The Kumagaya fireworks are one of the longest running annual firework displays in Saitama Prefecture. It is one of Saitama’s biggest summer events, drawing tens of thousands to the Arakawa River each year. With massive starmines, creative displays, and a lively festival atmosphere, it’s a highlight of the season for locals and visitors alike. Started in 1948, this year, 2025, is their 74th occurrence.
Kumagaya Fireworks in 2026
Not only are they one of the longest running annual fireworks in Saitama, they are also one of the most popular. Moreover, it is not just a firework festival, but a prestigious firework competition too. In addition, there are a large number of festival stalls at these fireworks, about 500 of them on average!
They are on the second Saturday of August each year. The Kumagaya Fireworks are known for their starmines. In 2023, Kumagaya city challenged pyrotechnicians to come up with a wide starmine display. What surprise will they have in store for us this year?
Due to the size of the event, quality of the fireworks and the convenient location, just 5 minutes from a train station, these fireworks attract thousands of spectators. The main viewing area is just a few minutes walk from Kumagaya Station, near the famous cherry blossoms, in the rugby fields of Arakawa Undo Park. They launch approximately 10,000 fireworks on the night. They have “message fireworks” that display birth, marriage and congratulatory messages.
Many fireworks are shot off by supporting citizens, stores and companies in Kumagaya while their names and PR messages are announced.
Please enjoy Japan in a variety of ways such as viewing the huge fireworks’s which are displayed in the night sky while wearing traditional Japanese summer wear (Yukata) or eating finger foods of Japanese cuisine.
Source: From the Kumagaya Tourist Bureau official English webpages.
The fireworks are usually postponed until a later date if there is heavy rain. In previous years they have had three back up dates, but this year they only have one – Sunday August 9th. If they can’t go ahead on either the 8th or the 9th they will be cancelled.
Information
Event: The 74th annual Kumagaya Fireworks in 2026 第74回熊谷花火大会
Date: Saturday August 8th 2026. They will be postponed to the 9th if there is bad weather on the 8th.
Time: from 7 pm to 9 pm
Cost: there is a free viewing area, but you can also reserve an area or a seat at a charge. Prices start from 6000 yen. Ticket information.
Venue: Arakawa Ōhashi Downstream Side Riverbed, 2 Chome-172 Kawaracho, Kumagaya, Saitama 360-0016. View on Google Maps.
Access
From the Kumagaya Station South gate. It only takes about 5 minutes on foot from the station. They do have parking, but you have to arrive in the afternoon as they shut off roads closer to launch time. You also now have to book the parking in advance. Parking information.
Find more events in August here.
First published in 2017 and updated annually. Last republish June 14th 2022. Last update August 8th 2023. Last update July 2026.