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Myoken Fireworks Festival — Japan's Best Competitive Fireworks

Published: Jun 1, 2026

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

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Myoken Fireworks Festival — Japan's Best Competitive Fireworks

The Yatsushiro Myoken Festival fireworks (October) is consistently ranked among Japan's top three fireworks competitions — pyrotechnic companies from across the country compete with their newest designs. The festival launches 14,000 fireworks in 90 minutes, including experimental shapes, synchronized music choreography, and novel color combinations. The competition format pushes technical boundaries more than regular summer fireworks festivals.

The fireworks are launched from the middle of the Kumagawa River, with viewing areas on both banks allowing different perspectives on the same burst.

Opening Hours

Festival daytime procession 16:00–18:00. Fireworks 19:00–22:00.

Closed: Annual event: mid-October only (exact date varies year to year)

Entrance Fee

Riverbank viewing free. Paid seating ¥3,000–5,000 (advance purchase recommended).

Best Season

Mid-October only for the fireworks competition; arrive at 17:00 for good free riverbank positions

Visit Duration

2–3 hours for fireworks show; 5–6 hours for full festival including daytime procession

Getting There

Access Information

Yatsushiro City Kyusendo Park, mid-October (exact date varies). 30 minutes by train from Kumamoto Station. Free viewing from riverbanks; paid seating ¥3,000–5,000. Arrive 2 hours early for good free positions.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Competition judging:** The fireworks are scored by judges on technical execution, aesthetic design, and innovation. The winning company's trophy presentation happens after the finale (22:00). Stayin