When it comes to summer events in Kamakura, the Kamakura Fireworks Festival is one of the most iconic. Fireworks launched against the unique scenery of Kamakura, surrounded by both the sea and mountains, have a charm that sets them apart from other fireworks festivals.
The 2026 Kamakura Fireworks Festival is scheduled to be held on Friday, July 10, 2026. The event will take place from 7:20 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. at Yuigahama Beach and Zaimokuza Beach along the Kamakura coastline. Approximately 2,500 fireworks are planned, and the previous event in 2024 attracted around 160,000 visitors. The festival is organized by the Kamakura Fireworks Festival Executive Committee and the Kamakura City Tourist Association.
Date and Time: Friday, July 10, 2026, from 7:20 p.m. to 8:10 p.m.
Location: Yuigahama Beach and Zaimokuza Beach, Kamakura Coast
The Kamakura Fireworks Festival is a historic event that began in 1948. The 2026 festival will mark its 78th edition, and it has long been loved as one of Kamakura’s summer traditions.
Last year, the festival unfortunately had to be canceled due to wave conditions. We sincerely hope that it will be held successfully this year.
The Appeal of the Kamakura Fireworks Festival: Where the Sea and Town Come Together
The appeal of the Kamakura Fireworks Festival is not simply the number of fireworks. Set against the beautiful beaches of Yuigahama and Zaimokuza, the fireworks bloom over the sea, with the lights of Kamakura town spreading out in the background.
During the day, you can explore popular sightseeing spots such as Hasedera Temple, the Great Buddha of Kamakura, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and Komachi Street. Then, in the evening, you can head toward the beach. This festival is a wonderful way to end a day of sightseeing in Kamakura.
The Yuigahama and Zaimokuza areas are especially attractive because of their open seaside atmosphere. You can enjoy the fireworks while feeling the summer evening breeze. It is a perfect experience for couples, families, and groups of friends, as it combines Kamakura’s historic charm with a relaxed seaside resort atmosphere.
The Famous “Underwater Fireworks”
One of the highlights of the Kamakura Fireworks Festival is its famous “underwater fireworks.”
Underwater fireworks are launched by placing fireworks shells into the sea from boats, where they explode near the surface of the water in a semicircular shape. While regular fireworks spread high across the night sky, underwater fireworks open beautifully over the sea like a fan. Because the light spreads across both the sky and the water, it creates a spectacular view that can only be enjoyed at a seaside fireworks festival like Kamakura’s.
According to the Kamakura City Tourist Association, the current style of underwater fireworks began around 1968. It is a special performance that requires the skill of fireworks professionals, who must carefully consider the waves and currents.
The true charm of the Kamakura Fireworks Festival is not only its brilliance, but also the quiet beauty of the fireworks spreading across the sea, the atmosphere of Kamakura at night, and the cheers of the audience in that unforgettable moment.
Recommended Viewing Areas
The main viewing areas are Yuigahama Beach and Zaimokuza Beach. Fireworks can be enjoyed from both locations, but the atmosphere and view are slightly different.
Yuigahama Beach is easy to access from Kamakura Station and the Hase area, making it a convenient choice for visitors who are sightseeing before the festival. There are also many restaurants and cafes nearby, so it is a good area for those who want to enjoy a meal before or after the fireworks.
Zaimokuza Beach has a slightly calmer atmosphere compared with Yuigahama. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy the fireworks in a more relaxed setting while experiencing Kamakura’s local seaside charm.
However, both beaches become very crowded on the day of the festival. If you want to secure a good viewing spot, it is best to arrive early. From the evening onward, not only the beaches but also Kamakura Station, Wakamiya Oji, Hase, and the Zaimokuza area tend to become crowded.
Please also pay attention to the wind direction on the day. If you are sitting downwind, smoke may drift toward you and make it difficult to see the fireworks clearly.
Public Transportation Is Recommended
On the day of the Kamakura Fireworks Festival, coming by car is not recommended. In past years, traffic restrictions have been implemented mainly around Kamakura Station and Wakamiya Oji, and the Yuigahama, Zaimokuza, and Hase areas became especially crowded. In some cases, cars parked in areas along restricted roads may not be able to leave for a while, so using public transportation is the safest option.
The nearest stations include JR and Enoden Kamakura Station, as well as Enoden Wadazuka Station, Yuigahama Station, and Hase Station. If you are heading toward Yuigahama, walking from Yuigahama Station or Hase Station on the Enoden Line is also convenient.
After the fireworks, however, the area around the stations becomes extremely crowded. If you try to leave immediately, you may have to wait a long time on the way to the station or at the platform. To avoid the rush, it is a good idea to wait a little before moving, have dinner nearby, or stay overnight and enjoy Kamakura at a slower pace the next morning.
Check Official Announcements for Paid Seating
Information about paid seating for the 2026 festival will be announced later on the official website of the Kamakura City Tourist Association and other official channels. The official page also states that details will be provided on the website as they become available.
For reference, in 2025, paid reserved chair seats were available on the Yuigahama Beach side. On the Zaimokuza Beach side, there were also beach sheet seats offered through crowdfunding.
The 2026 festival may not follow the exact same format, but if you would like to enjoy the fireworks comfortably without finding a spot on your own, or if you are visiting with small children or coming from far away, it is a good idea to check paid seating information early.
Staying Overnight Is Recommended on the Day of the Festival
If you want to enjoy the Kamakura Fireworks Festival at a relaxed pace, staying overnight is highly recommended. On the day of the festival, Kamakura Station and the beach areas become crowded from the evening into the night. After the fireworks, returning home by train right away can be tiring because of the crowded streets and station platforms.
By staying in Kamakura, you can enjoy the lingering atmosphere of the fireworks and return to your accommodation at your own pace. The next morning, you can take a quiet walk by the sea, visit Hasedera Temple or the Great Buddha, enjoy breakfast, and experience more of Kamakura beyond the fireworks festival.
Staying in the Hase, Yuigahama, or Sakanoshita area is especially convenient because the beach is within walking distance. Being able to enjoy sightseeing without using a car is one of the great advantages of staying in Kamakura.
Important Notes for the Day
Because the Kamakura Fireworks Festival is held over the sea, it may be canceled not only due to rain, but also because of high waves, strong winds, or other sea conditions. The 2025 festival was canceled because high waves and strong winds made it difficult for the fireworks launch barge to operate safely.
For this reason, be sure to check the official website for the latest event status on the day. Also, the seaside can feel windy at night, so it is a good idea to bring a picnic sheet, a light jacket, drinks, and comfortable walking shoes.
Please take your trash home with you, avoid making loud noise in residential areas, and do not park illegally on the streets. Kamakura is not only a tourist destination, but also a town where many people live. Enjoying the festival with consideration for the local community will help make your Kamakura trip even more memorable.
Summary
The 2026 Kamakura Fireworks Festival is scheduled to be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 7:20 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. at Yuigahama Beach and Zaimokuza Beach. It is a historic summer tradition in Kamakura, offering beautiful fireworks over the sea and night sky, including the festival’s famous underwater fireworks.
Spend the day sightseeing in Kamakura, enjoy fireworks by the beach at night, and take a peaceful walk through Kamakura the next morning. By making it a one-night, two-day trip, you can enjoy the festival in a much more relaxed and memorable way.
Why not spend a special summer night by the sea in Kamakura in 2026?