⚠️ Note: Intense Traffic Restrictions and Congestion
This article is a personal account of attending the Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition, one of the largest fireworks events in Japan.
On the day of the event, the surrounding roads experience some of the worst traffic jams in the country.
You absolutely need a plan to avoid the post-event gridlock—but be careful not to leave too early and miss the grand finale!
Quick Trip Notes
- Where: Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture (Sakuragawa riverbank and nearby high ground)
- When: Early November (event season)
- Stay: Day trip
- With: Solo
How I Got There
To avoid the extreme congestion near the venue, I decided not to approach the crowds at all. Instead, I rented a car at Tsuchiura Station and headed to the more distant Asahimine Observatory.
It took about 30 minutes to drive up the mountain roads from the station area, leading to a high vantage point completely separated from the noise of the city.
📌 Access Notes
Viewing from the observatory essentially requires a car. Even the mountain roads can become congested on the day of the event, so arriving early with plenty of time to spare is highly recommended.
What Kind of Event Is the Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition?
It’s a competition where pyrotechnicians from across Japan showcase their skills, known for its continuous display of highly artistic fireworks. The synchronized “starmine” performances set to music are especially powerful, and the event is considered one of Japan’s three major fireworks festivals.
The Stunning View from Asahimine Observatory—and My Painful “Left Too Early” Mistake
What surprised me upon arriving at the observatory was the sheer breadth of the view. On clear days, you can even see Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Skytree in the distance—an incredible location! At night, the city lights spread out below, paired with the fireworks rising into the sky, making it a truly premium viewing spot.
Because the venue is far away, the sound of the fireworks arrives slightly late, but the unobstructed view allows you to enjoy the entire shape of each burst against the night sky.
…And then came my big mistake.
Determined to avoid the massive traffic jam afterward, I started packing up a little before the end of the show. But I was too efficient—so much so that I ended up watching the most exciting grand finale, the highlight of the entire event, while already on the move…!
Even now, I regret not staying just a little longer at the observatory. It would have been the perfect ending.
About This Year’s Event (2026)
This historic event celebrates its 96th edition this year.
- Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Location: Sakuragawa riverbank near Gakuen Bridge, Tsuchiura City
Note: As a competition, the event is held even in rain, but may be postponed in severe weather. Always check the official website for the latest updates.
Notes for Visitors
- Getting Around: Renting a car is a smart choice, but parking near the observatory is limited.
- Best Part: The contrast between the night view below and the fireworks above.
- Things to Know:
- High ground areas are windy, and November nights are extremely cold. Bring a winter coat and warm drinks—proper cold-weather gear is essential.
- Balancing “avoiding congestion” and “watching the finale” is very tricky. Rather than rushing to leave early, it may be better to relax at the observatory for a while after the event and then head down—ironically, that might be the best way to avoid the worst traffic.
Summary
Watching from the riverside offers intense power, but viewing from high ground gives a completely different experience—overlooking the city as fireworks bloom in the sky. Renting a car and moving freely was a great plan, but the timing of my departure was the one thing I regret.
If you’re planning to see the Tsuchiura fireworks this season, make sure to stay until the finale and head home with plenty of time and calm in your schedule.
コメント