A summer festival by Tokushima’s waterfront, with activities, culture, and fireworks
Tokushima Hyotan-jima Suitōsai
The 2026 edition of Tokushima Hyotan-jima Suitōsai has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/07/17 〜 2026/07/19Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year in mid-July / Every year
- Location
- Aibahama Park
- Area
- Tokushima Prefecture・Tokushima City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 15 min–1 h 35 min · flight time only)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
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Fees vary by activity. The night fishing tournament costs ¥1,500 per person, the indigo dyeing experience costs ¥500 for a handkerchief or ¥2,000 for a scarf, and the dance contest costs ¥3,000 per person.
- Age restrictions
- Requirements vary by activity. The night fishing tournament had no age limit, but children in elementary school or younger had to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The same requirement applied to the indigo dyeing experience.
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A summer festival celebrating Tokushima City’s waterfront, with indigo dyeing experiences, water activities, music, food, and fireworks.
About Tokushima Hyotan-jima Suitōsai
Tokushima Hyotan-jima Suitōsai is an event that showcases the waterfront appeal of Tokushima City, which has developed alongside its waterways.
Now held as “Retra! Suitōsai,” the event carries on the tradition of initiatives to rediscover the rivers and water environment in central Tokushima City, a fireworks festival, and community development projects.
A variety of activities that reflect Tokushima’s identity as a city of water are offered, including indigo dyeing experiences, water activities, stage events, and food stalls.
Source: Retra!水都祭2026 | 徳島県観光情報サイト阿波ナビ / ABOUT – 【公式サイト】Retra!水都祭 2026
Festival highlights
Highlights include a water park, water-based obstacle courses, and kayaking on the waterfront in summer.
At Aibahama Park, visitors can experience Tokushima’s traditional culture through indigo dyeing and make handkerchiefs or scarves.
The stage hosts karaoke battles, a dance contest, and live performances, with fireworks also scheduled for the evening.
Source: 【公式サイト】Retra!水都祭 2026 – 2026年7月17日～19日開催！「水都とくしま」の魅力を体感する3日間
A summer festival by Tokushima’s waterfront, with activities, culture, and fireworks
What to expect
In 2026, the eve-of-festival program included a night fishing tournament at Shinmachi River Waterfront Park and an event featuring approximately 1,000 lit candles.
The main festival offers stage events, food tents and food trucks, game stalls, water activities, kayaking, and indigo dyeing experiences.
Fireworks were scheduled for the evening; times and participation methods vary by activity.
How to take part
Depending on the activity, visitors can take part in hands-on experiences or competitions.
The 2026 night fishing tournament was open to participants regardless of experience, and the indigo dyeing experience offered the opportunity to make handkerchiefs or scarves.
Some activities required children in elementary school or younger to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The dance contest was seeking entrants in separate general and kids’ divisions.
Application procedures and fees for participatory activities vary.
The 2026 night fishing tournament required advance registration and cost ¥1,500 per person, with rental fishing rods available for an additional ¥500.
The indigo dyeing experience was available at the venue on the day; handkerchiefs cost ¥500 and scarves ¥2,000.
To enter the dance contest, participants had to apply during the entry period and pay an entry fee of ¥3,000 per person.
Source: Retra!水都祭2026 第4回ダンスコンテスト出場者大募集!【終了しました】 – 【公式サイト】Retra!水都祭 2026
Location and access
- Venue and address
Aibahama Park (Tokushima City).
Fireworks are launched from Goseikon Hiroba.
- Train and bus
About a 5-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station.
- By car
During the fireworks, traffic restrictions were in place around the venue from July 18, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Visitors are advised to use public transportation.
- Parking
Nearby parking facilities are expected to be busy.
Source: 徳島ひょうたん島水都祭 - Wikipedia
Event venue 徳島県徳島市 藍場浜公園
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, the event was held from July 17 (Friday) through the 19th (Sunday).
An eve-of-festival program was scheduled for the 17th, fireworks and stage events for the 18th, and the main festival and dance contest for the 19th.
The fireworks were announced for 8 p.m. on the 18th (scheduled), but would be canceled in rain or dense fog, with no rain date.
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 Tokushima Prefecture / Tokushima City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
As this is an outdoor summer event, remember to replenish fluids and salt regularly.
The event goes ahead in light rain, but activities may be canceled depending on the weather.
During the fireworks, traffic restrictions and restricted-access areas are set up around Aibahama Park, and the promenade along the Shinmachi River is also closed to pedestrians.
Follow directions from security personnel and staff at the venue.
Source: Retra!水都祭2026 花火打ち上げに伴う交通規制・立ち入り禁止エリアのお知らせ – 【公式サイト】Retra!水都祭 2026
Nearby attractions
とくしま動物園
徳島県の動物園・水族館のスポットです。
徳島中央公園
徳島県徳島市の徳島城跡を利用した公園
徳島城
徳島県徳島市の城
徳島市立徳島城博物館
徳島県徳島市にある博物館
徳島市立考古資料館
徳島県徳島市国府町西矢野にある資料館
写真：Sorrysorry at Japanese Wikipedia / Public domain
Photo source ·
徳島眉山天神社
徳島県徳島市にある神社
徳島県文化の森総合公園
徳島県徳島市八万町の向寺山にある公園
徳島県立博物館
徳島県徳島市の文化の森総合公園にある博物館
徳島県立文学書道館
徳島県徳島市中前川町にある文学館
徳島県立近代美術館
徳島県徳島市の文化の森総合公園にある美術館
徳島県立鳥居龍蔵記念博物館
徳島県徳島市の文化の森総合公園にある博物館
徳島県郷土文化会館
徳島市にある文化施設
Origins and History of Tokushima Hyotan-jima Suitōsai
The festival is rooted in two initiatives: the Tokushima Hyotan-jima Expo, which introduced the appeal of the waterfront in central Tokushima City, and Tokushima Suitōsai, which brought fireworks back to the city center.
The two initiatives came together, and the event was first held as “Tokushima Hyotan-jima Suitōsai” in 2015.
It later developed as a town-development initiative integrated with “Symbol Park,” and continues today as “Retra! Suitōsai.”
Official information
The official Retra! Suitōsai website provides information on event dates, activities, stage programs, and traffic restrictions related to the fireworks.
The 2026 event was organized by the Suitōsai Executive Committee.
Tokushima Hyotan-jima Suitōsai at a Glance
Tokushima Hyotan-jima Suitōsai is an event where visitors can enjoy activities, experiences, music, food, and fireworks along Tokushima City’s waterfront.
In 2026, activities centered around Aibahama Park included a night fishing tournament, a candle night, a water park, indigo dyeing experiences, and stage events.
Traffic restrictions are in place during the fireworks, so it is important to use public transportation and check local guidance.
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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