The Biwako Hanabi is one of Japan's most celebrated fireworks festivals, held annually in August on the shores of Lake Biwa in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. More than 10,000 shells are launched from barges on the lake, creating breathtaking reflections across the vast expanse of water. The festival attracts around 350,000 spectators who line the lakeshore and fill specially ticketed grandstand areas for premium views. The combination of the enormous lake backdrop and the sheer scale of the pyrotechnics makes this an unmissable summer event in the Kansai calendar.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Fireworks
- Season
- Summer
- Month
- August
- Region
- Kansai
- Prefecture
- Shiga
- City
- Otsu
Highlights
- ◆Over 10,000 fireworks launched from barges on Lake Biwa
- ◆Stunning reflections across Japan's largest lake
- ◆Grandstand seating available for premium viewing
- ◆Attracts approximately 350,000 visitors each year
- ◆Vibrant festival food stalls and yukata-clad crowds