Saga · Imari · Autumn Fireworks
The Imari Bay Fireworks is one of the rare big Japanese fireworks shows held in autumn, not summer — and its headline is a single enormous shell: a 3-shaku (90 cm) firework among the largest in the country, fired out over Imari Bay in Saga. The 2025 edition ran on the evening of Saturday, November 22; the 2026 date hasn’t been announced yet. Here’s what makes it worth a November trip, and how to be there when the date lands.
What makes it special
Two things set this show apart. First, the timing: most of Japan’s great fireworks happen in July and August, so a major display in late November — crisp air, dark early evenings — is unusual and a reason in itself. Second, the scale of the centrepiece. The marquee shell is a 3-shaku (about 90 cm across when it bursts), billed as the largest in northern Kyushu and one of the biggest fired anywhere in the country. There’s also a signature spread of colourful “five-direction” fireworks, and because the whole show is launched from the sea, it opens up across the full width of Imari Bay rather than over a single riverbank.
The event in its current form, branded “Cygames Presents Imari Bay Fireworks” after its title sponsor, has run since 2018; 2025 was the eighth edition. Around 8,000 shells go up over the evening — a figure worth treating as a guide rather than gospel, since the organisers headline the 3-shaku and the sea launch rather than a shell count.
Dates: 2025 confirmed, 2026 still to come
The 2025 show was Saturday, November 22, at 19:00, with a rain date of the 23rd. The 2026 date had not been announced at the time of writing — the festival is typically held on a Saturday evening in late November, but don’t lock in travel until the city and the Imari tourism association publish the official date. When they do, the headline detail to watch for is the venue and which wharves open for viewing, because that shifts year to year.
Getting there & watching
The fireworks go up over Imari Bay at Imari Port. The recent shows have used wharves on the bay as the main viewing areas; it’s about 20 minutes by car or taxi from JR Imari Station, or roughly 15 minutes from the Taniguchi IC on the West-Kyushu Expressway. Venue parking has run to a couple of thousand spaces but fills early and some lots are by lottery, so arrive well before dark, or use the festival’s shuttle arrangements when they’re announced. Dress warm — it’s November by the sea.
Good to know
When is the Imari Bay Fireworks in 2026?
Not yet announced. The festival is held on a Saturday evening in late November; the 2025 edition was November 22 at 19:00. Check the Imari city and tourism association pages for the official 2026 date before booking.
What’s the big deal about it?
It’s a rare large autumn fireworks show, and its centrepiece is a 3-shaku shell (about 90 cm across) — among Japan’s largest — fired over Imari Bay from the sea, along with colourful five-direction fireworks. Around 8,000 shells go up over the evening.
Where do you watch from?
From viewing areas on the wharves around Imari Port, on Imari Bay. The exact venues and which lots open are set each year, so confirm with the official announcement.
How do I get there?
About 20 minutes by car or taxi from JR Imari Station, or roughly 15 minutes from the Taniguchi IC. Parking exists but fills early and can be by lottery — arrive well before the 19:00 start, and dress for a cold seaside evening.
What else is on nearby in November?
The Nabeshima Autumn Festival at the Okawachiyama kiln village (November 1–5) and the porcelain shops of Imari and Arita — easy daytime pairings for a fireworks weekend.
Imari Ware Explained
Japan’s first porcelain, the Imari/Arita names, and where to see it.
Imari Shrine
The vermilion gate, the sweets god and Imari’s fighting festival.
Arita Sera
22 porcelain shops on one hill — the daytime half of the trip.
Getting to Imari & Arita
Trains and car routes into Saga’s pottery country.
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