Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition 2026: Ibaraki Prefecture, Guide to Japan's Top-Class Fireworks Festival

The Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition is one of "Japan's three great fireworks festivals," alongside Omagari in Akita and Nagaoka in Niigata. It is truly the pinnacle of fireworks, where pyrotechnicians selected from all over the country compete in skill. The artistic great blooms that open in the night sky are breathtakingly beautiful, captivating many spectators every year. It is a moving major event coloring autumn in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

The National Fireworks Competition

The Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition is a competition where top-class pyrotechnicians selected from all over the country compete in their skill and artistry. Counted as one of Japan's three great fireworks festivals, winning the Prime Minister's Award here is considered the highest honor for a pyrotechnician. It is not a mere fireworks show but a high-level, serious contest where the finest technique and artistry come together.

Three Categories of Competition

In the competition, contests are held in three categories: "Starmine," "10-go-dama (No. 10 shells)," and "Creative Fireworks." Gorgeous starmines launching one after another, bold No. 10 shells opening wide in the night sky, and creative fireworks expressed with free imagination—each is packed with highlights. You can enjoy at once the diverse fireworks the pyrotechnicians have devised with ingenuity, and you'll be overwhelmed by the high level of skill.

The Spectacular Grand Starmine

What adorns the finale of the competition is the spectacular "Grand Starmine." Countless fireworks launch one after another, and the flood of light filling the night sky is truly a moving climax. Sometimes launched in time with music, its power and beauty stir the hearts of spectators. Seeking this moment, which could be called the culmination of the year, many people gather in Tsuchiura.

Best Season and Access

The competition is usually held on a Saturday in October. Fireworks viewed in the clear autumn air are exceptional. For access, walk from Tsuchiura Station on the JR Joban Line to the venue along the banks of the Sakuragawa River. On the day, heavy congestion is expected, so we recommend using a paid viewing seat and arriving early by public transport. By all means, experience Japan's top-class fireworks artistry.