Six Dazzling Fireworks Across Mie to Enjoy Online (Plus a Special Photo Contest!)
Every summer, Mie Prefecture’s night skies are set ablaze with sparkling lights in the sky. Fireworks displays are an integral part of summer and create an exciting buzz that lasts for days. Because we can’t attend fireworks festivals in person this year, we’re making those summer memories online instead. Get inspired for your next summer trip to Mie by discovering six of the prefecture’s most impressive fireworks displays.
(Read to the end to find out how to enter our photo contest!)
Written by Lisa Wallin
Nagashima Onsen Fireworks Festival| Nagashima Resort, Kuwana City
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Photo by @hide_san_3
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Photo by @yukacameraclub
No summer vacation is complete without a thrilling visit to an amusement park. Nagashima Resort is a triple threat with rollercoaster rides, Nabana no Sato’s famous summer illumination display and, of course, astonishing fireworks shows. It’s an extravagant multi-day affair in mid-August with thousands of fireworks and different programs every night. The world’s longest rollercoaster, Steel Dragon 2000, and Hybrid Coaster Hakugei (formerly White Cyclone) are lit up as well, creating a glowing backdrop for the show.
Kuwana Suigo Fireworks Festival | Kuwana City
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Photo by ＠l_photo_collection
Held at the end of July each year, Kuwana Suigo Fireworks Festival dates back to 1934. It started out as a celebration to commemorate the completion of Ise-Ohashi Bridge and has since become a must-see summer highlight. Over 10,000 fireworks — including some that go off in the water — make the most of the Ibi-gawa River’s length and breadth, painting the night sky a canvas of glitter. Don’t miss the Flying Niagara, which looks like a cascading waterfall.
Misugi Summer Festival | Tsu City
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Photo by @odekakephoto7
Escape the city and head to Misugi Summer Festival for an event that’s much more than just fireworks. Enjoy local performances and even join in traditional Bon and Soran dancing processions while you’re there. The 2,000 fireworks — plus 30 handheld ones — reverberate through the picturesque mountains of Misugi in mid-August.
Kumano Fireworks Festival | Kumano City
Photo by @mie_eetoko
Could this be Japan’s most beautiful setting for a fireworks festival? Kumano Fireworks Festival takes place on Shichiri Mihama Beach in mid-August and features some unique pyrotechnic displays. “Kaijo-jibaku,” in which two boats running at high speed throw fireworks into the sea one after another, and the “Sanjakudama Kaijo-jibaku,” in which a large fan-shaped flower with a diameter of 600 meters blooms over the sea are highlights. While you’re here don’t miss the “Shishiiwa” (Lion Rock), which is designated as a National Site of Scenic Beauty and a natural monument.
Kihoku Lantern Festival | Kihoku Town
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Photo by @jan69tys
Kihoku Lantern Festival makes use of its unique topography for an unforgettable summer night. Giant lanterns over 10 meters high float majestically on the sea, earning the festival the nickname “Nebuta of the Ocean.” About 3,000 fireworks, together with the colorful finale known as “Saiun Kujaku” (“multicolor peacock”), blaze across the sky at the end of July.
Tsu Fireworks Festival | Tsu City
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Photo by @photo_grazie
Tsu Fireworks Festival’s history spans about 100 years and is one of Tsu City’s biggest summer events. It takes place at the end of July and is best enjoyed from Akogiura Beach, but you can also get a good view from Tsu Ferry Port. Gaze into the sky as boats launch a hundred glimmering fire flowers in quick succession over the water of Tsu Harbor. Make sure to keep an eye on the surface of the water as well, because you never know what might come up.
Special Bonus: visitmie Campaign
Post your best Mie memories with the theme “Charms of Mie” on Instagram for a chance to win amazing prizes! To enter, use the hashtag #visitmie on any photos or videos that celebrate your favorite experiences, food and events in Mie. Why not enter and win the great prizes?
For more information on rules, regulations and details on the prizes you can win, check out the official Visit Mie Instagram campaign page or the campaign Instagram post.