A summer fireworks spectacle illuminating Uji Bridge and the river
Uji River Fireworks Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Event status
- Cancelled
- Season / frequency
- Early August / It was held every year, but has now been discontinued
- Location
- Around Uji Bridge and along the banks of the Uji River
- Area
- Kyoto Prefecture・Uji City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 10 min–2 h 40 min · 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
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
The Uji River Fireworks Festival was a summer fireworks event in Uji, held around Uji Bridge and along the banks of the Uji River. It began in 1960 and continued until 2013. It has now been officially discontinued.
About Uji River Fireworks Festival
The Uji River Fireworks Festival was a fireworks event held on the banks of the Uji River in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture.
It began in 1960 and was enjoyed as an event that brought summer to life in Uji, with Uji Bridge and its surroundings as its setting.
It was last held in 2013, and its official discontinuation was decided in December 2017.
Source: 宇治川花火大会 - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
The highlight was fireworks launched along the Uji River, viewed from around Uji Bridge.
According to records from 2012, around 7,000 fireworks were launched, including fireworks depicting stars and animal faces.
Toward the end, a finale rang out with a loud roar, leaving a lasting impression of summer along the Uji River.
Source: 宇治川花火大会へ行ってきました。もちろん、ひとりで。 - ひとりでうろつく京都 （β版） ひとりでうろつく京都 （β版）
A summer fireworks spectacle illuminating Uji Bridge and the river
What to expect
When the event was held, people would wait for the fireworks around Uji Bridge or along the Uji River, then watch the nighttime display.
Festival stalls lined the area around the venue, and people could be seen enjoying food and drinks.
After the fireworks ended, spectators all headed for the station at once, and records describe severe crowding at Uji Station and on surrounding roads.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Around Uji Bridge and along the banks of the Uji River in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture.
- Train and bus
Uji Station on the JR Nara Line and Uji Station on the Keihan Uji Line are listed as the nearest stations.
Event venue 京都府宇治市 宇治橋
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
- Season
Early August
- Frequency
It was held every year, but has now been discontinued
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 Kyoto Prefecture / Uji City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
When the event was held, the areas around Uji Bridge and Uji Station became extremely crowded, and it was difficult to leave the station area or roads quickly even after the fireworks ended.
Entry restrictions were imposed at some viewing areas, and the areas around the festival stalls were also crowded.
The event has now been discontinued, so you can no longer visit for the fireworks festival.
Nearby attractions
ニンテンドーミュージアム
京都府宇治市にある資料館
宇治上神社
京都府宇治市にある神社
宇治市源氏物語ミュージアム
京都府宇治市の博物館
Origins and History of Uji River Fireworks Festival
The first Uji River Fireworks Festival was held in 1960, and the event continued until 2013.
In 2014, the event was canceled entirely because Typhoon No. 11 made it difficult to ensure safety around the venue.
Its return was subsequently put on hold due to safety and security challenges, and it was officially discontinued in December 2017.
Uji River Fireworks Festival at a Glance
The Uji River Fireworks Festival was held from 1960 to 2013 around Uji Bridge and along the banks of the Uji River.
Large numbers of fireworks were launched on summer nights, while festival stalls and crowds of spectators brought the town center of Uji to life.
It was never resumed due to safety-related challenges and was officially discontinued in 2017.
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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