The 20th Shinhidaka Summer Festival Shizunai River Fireworks Festival - Fireworks are launched against a backdrop of rich nature
The Shizunai River fireworks of the Shinhidaka Summer Festival go up on the right-bank riverbed in Shinhidaka Town, Hokkaido, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 — about 1,000 shells across 30 minutes from 19:30. The festival grounds add a beer garden and bon dancing to the riverside evening. The 2025 edition drew about 8,800 visitors. Note that the venue has no parking: the practical route is the highway bus from Sapporo Station (about 2 hr 40 min toward Urakawa), alighting at Shizunai Ekimae for a 20-minute walk.
The festival turns the Shizunai riverbank into the town's summer living room, with the beer garden and dance circle running alongside the 19:30-20:00 fireworks over the river — a summer scene locals treasure in the Hidaka region. Because there is no parking at the venue, plan around public transport: the highway bus from Sapporo (about 2 hours 40 minutes) stops at Shizunai Ekimae, 20 minutes on foot from the riverbed; drivers coming via the Hidaka Expressway's Niikappu IC (about 30 minutes) should sort out parking well in advance. Food stalls and the beer garden take cash. For the latest schedule, check the festival's official page.