Inagawa Fireworks Festival 2026

Summary

A postwar tradition since 1948, co-hosted by Ikeda and Kawanishi on opposite banks of the Ina River, moves to autumn for the first time in 2026 - the organizers' stated reason: August heat now poses too great a safety risk. November 7, 18:00-18:30, about 4,000 shells over the riverbed, free to watch from either bank. Access is the real selling point: ten minutes on foot from Hankyu Kawanishi-Noseguchi or Ikeda stations, reachable from Osaka or Kobe by train alone.

Overview

This is the 77th edition. The organizers have announced an earlier slot: firing now begins at 18:00 and ends by 18:30, instead of the old 19:30-20:10 window - so dusk light still on the river as the shells open should become a new visual. Access: ten minutes on foot from Hankyu Kawanishi-Noseguchi or Ikeda, fifteen from JR Kawanishi-Ikeda. On the day, expect street closures plus planned shutdowns on part of the Hanshin Expressway Ikeda Line and the Sayamayama Driveway. No parking is offered; public transport is the recommendation. About 160,000 spectators are expected across the two banks, so claiming a spot early pays off. The early finish leaves time for dinner around either station, or a relaxed transfer to lodging toward Sayamayama or Nose.

Details

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