Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival

The Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival is one of the largest fireworks festivals in the Kansai region, held every year around August 8th off the coast of Otsu Port in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. Its biggest feature is that it takes place on Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. Fireworks launched over the lake captivate many spectators with their beauty and power.

The scale of the festival is enormous, attracting about 300,000 to 350,000 visitors every year, making it one of the representative summer events in the Kansai region. About 10,000 fireworks light up the summer night sky and the surface of the lake. By utilizing the vast surface of Lake Biwa, unique performances not seen at other fireworks festivals are possible. Especially, the underwater starmine fireworks, launched on the lake, are a highlight unique to this festival.

The origin of the Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival dates back to the 'Hama-Otsu Fireworks Festival' which began in 1961. This local event was loved by the community, but in 1984, with the World Lake Environment Conference held in Otsu City, it was expanded and reborn as the Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival. Since then, it has been held almost every year on August 8th and has become a summer tradition of the lake region. However, it was canceled for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 due to COVID-19, and revived in 2023 after four years. The 2025 event will be the 39th, and in the past, it has recorded about 350,000 visitors, continuing to grow as a major event representing Kansai.

The Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival is held every year around August 8th. For 2025, it is scheduled for Friday, August 8th, from 19:30 to 20:30. During this one hour, about 10,000 fireworks are launched in rapid succession, captivating the audience.

The main venue for the Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival is the lakeside of Lake Biwa in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, around Otsu Port and the Nagisa Park area. More specifically, the official venue name is 'Shiga Prefectural Otsu Port Offshore Area'.

This area is usually a calm lakeside park and port, but on the day of the festival, it is filled with hundreds of thousands of spectators. Since the prefectural port serves as the venue, it is clear that this fireworks festival is an official and large-scale event for Shiga Prefecture. The scale is so large that it affects the usual port functions and park use, requiring thorough preparation and management.

There are two main fireworks launch sites, each offering different types of performances.

The first launch site is set offshore from Biwako Hall. Here, relatively small-scale fireworks are launched, often used for the opening and finale. The second launch site is about 400 meters offshore from Otsu Port, which serves as the main launch site. This location, set from Otsu Port to near Nionohama, features the largest number and scale of fireworks, providing the festival's highlight performances.

One of the symbolic highlights of the Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival is the 'underwater starmine.' This involves fireworks shells exploding on or near the water's surface, with fan-shaped bursts of light reflecting on the vast surface of Lake Biwa, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Sometimes described as a 'lake surface explosion' rather than a 'sea surface explosion,' this performance is a spectacle unique to the lake.

Because the underwater starmine blooms at a relatively low altitude, watching it from near the lakeshore allows you to feel its power and beauty up close. The art of light unfolding on both the water and the night sky is a magical experience unique to the Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival. The presence of this underwater starmine is a major attraction that sets it apart from many other fireworks festivals.

Another major highlight is the 'wide starmine.' This involves launching fireworks in succession from multiple sites set up on the lake, creating a panoramic view that fills the entire field of vision. This performance, which makes full use of the vast scale of Lake Biwa, gives the audience the sensation of being surrounded by a wall of light.

In particular, the wide starmine, which includes 10-inch shells launched from tubes tilted up to 30 degrees, draws dynamic trails of light across the night sky, leaving a strong impression on viewers. This wide-scale performance is only possible because of the vast space of Lake Biwa and is one of the highlights symbolizing the grandeur of the Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival.

The fun of a fireworks festival is not just the fireworks that light up the night sky. The lively food stalls around the venue and the gourmet food you can enjoy there are also part of the festival's charm.

On the day of the festival, about 50 food stalls will be set up in the area from JR Otsu Station to Keihan Biwako-Hamaotsu Station, JR Zeze Station, and Keihan Zeze Station. The usual business hours are from around 16:00 to 22:00, and you can enjoy classic summer festival foods such as:

• Yakisoba (fried noodles)
• Takoyaki (octopus balls)
• Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes)
• Kakigori (shaved ice)
• Cotton candy
• Beef skewers and kebabs
• Local specialties and craft beer

A special food court is also set up, offering a variety of foods such as hot dogs, crepes, and tapioca drinks. The food stalls get crowded, so it is recommended to buy early. While watching the fireworks is the main activity, you can also enjoy the local atmosphere and relax by the lakeside around the venue.

The event organizers strongly recommend using public transportation to access the venue.Use of public transportation is strongly recommended. On the day of the event, large-scale traffic restrictions will be in place and heavy congestion is expected around the venue, so taking the train is the most realistic and smooth way to get there.

The main access methods are as follows:

• JR Biwako Line (Tokaido Main Line)
  • Otsu Station: About 15 minutes on foot to the venue (Nagisa Park, Otsu Port area). It is one of the main stations used by many visitors.
  • Zeze Station: About 15 minutes on foot to the venue. If Otsu Station is crowded, this station is another option. It is especially convenient when heading to viewing spots near Nionohama.
• Keihan Electric Railway Ishiyama Sakamoto Line / Keishin Line
  • Biwako-Hamaotsu Station: About 5 minutes on foot to the venue, making it the closest station. However, it is also the most crowded.
  • Shimanoseki Station, Ishiba Station: These stations are also within walking distance of the venue and can be used to avoid the crowds at Biwako-Hamaotsu Station.
• JR Kosei Line
  • Otsukyo Station: Convenient for heading to viewing areas such as Ojiyama Sports Park on the north side, about 10 minutes on foot.

Here are some tips to make the most of the Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival:

• Arrive Early: Popular viewing spots fill up quickly, so secure your spot early in the afternoon.
• Use Paid Seats: Various paid seats are available for comfortable viewing. However, they are very popular and many types sell out during the lottery stage, so early action is essential.
  • Ticket site: https://biwakohanabi.tstar.jp/2025
• What to Bring: Insect repellent spray, fan, bottled drinks, snacks, and a leisure sheet for comfort.
• Plan Your Return: To avoid congestion after the event, check train schedules in advance and leave early.
• Heatstroke Prevention: Be prepared for the August heat by staying hydrated and wearing a hat.
• Manners: Take your trash home and avoid entering private property. Be considerate of local residents.

• Q: What happens if it rains?
  A: The event will proceed in light rain, but will be canceled in severe weather. Check the official website for cancellation information.
• Q: Are paid seats necessary?
  A: Paid seats guarantee comfortable viewing, but you can also watch from free areas. However, free areas are crowded.
• Q: Are there recommended viewing spots?
  A: The best and most comfortable views are from the paid seats. Free viewing spots such as Nagisa Park are available, but they are very crowded and require early spot reservation. You can also watch from the opposite shore or from higher ground, but the impact is less.
• Q: Can I use a tripod for photography? Can I use a drone?
  A: Tripods are only allowed for those who purchase a designated 'camera seat.' Use elsewhere is prohibited as it may disturb other spectators. Drone photography is prohibited by law.

The latest information about the Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival can be found on the following official website and related channels.

• Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival
  • https://www.biwako-visitors.jp/hanabi
  • Ticket site: https://www.biwako-visitors.jp/hanabi/fee