A fireworks festival that lights up the Watarase River and brings color to summer in Ashikaga
Ashikaga Fireworks Festival
The 2026 edition of Ashikaga Fireworks Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/08/01Ended
- Season / frequency
- First Saturday in August / Every year
- Location
- Downstream of Tanaka Bridge, Watarase Sports Park and the riverbanks
- Area
- Tochigi Prefecture・Ashikaga City(From Tokyo: approx. 50 min–1 h · bullet train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Paid viewing seats available (sold out in 2026); free viewing areas available
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A traditional event in Ashikaga City, where around 20,000 fireworks light up the night sky over the banks of the Watarase River. Visitors can enjoy a varied program, including large fireworks, wide starmine fireworks, and a grand Niagara waterfall display.
About Ashikaga Fireworks Festival
The Ashikaga Fireworks Festival is held along the banks of the Watarase River, which flows through Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture.
It began in 1903 (Meiji 36) and is now organized by a committee within the Ashikaga Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The summer festival is a cherished local tradition, offering a varied display of fireworks, including aerial and large fireworks.
Source: 開催決定！第110回足利花火大会 | 足利市 公式ホームページ / 足利花火大会 - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
Highlights include around 20,000 fireworks, such as aerial fireworks, large fireworks, wide starmine fireworks, and a grand Niagara waterfall display.
Fireworks are launched from the banks of the Watarase River, and large-scale displays can be enjoyed at the riverside venue.
The festival is particularly known for a 2-tier Niagara display stretching 600 meters and starmine fireworks that launch hundreds of shots in a short time.
A fireworks festival that lights up the Watarase River and brings color to summer in Ashikaga
What to expect
The fireworks are scheduled to run for about 95 minutes, from 7:15 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.
Visitors watch a range of displays from around the riverbanks, including aerial fireworks, large fireworks, wide starmine fireworks, and a grand Niagara waterfall display.
Free viewing areas and paid seating are available around the venue, which draws visitors to watch the fireworks.
How to take part
General visitors can enjoy the fireworks from viewing areas and seats around the riverbank.
The Ashikaga Fireworks Festival Organizing Committee is responsible for organizing and running the event. No calls for participants to help launch fireworks or assist with event operations have been announced.
In 2026, paid viewing seats sold out, and free viewing areas are also available.
Location and access
- Venue
Downstream of Tanaka Bridge, Watarase Sports Park and the riverbanks
Event venue 栃木県足利市 田中橋下流渡良瀬運動公園および河川敷
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
In 2026, it was held on August 1 (Saturday), with a 95-minute program scheduled from 7:15 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.
The announcement said the event would be postponed to the following day in case of severe weather.
It is usually held on the first Saturday in August.
Source: 第１１０回記念足利花火大会開催について！ | 足利商工会議所公式ホームページ / 第110回 足利花火大会 | 足利市観光協会 | 学び舎のまち足利
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Tochigi Prefecture / Ashikaga City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Traffic restrictions are in effect near the venue from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and general vehicles cannot enter the restricted areas.
Free parking is available from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., and updates on parking availability are provided.
Visitors are asked not to reserve spots in the free viewing areas until July 30, while the venue is being set up.
If you find an unexploded firework, do not touch it. Contact a staff member of the organizing committee.
Nearby attractions
あしかがフラワーパーク
栃木県足利市にあるテーマパーク
栗田美術館
栃木県足利市にある磁器専門の美術館
草雲美術館
栃木県足利市にある美術館
足利市立美術館
栃木県足利市にある美術館
Origins and History of Ashikaga Fireworks Festival
The Ashikaga Fireworks Festival began in 1903 (Meiji 36) and held its 110th edition in 2026.
With a long history, it is one of the events that defines summer in Ashikaga City.
It is now organized by a committee within the Ashikaga Chamber of Commerce and Industry and held as part of the chamber’s festival, “Watarase Summer Festa.”
Official information
For information about the event, venue, traffic restrictions, and parking, visit the official Ashikaga City website.
The Ashikaga City Tourism Association also lists the date and time, venue, and access information for the 110th festival.
Inquiries are handled by the Ashikaga Fireworks Festival Organizing Committee (Ashikaga Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
Ashikaga Fireworks Festival at a Glance
The Ashikaga Fireworks Festival is a traditional event in Ashikaga City that began in 1903.
Set along the banks of the Watarase River, the festival features around 20,000 fireworks, including a grand Niagara waterfall display and wide starmine fireworks.
In 2026, it was held on August 1, with traffic restrictions and parking hours announced for the surrounding area.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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