Events

Hikone and Kita-Biwako Summer Fireworks Festival (彦根・北びわ湖夏花火大会) The Hikone and Kita-Biwako Summer Fireworks Festival is a beloved annual event held on the northern shores of Lake Biwa, particularly at Matsubara Swimming Beach in Hikone City. It blends the scenic beauty of the lake with a vibrant fireworks display, creating a magical atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. Nagahama and Kita-Biwako Great Fireworks Festival (長浜・北びわ湖大花火大会) The Nagahama and Kita-Biwako Great Fireworks Festival is a multi-day event held in early September that showcases one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks displays in the region. The festival’s location at Nagahama Port allows for expansive views of Lake Biwa illuminated by thousands

History of the Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival (びわ湖大花火大会) The Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival, held annually in Ōtsu City, Shiga Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most iconic and spectacular summer events. With a tradition dating back over a century, it showcases a breathtaking display of artistry and community spirit around Japan’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa. Origins and Early History The festival began in 1899 as a small local event meant to honor those lost at sea and to pray for safety and good fortune. Fireworks were launched over the waters of Lake Biwa as a symbolic gesture of remembrance and celebration. Over the years, the event grew steadily in scale