Sakata Firework Festival
A Hidden Gem Among Japan's Famous Firework Festivals
The world-class displays of Japan’s summer firework festivals have become both common knowledge and a highly sought after experience for tourists around the world. Many of these festivals now require extensive planning and ticket bookings up to one year in advance, yet there are still major firework festivals that remain undiscovered by the recent surge of tourists.
One of the best undiscovered festivals is 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 for the 2025 festival will only be on sale from March 17th to July 31st. This year the Sakata Firework festival is on September 13th.
To reserve tickets, please use the form below to submit your request to us!
Those in Yamagata (or indeed, Japan) during the month of September will certainly wish to pay this festival a visit. 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
2025: Saturday September 13th, entry from 3:30pm. Fireworks start at 7:00 pm.
Average Duration
1 hour 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 7:00 pm, we advise all attendees to be in their seats by 6:30 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 pink coded seats (A1) and the yellow coded seats (C2) in the picture above.
These offer an incredible view of the festival and if you are visiting from abroad, it is really the best option.
Sakata Firework Festival and Overnight Tour Package
We offer an overnight tour package which includes seating in the “chair and table” section class seats (the seating marked in pink on the left hand side 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.
Option One: Chair and Table Seating
Price: From ¥60,000 for 2 people.
Inclusions:
-“Chair and table” class seats at the Sakata Firework Festival in zone A1.
-Hotel stay near Sakata station, just a ten minute drive via shuttle bus to the festival. The shuttle schedule will be released closer to the date.
-Breakfast including in the hotel stay.
-Online chat support and help planning your visit to Sakata for the festival.
Exclusions:
-Transportation to and from Sakata city.
-Transportation to and from the festival itself.
-Lunch and dinner.
Option Two: Picnic Seating
Price: From ¥150,000 for 6 people.
Inclusions:
-“Masu” class seats at the Sakata Firework Festival in zone C2.
-Hotel stay near Sakata station, just a ten minute drive via shuttle bus to the festival. The shuttle schedule will be released closer to the date.
-Breakfast including in the hotel stay.
-Online chat support and help planning your visit to Sakata for the festival.
Exclusions:
-Transportation to and from Sakata city.
-Transportation to and from the festival itself.
-Lunch and 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 Firework Festival 2025 tickets
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.
