Discover festivals in Japan you never knew existed.
language
Yamagata Prefecture · Yamagata City (From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 30 min–3 h · bullet train)

Yamagata’s summer fireworks lighting up the night sky over Kajo Park

Yamagata Fireworks Festival

An image of a festival themed around the Yamagata Fireworks Festival

The 2026 edition of Yamagata Fireworks Festival has ended.

Festival information

EVENT INFORMATION
Dates
2026/08/14Ended
Season / frequency
Every year on August 14 / Every year
Location
Inside Kajo Park
Area
Yamagata Prefecture・Yamagata City(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.
Highlights and activities
Participation / viewing
Spectators welcome
Participation fee
Paid viewing areas are available. For example, the regular price for a pair seat is ¥11,000, while a blue-sheet seating area costs ¥8,000 at the regular price for 2 people.
Age restrictions
Preschool children do not need an admission ticket. However, a ticket is required if they need a seat.
Last updated
2026/10/19

This fireworks festival takes place at Kajo Park in Yamagata City, where large fireworks light up the summer night sky. It is held every year on August 14 and is also beloved by people visiting Yamagata during the period.

About Yamagata Fireworks Festival

The Yamagata Fireworks Festival is a fireworks event that brightens summer in Yamagata City.

It is held every year on August 14, during the Obon period, and is also beloved by people returning to their hometowns.

Its current venue is inside Kajo Park, and the event has become a local fixture where people enjoy fireworks lighting up the night sky.

Source: 山形大花火大会|山形市公式ホームページ / 山形大花火大会公式サイト

Festival highlights

The highlight is the fireworks spreading across the night sky from the launch site inside Kajo Park.

New viewing areas were added in 2026, allowing visitors to experience the fireworks up close from areas near the launch site.

Food stalls and food trucks were also set up around the venue, providing a place to enjoy food and drinks along with the fireworks.

Source: 【2026年版】やまがたの心躍る花火大会|特集|やまがたへの旅 - 山形県の公式観光・旅行情報サイト

Yamagata’s summer fireworks lighting up the night sky over Kajo Park

What to expect

In 2026, the viewing areas opened from 4 p.m., and food stalls began operating at either 2 p.m. or 4 p.m.

Fireworks were scheduled to be launched inside Kajo Park from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Viewing options include tables, pairs’ seats, box seating, and indoor seats at city hall. Entry procedures and check-in times vary by seat type.

Source: 会場案内 - 山形大花火大会公式サイト

How to take part

Visitors can attend to watch the fireworks, but the main viewing areas in 2026 required tickets.

Preschool children do not need an admission ticket, but they need a seat ticket if they use a seat.

No information was provided about competitions open to general participants or calls for performers.

If you plan to use a reserved viewing area, buy your ticket through FamilyMart or Rakuten’s sales channels.

In 2026, early-bird and general sales were offered. General sales were listed as running from June 27 through August 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Prices and capacities vary by seating type, and some areas, such as the photographers’ section, require advance reservations.

Check participation details

Location and access

Venue and address

Inside Kajo Park (1-7 Kajōchō, Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture 990-0826).

Train and bus

The venue is about a 10-minute walk from Yamagata Station.

Please come on foot or by public transportation.

By car

August 14, 2026, traffic restrictions were in place around the venue, and vehicle access to Kajo Park was also restricted.

Parking

There is no parking or bicycle parking around the venue.

No priority parking spaces for people with disabilities are provided.

Source: 山形大花火大会 - Wikipedia

Address 1-7 Kajō-chō, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 990-0826

Open in Google Maps

Dates and season

2026 event information (the dates listed have passed)

The 2026 Yamagata Fireworks Festival was held on August 14 (Friday).

The fireworks were scheduled from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the venue was Kajo Park.

The festival is also described as an event held every year on August 14.

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 / Yamagata City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)

Tips for your visit

Traffic restrictions are in place around the venue, and no parking or bicycle parking is available, so visitors are advised to come on foot or by public transportation.

Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into the venue. Alcohol and soup-based foods are also excluded from items that may be brought in.

Tables, chairs, picnic sheets, and similar items may not be brought in.

Nearby attractions

Kajo Park, the venue, is introduced as a tourist attraction located on the site of Yamagata Castle.

Nearby attractions include the Yamagata Prefectural Museum, Yamagata City Local History Museum, Yamagata Museum of Art, and Hōretsu Shrine.

If you plan to visit nearby attractions alongside the fireworks festival, it’s a good idea to check each facility’s opening status and visiting hours.

Source: 山形大花火大会|イベント(山形市・村山地方)|やまがたへの旅 - 山形県の公式観光・旅行情報サイト

Origins and History of Yamagata Fireworks Festival

The Yamagata Fireworks Festival began in 1980 and was initially held along the banks of the Mamigasaki River.

From its 20th edition in 1999, the venue was moved to the banks of the Suga River for safety reasons. In 2021, the event was held at Kajo Park without spectators.

Since 2022, it has continued to be held at Kajo Park with spectators.

Official information

Official information is available on the Yamagata Fireworks Festival’s official website.

Information was posted about the 2026 venue, viewing areas, traffic restrictions, and ticket sales.

You can also check the event overview on the official Yamagata City website and Yamagata Prefecture’s official tourism information site.

Yamagata Fireworks Festival at a Glance

The Yamagata Fireworks Festival is held every year on August 14 at Kajo Park in Yamagata City.

For 2026, fireworks were scheduled from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with viewing seats, food stalls, and food trucks provided.

There is no parking near the venue, so visitors generally come on foot or by public transportation.

#Fire#Compete#For couples#Held at night#Paid

Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team

Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19

Our editorial policy

Submit information or a correction Submit photos of this festival