A fantastical 500-meter fireworks waterfall!

The stunning backdrop of Karatsu Bay, combined with 2-foot-tall aerial fireworks and a spectacular 500-meter-long fireworks waterfall, is the highlight of this year’s event.Adding to the charm is the beautifully illuminated Karatsu Castle, offering a truly unique spectacle.Why not plan a short summer trip to Saga during the holidays and enjoy the fireworks in a traditional yukata?▲ Nighttime view of Karatsu Castle with fireworks. (Photo / Courtesy ofasobo-saga Saga Tourism Federation,

Genki Saga,

same below)

Reported by Reporter Li Zi Yi / Comprehensive Report

Japan’s “Kyushu Fireworks Festival” takes place on July 17th in Saga!

The stunning backdrop of Karatsu Bay, combined with 2-foot-tall aerial fireworks and a spectacular 500-meter-long fireworks waterfall, is the highlight of this year’s event.
Adding to the charm is the beautifully illuminated Karatsu Castle, offering a truly unique spectacle.
Why not plan a short summer trip to Saga during the holidays and enjoy the fireworks in a traditional yukata?
This year marks the 64th edition of the Kyushu Fireworks Festival, which ranks among the top four fireworks events in Kyushu and is a major annual celebration in Saga Prefecture.
Set against the backdrop of Karatsu Castle, the ocean, and the night sky, a dazzling array of 6,000 fireworks will light up the evening in a spectacular display.

Each year, the festival attracts over 200,000 visitors.

This year’s highlight is the fireworks launched from a boat 300 meters offshore in Karatsu Bay — including 2-foot-tall aerial fireworks and a breathtaking 500-meter fireworks waterfall.

The fireworks show begins at 8:00 PM. Before the display, take a peaceful stroll through Japan’s third-largest pine forest, “Nijino Matsubara,” to enjoy a rare moment of tranquility.
Nijino Matsubara is a vast forest of black pines stretching along Karatsu Bay.
When viewed from afar, its shape resembles a rainbow, and the sight of one million pine trees against the ocean is truly majestic.
Kyushu Fireworks Festival

Date: July 17th (Sun) 20:00–21:00 (postponed to July 18th in case of rain)
Location: Nishinohama Beach, Higashijouuchi, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
Transportation: 15-minute walk from JR Karatsu Station
Map

▲ At the Kyushu Fireworks Festival, you can enjoy the beauty of Karatsu Bay, Karatsu Castle, and dazzling fireworks all in one — a perfect combination of sea, sky, and ancient castle.
In addition to the Kyushu Fireworks Festival, Saga Prefecture has ten other fireworks events this summer.
There’s almost a fireworks show every week — details are as follows:
Summer Festival in Moro

The 23rd Tairamura Summer Night Festival
Time: July 30 (Sat)
Venue: Tairamura, Fujitsu District
Number of fireworks: 1,000

Imari Citizens' Summer Night Fireworks Festival
Time: August 6 (Sat)
Venue: Imari City (Kunimidai Park)
Number of fireworks: 3,000

Saga Castle Town Sakae no Kuni Festival
Time: August 6 (Sat)
Venue: Saga City
Number of fireworks: 1,500

Mizumachi Hogi Port Festival Fireworks
Time: August 7 (Sun) 20:00–
Venue: Karatsu City
Number of fireworks: 1,500

Ureshino Onsen Summer Festival Fireworks
Time: August 11 (Thu) 20:30–21:10
Venue: Ureshino City
Number of fireworks: 2,500

Kida Summer Festival
Time: August 16 (Tue)
Venue: Ureshino City
Number of fireworks: Approximately 1,400

Hodogata Cape Summer Night Fireworks
Time: August 27 (Sat)
Venue: Karatsu City
Number of fireworks: 2,500