Discover the Magic of Kyoto’s Summer Fireworks Festivals

Ayabe City celebrates its summer festival on the fourth Saturday in July, with the Ayabe Minatsuki Festival along the Yura River. Originally, this festival began with an Obon holiday tradition of sending lanterns down the river in honor of the ancestors of locals, but today, it’s evolved into a vibrant summer event. You can still see the magical sight of those colorful lanterns bobbing along the Yura River, followed by a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the basin in which Ayabe sits. In fact, due to the unique terrain, the sound of the fireworks echoes out beyond the city.

A 10 minute walk from Ayabe Station on the JR Sanin Line, the festival begins with the Ayabe Yosakoi Dance, continues with the Kento Ceremony/Offering of Lights at a different location, and the Buddhist Lantern Festival. Finally, the fireworks will be launched in a dazzling display over the river.

Location: Yura Riverbanks, Ayabe City, Kyoto

Rounding off the summer festivities is the Nantan City Fireworks Festival, held in September at Oigawa Ryokuchi Park. This festival, which began as an event to honor those fallen in war, features approximately 2,000 fireworks across the skies of Yagi-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto. During the finale, the rapid succession of star mine bursts will light up the night sky like daylight.

Here, too, lanterns will be floated down the river in a sea of beautiful, twinkling lights. It’s a beautiful way to catch a taste of summer in Kyoto before the season ends. You’ll find the venue just a 5 minute walk from Yagi Station on the JR Sagano Line.

Location: Oigawa Ryokuchi Park, Nantan City, Kyoto