After a four-year absence, one of Saitama’s most beloved fireworks displays is finally returning. The 32nd Koedo Kawagoe Fireworks Festival will be held on Saturday, November 21st, 2026. It brings approximately 6,500 fireworks to the skies above Kawagoe’s Aina Shinsui Park. This year is particularly special as the event moves from its traditional summer slot to an autumn evening for the first time. Moreover, for the first time, it is part of a larger affair.
As a local resident who has attended this festival many times over the years, I’m genuinely excited to see its return. I’ve been sharing Kawagoe Fireworks Festival information on In Saitama since 2006, and it remains one of the events readers ask me about most often.
Why is the 2026 Kawagoe Fireworks Festival Such a Big Deal?
Recent years have not been kind to this event. The 2024 festival was cancelled due to severe weather, and the 2023 and 2025 events were called off entirely. That means many visitors have not had the opportunity to enjoy a full Kawagoe fireworks display since 2022. And in 2022 it was lashing rain!
This year’s revival is therefore highly anticipated, not only because the festival is back, but because it arrives with a major change: an autumn schedule. Traditionally held in August, the 2026 event will instead take place in late November. Rather than battling summer heat and humidity, spectators can expect crisp autumn air and, hopefully, more comfortable viewing conditions.
There are generally dozens of festival stalls at the Kawagoe Fireworks Festival, but organisers are keeping details of this year’s yatai under wraps for now. None of the official event websites have released information yet and, while some blogs are already speculating, I’d rather wait for the official announcement before sharing any details. The good news is that, as you’ll see in the next section, there will be no shortage of food and drink in Kawagoe on the day. The fireworks are just one part of a wider city-wide celebration, described as a day that will create a new chapter in Kawagoe’s history:
A Day Full of Events Across Kawagoe
The fireworks won’t be the only attraction in Kawagoe on 21st November 2026. Several major events are scheduled to take place throughout the city on the same day, including the Koedo Kawagoe Music Festival, the Sun Road Beer Park Autumn event, the Koedo Multicultural Festival, and the Kawagoe Design & Craft Market. With activities running from morning through to the evening fireworks display, visitors could easily make a full day trip of their visit to Kawagoe.
2026 Koedo Kawagoe Fireworks Festival Information
| Name | The 32nd Kawagoe Fireworks. 第32回小江戸川越花火大会 |
| Date | Saturday November 21st, 2026. 2026年11月21日（土） |
| Venue | Aina Shinsui Park 安比奈親水公園. Venue information in English. |
| Address | 1-140 Chisakishitayahofutsuki, Ainashinden, Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture 350-1173 〒350-1173 埼玉県川越市安比奈新田字下屋舗附 140番−1地先 |
| Number of Launches | Around 6500. 約6,500発 |
| Max. Size | No. 4 Shells. 4号玉 |
| Opening Ceremony | 6 pm to 6.10 pm. 午後6時から午後6時10分まで |
| Fireworks Display | 6.10 pm to 7.10 pm. 午後6時10分から午後7時10分まで |
| Stormy Weather | Cancellation. 荒天時中止 |
Free Viewing Areas and Paid Seats
One of the biggest changes since 2022 is the introduction of paid seating options, but the good news is that the Kawagoe Fireworks Festival remains a free event. According to the official event information, viewing is free, with paid seating available as an optional upgrade.
Visitors can still enjoy the fireworks from free viewing areas around the venue, while those who prefer a reserved space can purchase tickets for designated paid seating sections. For long-time attendees, this is welcome news as many people traditionally watch from the wider park and riverside areas rather than from reserved seats.
If you’d like a guaranteed spot, paid seats will be available through CN Playguide, with priority sales for Kawagoe residents from 19th October and general sales from 2nd November. A sheet seat for up to 4 people costs 8800 yen, a single chair seat costs 4400 yen, and a group seat with 4 chairs, a table and parking pass costs 26,400 yen. You can buy a parking pass on its own during general sales, for 3300 yen. The organizers have also noted that no tickets will be sold at the venue on the day of the event.
Access
The nearest station is JR Kawagoe Line’s Kasahata Station, approximately a 25-minute walk from the venue. However, organisers are already warning that Kasahata Station is expected to be extremely crowded. Visitors may wish to consider using Kasumigaseki Station on the Tobu Tojo Line or Minami-Otsuka Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, although both involve longer walks of around 50 minutes.
Local Tip
Having attended this event several times, my biggest piece of advice is simple: arrive early.
Traffic around the venue can become very congested, and leaving immediately after the finale can be slow whether you’re driving or using public transport. I usually make an afternoon of it, exploring Kawagoe beforehand and heading to the area well before the fireworks begin.
Also, don’t underestimate the November chill. While this festival may avoid the heat of previous years, standing outdoors after sunset in late November can feel surprisingly cold. Bring an extra layer or two.
Is it Worth Going?
Absolutely.
Kawagoe hosts many popular festivals throughout the year, but there is something special about seeing thousands of fireworks illuminate the skies over the “Little Edo” city. The combination of a large-scale display, a spacious riverside setting, a new city-wide celebration and the long-awaited return after four years away should make 2026’s event particularly memorable.
If you’ve never attended before, this could be the perfect year to experience one of Kawagoe’s flagship events.
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