What time should I arrive?

The lantern floating starts at 19:20 and the fireworks run from 20:00 to around 20:40. Arriving 30–45 minutes beforehand lets you pick a good spot along the lakeshore.

Yes, there is free parking for about 500 cars. By train, take the town bus bound for Lake Matsubara from JR Koumi Station, about 15 minutes away.

Can I take photos and videos?

Freely. The water starmine reflects on the lake, so a composition that includes the surface tends to look striking. Keep tripods out of the walkways.

Are there food stalls?

Food stalls are expected around the venue. Having some cash on hand is handy.

Scheduled

Matsubara Lake Floating Lanterns and Fireworks Festival

Name: Matsubara Lake Floating Lanterns and Fireworks Festival
Start: 2026-08-16T20:00+09:00
End: 2026-08-16T20:40+09:00
Location: On Matsubara Lake

Nagano 8/16/2026 (Sun)1000 shells

This festival ended on 8/16/2026 (Sun).See fireworks festivals in Nagano·See the 8 fireworks calendar

Matsubarako Lantern Floating Fireworks Festival — enjoy powerful fireworks amid great nature

小海町観光課

1 / 2

Matsubarako Lantern Floating Fireworks Festival — enjoy powerful fireworks amid great nature

Fireworks count1000 shells

Expected crowd2000 people

Time20:00～20:40

AdmissionFree viewing

Summary

On Sunday, August 16, 2026, the lakeside town of Koumi in Nagano Prefecture holds a fireworks evening over Lake Matsubara: lantern floating from 19:20, then about 1,000 fireworks over 40 minutes from 20:00. The water starmine mirrored on the lake, alongside the drifting lanterns, gives the night a quiet charm of its own. Free parking for some 500 cars and a 15-minute town-bus ride from JR Koumi Station make access easy.

Overview

This summer night on the plateau lake begins with the lantern floating at 19:20, lanterns drifting slowly across the dark water. From 20:00, around 1,000 fireworks fill the next 40 minutes, with the water starmine doubling itself on the lake surface. In the mountain basin the sound carries clearly, and the August evening breeze makes for comfortable viewing. The town bus for Lake Matsubara runs from JR Koumi Station in about 15 minutes, stopping right by the shore; drivers can take Route 141 from Yachiho-Kogen IC in about 15 minutes and use the free 500-space lot. Food stalls gather by the venue, so dinner on site is easy. Check the town of Koumi's official website for the latest status.

Details

Date8/16 (Sun)

End date8/16 (Sun)

Time20:00～20:40

VenueOn Matsubara Lake

Address長野県南佐久郡小海町

Crowd levelSmall ★☆☆☆☆

Paid seatsNo

Food stallsYes

ParkingYes（Available: 500 free spaces）

Organizer0267-92-2511 Koumi Town Tourism Division

Last verified10/2/2026 (Fri)

FAQ

Access

🚃 By Train

From JR Koumi Station, take the town bus (approx. 15 min bound for Matsubara Lake) and get off at the Matsubara Lake Tourist Information Center stop or Matsubara Lake Entrance stop

🚗 By Car

Approx. 15 min from Chubu-Odan Expressway Yachiho Kogen IC via Route 141, or approx. 50 min from Chuo Expressway Sutama IC or Nagasaka IC via Route 141

Info for International Visitors

Best arrival time

Arriving 30–45 minutes before the start gives you plenty of choice along the lakeshore. It gets dark by the water at night, so a small flashlight makes it easier to find your way.

With kids

This is a waterside venue, so keep children within sight and watch a little way back from the shore. With a modest crowd of about 2,000, agreeing on a meeting point is still a good idea.

Photography tips

The water starmine reflects off the lake surface, so framing with the water in the lower half of the shot captures the glow as well. When using a tripod, choose a spot that does not block the walkway.

Payment

Food stalls set up around the venue. They generally take cash, so carry plenty of small bills and coins.

Venue Location

36.0721, 138.4676

Coordinates are accurate to the city level and may differ slightly from the exact venue.

Open in Google Maps Open in Apple Maps

Check the official website for detailed venue info

Official Website →