Brilliant fireworks bloom in Kanayama’s night sky, carrying on the festival’s dashi traditions and excitement
Kanayama Festival Summer Grand Fireworks
The 2026 edition of Kanayama Festival Summer Grand Fireworks has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/08/16Ended
- Season / frequency
- Mid-August
- Location
- Kanayama River Riverside Park (riverbank of the Kanayama River, south of Kanayama Junior High School)
- Area
- Yamagata Prefecture・Kanayama, Mogami District(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 30 min–3 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
- Free (no paid seating)
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
On the final day of the Kanayama Festival, about 2,000 fireworks light up the night sky over Kanayama River Riverside Park. This summer fireworks event in Kanayama Town brings the festival to a close after and parade through town.
About Kanayama Festival Summer Grand Fireworks
Held on the final day of the Kanayama Festival, the Summer Evening Fireworks Festival takes place on the banks of the Kanayama River in Kanayama, Mogami District, Yamagata Prefecture.
A summer tradition, with about 2,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky over town.
In addition to fireworks, the Kanayama Festival features mikoshi processions, dashi parades, and .
Source: 金山町納涼花火大会 / 山形県 -【JAPAN 47 GO】 / 令和8年度金山まつりの開催について／四季奏でるまち。金山 - 山形県金山町公式ウェブサイト
Festival highlights
The highlight is the nighttime display, when about 2,000 fireworks are launched over roughly 60 minutes.
A variety of fireworks, including starmines and message fireworks, light up the night sky.
Before the fireworks, the Kanayama Festival features lavishly decorated dashi parading through town and a mikoshi procession, so you can enjoy the town festivities followed by fireworks on the riverbank.
Source: 第66回 金山町納涼花火大会（最上郡金山町）の日程・開催情報 - 花火大会2026 - ウォーカープラス
Brilliant fireworks bloom in Kanayama’s night sky, carrying on the festival’s dashi traditions and excitement
What to expect
The 2026 Kanayama Festival begins with the eve festival on August 14, followed by the main festival on the 15th, and concludes with the Summer Evening Fireworks Festival on the 16th.
A dashi parade and Yozora Market were scheduled for the 14th, while the 15th was to feature a mikoshi procession, dashi parade, dashi contest, and Bon Odori event.
On the final day, the 16th, fireworks were launched at Kanayama River Riverside Park from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
How to take part
Visitors can watch the event.
参加費：無料（有料席なし）
Location and access
- Venue and address
Kaneyama River Riverside Park (Kaneyama River riverbed, south of Kaneyama Junior High School) / Kaneyama, Mogami District, Yamagata Prefecture.
- Train and bus
Take a bus bound for Kaneyama from JR Shinjo Station, get off at Nanokamachi, and walk about 5 minutes.
- By car
It is about 1 hour 30 minutes from Yamagata Kita IC on the Yamagata Expressway, and about 30 minutes from Shinjo IC on the National Route 13 Obanazawa-Shinjo Road.
Another guide says it is about 40 minutes from Yuzawa IC on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway and about 60 minutes from Higashine IC.
- Parking
There is no parking.
In 2026, traffic restrictions on roads around the venue were scheduled from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Address Kanayama, Mogami District, Yamagata Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)
The 2026 Kanayama Festival ran from August 14 through the 16th. The Summer Evening Fireworks Festival was held on the final day, August 16 (Sunday), from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
It was announced that in case of severe weather, the event might be postponed to August 18.
Roads around the venue were scheduled to be subject to traffic restrictions from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the day of the fireworks.
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 Yamagata Prefecture / Kanayama, Mogami District (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
In 2026, traffic restrictions were scheduled on roads around the venue during the fireworks, and no parking information was provided.
If traveling by public transport, allow for a bus from JR Shinjo Station to Nanokamachi and a walk of about 5 minutes.
In case of severe weather, the event may be postponed to August 18, so it’s a good idea to check the event status and traffic restrictions before heading out.
Nearby attractions
Nearby attractions related to Kanayama Town include its townscape, Ozeki Park, and Hachiman Shrine.
Sites connected with the area’s history and townscape include the Isabella Bird Monument, the Monument to the Boshin War, and the ruins of Tateyama Castle.
You can plan to visit local scenery and historic sites before or after the fireworks.
Origins and History of Kanayama Festival Summer Grand Fireworks
The fireworks event is described as one of the longest-running events in the Mogami area.
It was announced as the 66th event in 2026, showing that it has long been a highlight of the final day of the Kanayama Festival.
The festival as a whole continues to preserve local traditions, including mikoshi processions and dashi parades through town.
Official information
Details of the 2026 event are available on the official Kanayama Town website under “About the 2026 Kanayama Festival.”
For inquiries, contact the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Section of the Kanayama Town Hall’s Town Development Division at 0233-29-5640.
The Mogami Hokubu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kanayama Office, and the Kanayama Town Tourism Association are also listed as contacts for inquiries about the fireworks event.
Kanayama Festival Summer Grand Fireworks at a Glance
The Kanayama Town Summer Grand Fireworks Festival is held at Kanayama River Riverside Park on the final day of the Kanayama Festival.
In 2026, about 2,000 fireworks were scheduled for August 16 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
You can enjoy summer events in Kanayama Town alongside the Kanayama Festival, which features mikoshi, dashi, and Bon Odori.
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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