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Sakata Firework Festival

A Hidden Gem Among Japan's Famous Firework Festivals

Japan’s world-class displays of its firework festivals in the summer have become both common knowledge and a highly sought after experience for tourists around the world.  Many festivals now require extensive planning and ticket bookings up to one year in advance.  Yet there are still major firework festivals that are still remain undiscovered by the recent surge of tourists.

One of the prime examples of these are the Sakata Firework Festival in Sakata City.
With little to no promotion towards tourists, this relatively new firework festival stands as a rare hidden gem that had almost zero tourists during the 2023 festival.  For those still looking to see one of Japan’s finest displays of firework festivals this summer, the Sakata Firework Festival is great opportunity that features a wide launch platform and massive fireworks that fill the entire night sky with dazzling lights synched with a variety of songs.

Note that tickets will go on sale from June 1st for the 2024 festival.
The 2024 Sakata Firework Festival will take place on August 3rd 2024.
See our signup form below for ticket reservations.

Those in Yamagata during the month of August will certainly wish to pay this festival a visit and it is even worth a special journey from Tokyo or other parts of Japan. Note that hotels and trains during this festival will be stretched to their limits and advanced planning is a must. 

The Hidden Japan is a travel company based in Sakata City and is also part of the organizing committee for this festival. 
This represents part of our efforts to support our hometown and we are focused on increasing the ratio of international guests to this festival.

Quick Info

Cost

All seating for the Sakata Firework Festival is reserved seating. See below for costs.

Event time

2024: Saturday August 3rd, entry from 3:30pm. Fireworks start as 7:30 pm.

Average Duration

2-3 hours total

Address

The viewing location is along the river trail of the Mogami River, here is the approximate address.  
Tsutsumicho, Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture 998-0835

How to get tickets to the Sakata Firework Festival

You will need a ticket to view the fireworks from the designated viewing area. While the fireworks festival starts at 7:30 pm, we advise all attendees to be in their seats by 7:00 pm at the latest. Entry is from 3:30pm.

We recommend you organize your lodgings before you purchase tickets.

Area prices vary depending on location. The Hidden Japan is able to provide tickets for the yellow “masu” seats in the picture above. 
These offer the best view of the festival and if you are visiting from abroad, its really the best option. 

Seating for these seats are 6,000 yen per person.  

Sakata Firework Festival and Overnight Tour Package

We offer an overnight tour package which includes seating in the “Masu” section class seats (the seating marked in yellow in the center of the map) with a stay at one of the hotels in the downtown area. These packages are designed for groups of 2-4 people but we can also accept single travelers if they are willing to pay for a higher price to stay in the hotel rooms alone. 

Price: From 50,000 yen for 2 people. 

Inclusions: 
-Center stage “Masu” class seats at the Sakata Firework Festival.
-Hotel stay in central Sakata within walking distance of the festival.
-Breakfast including in the hotel stay.
-Online chat support and help planning your visit to Sakata for the festival.

Exclusions:
-Transportation to or from Sakata City 
-Lunch or dinner.

Please message us in the form below and specify “tour package” and we will get in touch with you by email directly to process your request.  Our company is based in Sakata City and can also help you plan out your visit to this festival.

For those looking to spend a longer amount of time here in Sakata enjoying the port city and local culture, see our 3 day tour package here.  

Inquire about Sakata fireworks festival tickets 2024

You can send a inquiry about Sakata fireworks festival tickets below. After we receive your inquiry, we will confirm the booking with our partners and send you a booking confirmation email at least 3 days before your desired date.
Please note this form does not confirm the availability of tickets or reserves tickets straightaway.