
'Odate Daimonji Festival' The 72nd Fireworks Festival — fireworks and Daimonji burning are a perfect match
The 72nd fireworks festival of Odate's Daimonji Festival lights up the Nagase River banks on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. From 20:10, some 2,000 shells fill the sky over 40 minutes, while the 'Dai' fire character rises on Mt. Hoozan in strokes of 120, 180 and 150 meters. Stalls line the riverbank by late afternoon, and last year's turnout ran about 6,500. The venue is roughly 5 minutes by taxi from JR Odate Station; with no parking provided, arriving by public transport is the rule, and paid seating is also offered.
Odate — hometown of the faithful dog Hachiko — marks midsummer with its Daimonji Festival fireworks along the Nagase River. As the sun slants low, stalls gather on the riverbank and stage music begins to carry, raising expectations for the night program. From 20:10, about 2,000 shells wash the sky in a 40-minute program, closing with the 'Dai' character flaring across Mt. Hoozan — drawn in strokes of 120, 180 and 150 meters, facing viewers across the riverfront. The venue is about 5 minutes by taxi from JR Odate Station. No parking is provided, so a train-plus-taxi plan is the sensible route. If you want a guaranteed seat, check paid-seating guidance from the organizer, the Odate City Tourism Association.