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Dating back to 1961, Mito Komon Festival in Mito City, attracting thousands of tourists every summer, is definitely not an event to be missed if you are in Japan during that period.

Today, it includes two main events: the Mito Kairakuen Fireworks Festival on the last Saturday of July (July 27) and the main festival on the first weekend of August.

The Mito Kairakuen Fireworks Festival, one of the most spectacular in Japan, will be launched over Lake Senba, providing spectators with a stunning view as 5000 fireworks are reflected in the lake’s water.

Dating back to the early 20th century, this show was organized and has always been directed by the Nomura family, Japan`s top fireworks masters, who have won numerous awards in various national firework competitions including 21 Prime Minister`s Awards. Their shows are especially known for the excellent synchronization of the uniquely designed fireworks with music—it is truly a must-see!

You can also enjoy Japanese festival atmosphere through various food stalls serving classic matsuri treats such as or shaved ice. There are also different stands around the lake which offer fun activities and many attendees also wear a yukata for the occasion.

The Main Festival will be held over the first weekend in August (August 3-4) on the National Route 50 between Mito Station’s North Exit and Daiku-machi intersection.

On Saturday (August 3), in addition to mikoshi (portable shrine) processions and various floats showcasing traditional performances, more than 2500 traditional dancers will compete in the “Mito Komon Carnival”. There is also the “Mito Komon Paper Lantern Parade” where you can witness the sublime culmination of tradition and innovation in the art of paper lanterns, one of Mito’s local crafts.

Make sure you stay to see the climax of this parade which takes place at 20:45 when the floats, mikoshi and paper lantern processions all gather at Minami-machi 3-chome intersection.

On Sunday (August 4), 500 people will work together to carry one of the grandest mikoshi in Japan (which is a staggering 4 meters tall) as part of the “Mito Furusato Mikoshi Procession”. In addition, the various floats will all gather at the Minami-machi 3-chome intersection at 19:00 in a bustling grand finale.

You can not only watch the events, but also carry the mikoshi during the “Mito Furusato Mikoshi Procession” or a paper lantern during the “Mito Komon Paper Lantern Parade”. To register for the event, please visit the Mito Komon Festival official website (link below).

Dates:

Mito Kairakuen Fireworks Festival:

July 27, 2024, 19:30-20:30

Mito Komon Festival, main events:

August 3, 2024, 11:00-21:00

August 4, 2024, 11:00-20:00

Locations:

Mito Kairakuen Fireworks Festival：

Lake Senba, Mito

Mito Komon Festival, main events:

National Route 50, Mito (between Mito Station North Exit and Daiku-machi intersection)

Fees:

Free of charge

About Mito Kairakuen Fireworks Festival:

https://mitokoumon.com/koumon/hanabi.html (Japanese)

About Mito Komon Festival, Main Events:

https://mitokoumon.com/koumon/honsai.html (Japanese)