One of Kansai’s most spectacular summer nights returns on Thursday, August 6, 2026. The 40th anniversary Biwako Great Fireworks Festival (びわ湖大花火大会) launches approximately 12,000 fireworks over Lake Biwa from 19:30 to 20:30. This year’s theme is “Sengoku Discovery: Shiga & Biwako Summer Battle,” featuring a new two-part program that combines traditional large shells with a drone show, lasers, and music.
The display takes place over the water off Otsu Port in Otsu City, Shiga. Fireworks reflect beautifully on the lake surface, creating the famous “upside-down fireworks” effect that city river shows cannot match. Expect large starmines, 3- to 10-go shells (including the powerful shakudama), and diagonal launches across a wide expanse of water.
Best Way to Get There: Use These Train Stations
We highly recommend people use public transport to attend if they are not within walking distance. The roads around the venue face heavy restrictions with lots or road closures and many parking locations close to discourage people from driving. I don’t even recommend driving near by after 3 in the afternoon as the road will be jammed and traffic slowed to a crawl.
Main stations:
- Keihan Biwako-Hamaotsu Station (びわこ浜大津) Closest option. About a 5-minute walk to the lakeside viewing areas. Convenient if you are coming via Kyoto’s subway (Tozai Line connects through to Keihan).
- JR Otsu Station (大津) on the Biwako Line Roughly a 15-minute walk along the central avenue toward the lake. Easy from Kyoto (about 10–15 minutes on a rapid train) or Osaka (around 30–40 minutes on a new rapid).
- JR Zeze Station (膳所) or Keihan Zeze Station A practical alternative, especially for some eastern viewing zones such as parts of Nagisa Park. Expect about a 15–20 minute walk to the main lakeside areas (slightly longer than from Hamaotsu or Otsu Station depending on your exact ticketed zone). On event day, special express trains may stop here. It can be useful for arrival to avoid the densest crowds at the primary stations, but the return journey is often very congested — many people are directed toward Otsu or Hamaotsu stations instead. Follow staff guidance on the night.
Arrive early. Aim to reach the station by 16:00–17:00 if you want a good free or paid spot. Crowds build quickly after 17:30, and returning trains after the show can be packed.
Viewing Areas and Seated Sections
Most of the best lakeside positions near Otsu Port and Nagisa Park are now ticketed. Areas closer to Zeze station are free.
There are also ticketed open/free-movement zones within Nagisa Park (east and west sides) and other lakeside green spaces. Exact boundaries, entrances, and which areas are fully seated versus open change slightly each year and are controlled with fencing.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Tickets are required for most designated viewing areas. Free zones fill extremely early and can be restricted. Check the official site for current ticket status and maps.
- If you are buying tickets, purchase your return train ticket as soon as you arrive. Ticket machines and windows become extremely crowded right after the finale, and waiting in line in the dark can take a long time.
- Bring cash. Many food stalls and smaller vendors prefer or only accept cash.
- The show runs in light rain but is cancelled in severe weather with no postponement.
- Bring a small mat or towel only if allowed in your specific area (many paid seated zones prohibit large sheets or chairs).
- If you are not rushing back to the train station to beat the crowds, sometimes it is better to find a place to eat and relax as the lines to board the train will be very busy right after the show.
A Local Note from Otsu
Property Management Kyoto is based right here in Otsu on the southern shore of Lake Biwa. We look after vacant homes and akiya across Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kobe. Summer events like the Biwako fireworks are a highlight of living in this region — and also a reminder of why regular property care matters during the humid, stormy months.
If you own a home near the lake or elsewhere in Kansai and want reliable local support while you are away, we are happy to help. Book a free consultation and enjoy the fireworks with peace of mind.