The 42nd Asia Port Festival in KANMON 2026 Kanmon Straits Fireworks Festival

Summary

On 13 August 2026, fireworks rise from both banks of the Kanmon Straits at the same time — Shimonoseki on Honshu and Moji on Kyushu — as this cross-strait festival marks its 42nd edition. From 8 pm, 18,000 shells go up across roughly 50 minutes, and the two banks together draw around 800,000 visitors in a typical year. On the Shimonoseki side, the signatures are jumbo shells that bloom some 450 metres across and underwater fireworks that send ripples and a low rumble across the surface; Moji answers with a 40-shot run of large shaku shells. The Shimonoseki viewing areas stretch from Misaki-no-machi Wharf to Karato Market, about 20 minutes on foot from JR Shimonoseki Station's east exit. With no event parking, come by train or bus.

Overview

What sets the Kanmon Straits Fireworks Festival apart is its geography: launches go up simultaneously from Shimonoseki on the Honshu side and Moji on the Kyushu side of the strait, so the sky brightens on both shores at once. The 2026 edition, the 42nd, takes place on 13 August from 20:00 to 20:50 with 18,000 shells in total. The programme's anchors are the one-shaku-five-sun shells opening roughly 450 metres wide and underwater fireworks rumbling along the surface on the Shimonoseki bank, plus a salvo of 40 consecutive shaku-dama on the Moji side. Bursts doubled in the water beneath the silhouette of the Kanmon Bridge make a striking frame for photographers. Crowds reach about 800,000 across both banks, so arrive by early evening for a good spot. Paid grandstand seats and food stalls are available. There is no dedicated parking: walk about 20 minutes from JR Shimonoseki Station's east exit, or take a bus via Karato and get off at Sanbyakume. Check the official website for the latest programme details.

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