⚠️ Important: Current Status of the Fireworks Festival
This article describes my past experience watching the Okayama Momotarō Festival Nōryō Fireworks from the Asahi River riverbank, combined with the special nighttime opening of Korakuen Garden (Summer Illumination Garden).
This fireworks festival has been suspended since 2018 due to safety and crowd‑control issues in the city center, and as of 2026, it has not resumed.
Although the fireworks are no longer held, Korakuen’s beautiful nighttime illumination event, Summer Illumination Garden, continues every August and can still be enjoyed today.
Quick Trip Notes
- Where: Korakuen Garden & Asahi River riverbank (Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture)
- When: Early August, summer (when the fireworks were still held)
- Stay: Day trip (evening to night)
- With: A friend
How I Got There
At the time, I lived relatively close to Okayama City, so I went by bicycle.
Walking from Okayama Station to Korakuen takes about 25–30 minutes, which is a bit far. On the day of the fireworks, buses and trams from the station were extremely crowded, but with a bicycle I could glide past the traffic—one of the perks of being a local.
📌 Approximate Transportation Costs (current, from Okayama Station)
– Tram (to Shiroshita stop): ¥140 one-way + about 10 minutes on foot
– Bus (to Korakuen-mae): ¥140 one-way
– Check official websites for updated fares.
What Was the Festival Like?
The Okayama Momotarō Festival Nōryō Fireworks was a major summer event, launching about 5,000 fireworks from the riverbank of the Asahi River right beside Korakuen Garden.
To match the festival, Korakuen—one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens—held a special nighttime opening. Visitors could enjoy the illuminated garden, Okayama Castle (Ujō) rising behind it, and fireworks overhead all at once. It was an incredibly luxurious setting.
Spacious Spot-Saving and the Magic of a Night Garden
Fireworks festivals often mean “cramped crowds and brutal spot-saving,” but watching from inside Korakuen was different.
After paying the entrance fee and stepping inside, you’re greeted by vast lawns and gardens—about the size of three Tokyo Domes. There were plenty of people, of course, but the grounds were so spacious that you could easily find a wide, comfortable place to lay out a leisure sheet with just a short walk.
Compared to squeezing into the free riverside area, watching fireworks from a beautifully maintained garden while feeling the night breeze was incredibly relaxing.
This Year’s (2026) Schedule
As mentioned earlier, the fireworks festival will not be held this year due to ongoing safety concerns.
However, Korakuen’s nighttime illumination event, Summer Illumination Garden, and Okayama Castle’s Ujō Light Festival will both take place in August!
- Period: Early to late August 2026 (about one month)
- Time: 18:00–21:30
- Admission: ¥500 for adults (Korakuen only)
Even without fireworks, the illuminated umbrellas, wind chimes, bamboo lanterns, and other displays create a magical, photogenic atmosphere—highly recommended for a summer night outing.
Notes for Visitors
- Getting Around: It’s a bit far from the station, so trams or buses are essential if you’re visiting for sightseeing.
- Budget: Korakuen admission (¥500) + transportation + food from stalls or cafés.
- Best Part: Being able to secure a spacious spot inside the garden and enjoy the combination of illuminated Okayama Castle and fireworks. Riding home on my bicycle in the cool night air was also fantastic.
- Good to Know: Although the fireworks are no longer held, Korakuen often offers special “Yukata Day” promotions during the Summer Illumination Garden, allowing free admission for visitors wearing yukata. Check the official website for details.
Summary
Although Korakuen is a bit far from the station, going by bicycle made it easy for me as a local.
The memory of relaxing in the vast garden, securing a comfortable spot, and watching fireworks rise above the illuminated grounds remains vivid even today.
The fireworks festival has not resumed, but the charm of Korakuen’s summer nights is still alive—if you have the chance, visit during the Summer Illumination Garden.
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