The 62nd Minamiboso Shirahama Ama Festival

Firing Dates

The confirmed fireworks launch dates for this festival are listed below.

• 7/18 (Sat)
• 7/19 (Sun)
• 7/20 (Mon)

Summary

The Shirahama Ama Festival unfolds at the square in front of the Nojimazaki Lighthouse in Minamiboso, Chiba, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 18:30 to 21:00. Founded in 1964 and now in its 62nd year, the festival gives thanks for the sea's bounty and honors those lost to it. Its centerpiece is the 'ama grand night swim,' in which divers in white robes carry torches into the dark sea, before underwater fireworks close out the evening. Shell counts are unpublished; attendance runs about 25,000.

Overview

At Shirahama — heartland of the ama divers — the festival's signature scene comes at dusk: divers in white robes slipping into the darkening sea with torches in hand, a spectacle of quiet tension unlike any ordinary fireworks show. The finale brings underwater fireworks, opening blooms just above the surface. From JR Tateyama Station, the JR bus for Kanto-Shirahama stops at Todai-Iriguchi, a 10-minute walk from the square; drivers reach it in about 40 minutes from the Fuura IC via Route 410, with 350 free parking spaces on site. Paid viewing seats are available. With no food stalls at the venue, bring your own refreshments.

Details

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