Aioi Peron Festival

Festival highlights

The main highlight is the boat races on the water, with peron boats racing across Aioi Bay in multiple events.

The eve-of-festival program includes a fireworks display over Aioi Bay, lighting up the night sky with about 5,000 fireworks.

On land, visitors can enjoy a parade featuring student brass bands and dance performances, as well as stage events and a bazaar, and experience the festival atmosphere both on the water and in the city.

An early-summer festival by the sea, with boats racing across Aioi Bay and fireworks lighting up the sky

What to expect

The festival begins with a fireworks display over the water on the eve of the festival. The following day features events on the water and on land.

On the water, the schedule includes the Tenpaku mikoshi procession by sea, open races, preliminary races in each division, a women’s race, finals, a winners’ lap, and a closing ceremony.

On land, visitors can enjoy parades, stage events, and the Fureai Plaza, moving between viewing areas as they explore.

How to take part

The boat races are an event enjoyed by both teams competing in the races and spectators.

No information is provided about whether general visitors can enter the races, or about team recruitment requirements or how to apply.

However, sponsored viewing seats are available for the eve-of-festival fireworks display, and spectators are advised to bring a ticket.

The sponsored viewing seats for the fireworks display are available as BOX seats, stepped seats, or lawn seats.

BOX seats are reserved seats for up to 9 people per seat. The stepped and lawn sections are unreserved seats within designated blocks. Same-day tickets are sold if advance tickets remain.

Ticket sales methods vary by seating type. Tickets are available through Pia, the Aioi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Aioi Information Lounge, and other outlets.

Source: チケット販売 - 【公式】 2026相生ペーロン祭 | 相生ペーロン祭協賛会

Source: 2026相生ペーロン祭 | 相生市観光協会公式サイト - Aioi観光なび

Location and access

Venue and address

The eve-of-festival fireworks display is held at the special venue in Aioi Bay. The boat races take place in Aioi Bay (in front of Port Park), and the land parade runs from in front of Minato Bank along Chuo-dori to Aioi Municipal Gymnasium.

Train and bus

It is about a 20-minute walk from Aioi Station to the fireworks venue.

Free shuttle buses are recommended on May 31.

By car

Traffic restrictions are in place from 5 p.m. on May 30 around city hall and other areas.

Traffic restrictions are also in place around the festival venue and city hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 31.

Parking

Designated parking lots are available on May 30. On May 31, parking is available at locations including Nawa Junior High School, IHI Fureai Plaza, Chuo Elementary School, and Aioi Civic Cultural Hall.

Parking spaces are limited.

Event venue 兵庫県相生市 相生湾

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

For 2026, the eve-of-festival fireworks display over the water was scheduled for May 30 (Saturday), followed by the water and land events of the Peron Festival on May 31 (Sunday).

The fireworks are scheduled from 7:50 p.m. to 8:40 p.m., the water events from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the land events from 9:50 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The race finals are scheduled for the afternoon.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

An admission pass is required for the fireworks viewing area. Seating in the stepped and lawn sections is first come, first served within designated blocks.

Traffic restrictions apply around the venue, and parking is limited, so visitors are advised to allow plenty of time for their journey.

Large ground sheets, oversized camping chairs, umbrellas, and tripods that obstruct the view are not permitted, and pets are not allowed inside.

Origins and History of Aioi Peron Festival

Peron boat racing is said to have been introduced to Aioi in 1922 by employees of Harima Shipbuilding Works who came from Nagasaki Prefecture.

Before the war, peron boat races were held as part of the annual festival of Tenpaku Shrine; after the war, the event developed into the Aioi Port Festival.

The Aioi Peron Festival Sponsorship Association was formed in 1962, and the festival has been held under its current name since 1963.

Source: 相生ペーロン祭 - Wikipedia

Official information

For event dates, venues, the race schedule, fireworks, traffic restrictions, parking, and viewing-seat information, check the official website of the Aioi Peron Festival Sponsorship Association.

The Aioi City Tourism Association also provides an overview of the 2026 eve-of-festival fireworks display and the following day’s events on the water and on land.

Aioi Peron Festival at a Glance

The Aioi Peron Festival is a 2-day event centered on peron boat races in Aioi Bay, featuring a fireworks display over the water and a land parade.

In 2026, the festival was held on May 30 and 31, with fireworks, races, brass band performances, dance, and more to enjoy at the various venues.

If you plan to use paid viewing seats for the fireworks, it is recommended that you check the tickets, admission pass, and traffic restriction times in advance.