Kusanagi Shrine Ryusei Fireworks

Kusanagi Shrine Ryusei Fireworks are rocket-style fireworks launched from gunpowder propulsion tubes attached to bamboo poles. The daytime Ryusei and nighttime Ryusei feature smoke and light effects devised by each school.

About Kusanagi Shrine Ryusei Fireworks

Kusanagi Shrine Ryusei Fireworks are rocket-style fireworks launched from gunpowder propulsion tubes attached to bamboo poles.

Parachutes, transforming tubes, and other devices are fitted to the fireworks, and various effects emerge after launch.

In Shizuoka Prefecture, these fireworks have been passed down in Kusanagi and Asahina, with the Kusanagi Shrine Ryusei Preservation Society safeguarding the tradition.

They are also designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Shizuoka Prefecture.

Source: 草薙神社龍勢花火：静岡市公式ホームページ

Festival highlights

A highlight is the distinctive transformations of Ryusei fireworks, as parachutes, transforming tubes, and other devices emerge one after another from inside the rockets.

There are daytime “Ryusei” and nighttime “Ryusei” launches, with each school presenting smoke and light effects of its own devising.

The joy of a successful launch, as well as the sight of those who return to the viewing area after an unfortunate failure, reveal the preparations and challenges each school goes through.

Smoke and light rise into the sky: the Ryusei tradition passed down in Kusanagi

What to expect

The festival begins with the preparations before launch day, not just with the fireworks themselves.

The 13 schools each prepare their fireworks starting about a month in advance, developing their ideas as they repeatedly work on loading the gunpowder.

On the day, daytime Ryusei and nighttime Ryusei are launched, and the smoke and light showcase the results of each school’s accumulated ingenuity.

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

Location and access

Venue and address: Kusanagi Sports Plaza (Kusanagi, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City)
Train and bus: About a 20-minute walk from JR Kusanagi Station or Shizutetsu Kusanagi Station

Address Kusanagi, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City

Open in Google Maps

Travel by taxi PRFind a taxi or private transfer for your journey.Find a taxi on Kiwitaxi Long-distance buses are another option PRFind routes and fares from your departure point to your destination.Find highway buses on Rakuten Travel

Dates and season

Season: The Sunday or public holiday closest to September 20
Frequency: Every year

Accommodation and hotels PR

写真：by Monado / CC BY-SA 2.5

Photo source ·

Facility data source

Origins and History of Kusanagi Shrine Ryusei Fireworks

Ryusei fireworks are said to have originated from battlefield signal fires of the Warring States period, but the origins of the Ryusei at Kusanagi Shrine itself are unclear.

It is known that signal-fire-style fireworks were launched in villages around Sunpu during the Edo period, and they are thought to have been passed down in connection with the rainmaking beliefs of people around Mount Udo, who struggled with water shortages.

In Heisei 15March 24, they were designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Shizuoka Prefecture.

Official information

You can check the fireworks’ features, origins, venue, timing, and access in the “Kusanagi Shrine Ryusei Fireworks” information on Shizuoka City’s official website.

The Kusanagi Shrine Ryusei Preservation Society is listed as the preservation organization.