What to do and see in Chugoku, Chugoku: The Best Seasonal Fireworks

Set in a mountain range unique in all Japan, the Akiyosidai Tourism Matsuri Fireworks feature seemingly endless flurries of fireworks, the explosions echoing through the mountain setting to the delight of the crowds. The show features huge 2-shakudama fireworks, rare in western Japan, and is preceded by a mystical sound & light laser show you just can't miss.

The Onomichi Sumiyoshi Fireworks festival is a traditional event that began in the middle of the Edo period as a prayer for safe passage by sea and success in business. Around 13,000 fireworks are set off from a barge in the Onomichi Channel of the Inland Sea, including bold chrysanthemum and extravagant water-level fireworks, as well as hayauchi (a launch method that involves dropping fireworks into a tube in rapid succession) fireworks. The show is particularly noteworthy for its synchronization with a soaring musical accompaniment. The traditional passage of the mikoshi (portable shrine) over the waters before the fireworks festival is also not to be missed. With the setting of the sun, the mikoshi holding the shintai (object of worship that contains the deity) departs from Sumiyoshi Shrine in a royal boat, crossing the Onomichi Channel flanked by paper lantern boats.

The Miyajima Fireworks festival is held off the coast of the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The display offers around 5,000 fireworks launched in rapid succession, full of intense chrysanthemum bursts and no. 10 (5.5-Inch diameter) shells. This display prominently features water-level fireworks, with around 100 of the 200 no. 10 Shells launched at the water, brightly coloring the horizon and the water surface. The Great Torii rising out of the ocean and main temple building illuminated by the light of the fireworks results in a magical scene that has earned rave reviews from amateur photographers.

In the Tsuyama dialect, the word "gongo" refers to a turtle-like water creature identified elsewhere in Japan as "kappa." Held annually with a theme of "revitalizing the spirit of the river," the "Tsuyama Noryo Gongo Matsuri" is well-known by local people as a hallmark of summer, and is host to festival carts and several events, including stage performances focusing on dance. The finale of the festival is highlighted by a fireworks display known to be one of the largest in the prefecture. In a park along the banks of the Yoshii River, approximately 5,000 fireworks-including star mines, trick fireworks and musical fireworks-are launched, painting the night sky of Tsuyama in vibrant colors.

A display of fireworks functions as the opening event for the "Okayama Momotaro Matsuri" to be held in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. From the banks of Nishinakajima in the Asahi River-wich flows through the center of the city-approximately 5,000 fireworks, with trick fireworks and star mines, are set off to color the night sky. Parades, dances and other events honoring Momotaro spread out from the center of the city, among which one can find the must-see "Uraja dance," an iconic spectacle of summertime with dancers dressed as demons. Visitors should also be sure to catch special park openings and events at Okayama's Koraku-en and Okayama Castle, held concurrently with the annual festival.

The Hiroshima Minato Yume Fireworks festival is a fireworks display with the theme of "dreams" (yume). Noted workshops with awards from well-known competitive fireworks meets have fireworks featured in this event. There will also be water-level fireworks, chrysanthemum bursts, no. 10 Shells (5.5 Inches in diameter) and lovely ceramics fireworks in this diverse display, making for an event full of memorable moments.

The Kure Sea Fireworks festival is held annually on a stage set in Kure Harbor from the beginning of July to the beginning of August, and is popular as a quintessential Kure summer event. Around 4,000 fireworks are launched in the display, with the might of 14 cm (5.5 Inch) shells bursting into giant blossoms across the night sky. During the day of the festival there is an event at the Maritime Self Defense Force base in Kure Harbor with live music and sailing trips open to the public. After the event, the base is opened up for the fireworks display.