Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival
The Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival (Suwako Matsuri Kojou Hanabi Taikai) is one of Japan's most spectacular fireworks events, held annually on August 15 over the waters of Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture.
## Event Overview
Renowned for its breathtaking over-the-water fireworks displays, the Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival features massive star mines launched from platforms set up directly on the lake. The fireworks light up the summer night sky with an overwhelming sense of scale and artistry. Because Lake Suwa is surrounded by mountains on all sides, the thunderous booms of the fireworks echo and reverberate through the valleys, creating an immersive, full-body sensory experience unlike any other.
## History
The festival traces its origins back to 1949 (Showa 24), when the first event was held to bring hope and encouragement to citizens still recovering from the devastation of World War II. Originally called the "Noryo Suwako Hanabi Taikai" (Lake Suwa Summer Evening Fireworks), it was organized by the Suwa City Tourism Association with the support of local businesses and media.
Over the decades, the festival has grown from a modest local event into one of Japan's premier fireworks spectacles, at times featuring productions valued at over 100 million yen and drawing crowds of up to 500,000 spectators with over 40,000 fireworks launched. Despite occasional disruptions over its long history, the festival has persevered thanks to strong community and sponsor support.
## Program Highlights
- **Competition Fireworks (Part 1)**: Features music-synchronized star mines, a recent addition to the festival, alongside signature fireworks displays
- **Grand Star Mines**: Massive over-the-water star mines launched from platforms on the lake, a signature spectacle of this festival
- **Niagara Falls**: A spectacular cascade of fire stretching across the lake surface
- **Mountain Echo Effect**: The surrounding mountains amplify the sound of every explosion, creating a deeply resonant experience
## Date and Time
- **Date**: Every August 15
- **Time**: 7:00 PM onwards (rain or shine)
- **Gates Open**: 11:00 AM (planned)
## Location
- **Venue**: Lake Suwa, around Suwa City Lakeside Park
- **Address**: Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
## Access
- **By Train**: 10-minute walk from JR Chuo Main Line Kamisuwa Station
- **By Car**: Approximately 15 minutes from Suwa IC on the Chuo Expressway toward Lake Suwa (significant traffic congestion expected on the day of the event)
## Important Notes
⚠️ This page is for event information only. For viewing seat reservations and ticket inquiries, please feel free to contact us directly. Please note that availability cannot be guaranteed.
⚠️ The venue areas can become extremely crowded during the main festival days. Plan your transportation and accommodation well in advance.
⚠️ Weather conditions may affect the event schedule. The festival is generally held rain or shine, but please check official announcements for updates.
Nagano Festivals & Events Fireworks
