, August 7, 2026; if it cannot be held then either, the festival is cancelled for the year with no second postponement. On the day, the go/no-go decision is announced at around 16:00 on the official Kurume tourism X (Twitter) account (@welcome_kurume). An official YouTube live stream of the Kyomachi and Sasayama areas is planned from 19:20, which is also a useful fallback if you cannot attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the fireworks start and how long do they last?
The show runs from 19:40 to 20:40 on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 — a continuous 60-minute program of about 12,000 fireworks. Arrive well before the start, as traffic restrictions begin at 18:30 and the popular areas fill up earlier.
Is the festival free, and can I buy reserved seats?
It is completely free. The organizers state that no paid viewing areas are set up, so unlike many large Japanese fireworks festivals there are no tickets to buy — you simply choose one of the six free viewing areas along the river.
How do I get there from Fukuoka City?
From Hakata Station, take a JR Kagoshima Line regional rapid train to JR Kurume Station (about 40 minutes) or the Kyushu Shinkansen (about 17 minutes); from Tenjin, the Nishitetsu limited express reaches Nishitetsu Kurume in about 31 minutes. The nearest viewing areas are a 10-20 minute walk from JR Kurume Station, and shuttle buses run from Nishitetsu Kurume. A same-day return to Fukuoka is realistic if you allow for post-show station crowds.
Which viewing area is best?
Kyomachi and Sasayama, on the central Kurume side, are the main areas and the easiest to reach, but also the most crowded. Komorino and Nagatoishi sit right beside the two launch sites and are officially described as calmer, while the Miyaki area is the one spot where you can see fireworks from both launch sites at the same time.
What happens if it rains?
Light rain does not stop the show. In bad weather the festival moves to the rain date of August 7, 2026, and is cancelled outright if that day is also washed out. The decision is announced around 16:00 on event day via the official Kurume tourism X account, so check it before you travel from Fukuoka.
Can I get back to Fukuoka after the fireworks end?
Yes — the finale is at 20:40, and JR and Nishitetsu trains to Hakata and Tenjin continue into the late evening. However, the stations are extremely crowded after the show, so expect long queues, consider leaving slightly before the end, and check your line's last-train time in advance rather than cutting it close.
See more fireworks in the area: Fukuoka Fireworks Festivals 2026 · Japan Fireworks Calendar 2026