A new way to watch fireworks is coming to Nachikatsuura this summer: a cruise that heads out onto the Pacific Ocean to view the town's fireworks display from the water. "HANABI CRUISE NACHI-KATSUURA — A Cruise Around the Pacific to Enjoy Fireworks from the Sea," organized by the Nachikatsuura Tourism Organization, sets sail on August 11, 2026 (Tuesday, national holiday), timed to coincide with the local fireworks festival.
The cruise departs from Nachikatsuura's sightseeing pier and heads toward Nachi Bay, passing the islands of Kino Matsushima along the way. At the climax of the evening, guests watch the fireworks light up the night sky and reflect off the sea from the boat, off Nachi Bay.
Event Overview
Event name
HANABI CRUISE NACHI-KATSUURA — A Cruise Around the Pacific to Enjoy Fireworks from the Sea
Date and time
August 11, 2026 (Tuesday, national holiday), approximately 7:10 PM to 9:30 PM
Note: If the cruise is canceled on the day, there will be no rescheduled date.
Route
Guests board a Kino Matsushima sightseeing boat at Nachikatsuura's sightseeing pier and set out toward Nachi Bay, cruising the Pacific while taking in views of the Kino Matsushima islands before watching the Nachikatsuura fireworks festival from the water.
Meeting place and time
Meeting place: The sightseeing pier (in front of Hotel Manseiro)
Meeting time: 6:50 PM
Guests are asked to arrive with plenty of time to spare.
Organizer
Nachikatsuura Tourism Organization
Highlights
A fireworks-viewing experience out on the open Pacific
The boat cruises past the scenic islands of Kino Matsushima on its way out to the fireworks launched off Nachi Bay, offering an open, unobstructed view found only on the water. The fireworks reflected on the sea's surface create a scene distinct from watching a fireworks display on land.
A premium cruise limited to 40 guests
The cruise is capped at 40 guests, first-come, first-served, so passengers can enjoy the fireworks at their own pace while taking in the summer night air. It suits groups of friends and families, and it can also make for a special night for couples.
Bring your own food and drink for a personalized evening
Guests may bring their own food and drinks onboard, so they can pack a favorite drink or bento and enjoy the fireworks their own way. Picking up local food from restaurants or supermarkets in Nachikatsuura to eat on the water is one way to pair a taste of the area with the cruise.
Note: food and drinks are not sold on board.
Pairing entertainment with the destination's other attractions
With hot springs, the sea, and nature all close by, Nachikatsuura makes it possible to spend the day sightseeing or soaking in an onsen and then head out to watch fireworks from the water at night, all in a single trip. Alongside travelers drawn to fireworks and cruises, the dynamic scenery of the Pacific and the Kino Matsushima islands also appeals to those interested in nature.
How to Join
Fee
¥8,800 (tax included) per person — the same price for adults and children
Capacity
Limited to 40 guests, first-come, first-served
Minimum group size to run
20 guests
If reservations fall short of 20 guests, the cruise will be canceled.
Reservations open
July 1, 2026 (Tuesday), 9:00 AM
How to apply
Apply through the dedicated form on the "News" page of the Nachikatsuura Tourism Organization's official website:
https://nachikan.jp/news/
Notice to participants
Starting August 3, 2026 (Monday), participants will receive boarding details and other information by email on a rolling basis.
Cancellation Policy and Conditions for Cancellation
- For cancellations made on or after July 21, 2026 (Tuesday), a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the participation fee will apply.
- The cruise may be canceled due to weather, sea conditions, or other unavoidable circumstances.
- Even if the fireworks festival goes ahead as scheduled, the cruise itself may still be canceled due to sea conditions.
- If the fireworks festival's content changes or it is canceled, the cruise itinerary may change accordingly.
- If the cruise is canceled due to weather, sea conditions, or other unavoidable circumstances, the participation fee will be fully refunded.
- Guests may bring their own food and drinks onboard; food and drinks are not sold on the boat.
About Nachikatsuura
Located in southeastern Wakayama Prefecture, Nachikatsuura is a nature-rich town that combines the Nachisan area, known as a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range," with a port town area known for its hot springs, seafood such as tuna, and dynamic scenery along the Pacific coast. With hot springs, food, trekking, cruising, and more to enjoy throughout the year, it has drawn attention as one of Japan's leading resort and spiritual destinations.
