On the evening of Friday, August 8, 2025, the 70th Ibaraki Benten Fireworks Festival will light up the skies in Ibaraki City, located in the Hokusetsu region of Osaka. Featuring approximately 3,000 fireworks launched in just 60 minutes, this free-to-watch event draws fans from both nearby and afar. Set in the sacred grounds of the Benten-shu religion, the display includes fireworks shaped like the sect’s crest and a dazzling golden-and-silver starmine finale—creating a spiritual and artistic experience you can’t find anywhere else. This article provides essential information for international travelers, covering access, history, highlights, and helpful tips in both English and Japanese.
1. What Is the Ibaraki Benten Fireworks Festival?
Held at the main temple of Benten-shu, Myououji in Ibaraki City, this fireworks festival is rare in that it takes place within the grounds of a religious site. Rooted in centuries of worship of Benzaiten, a goddess of fortune and music, the event has evolved since the Edo period into a local summer tradition that promotes community and tourism. It's considered a hidden gem among Japan’s many summer fireworks events.
What sets this festival apart isn’t the size of the fireworks, but the ambiance—where sacred rituals and colorful pyrotechnics coexist. The peaceful temple setting creates a serene contrast to the vivid fireworks, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the depth of Japanese culture.
(Source:https://citylife-new.com/newspost/34232/)
2. Basic Information
- Date & Time: Friday, August 8, 2025, from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Venue: Myououji Temple, Benten-shu Headquarters, 7-41 Nishihosomi-cho, Ibaraki City, Osaka
Google Mpas: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eBwxjZ1CfYpPCMrZ6 - Rain Policy: Light rain – held as scheduled; severe weather – canceled with no postponement
- Number of Fireworks: Approx. 3,000
- Estimated Attendance: Around 15,000 people (2023 figures)
- Official Website: Updates will be available on the Benten-shu official site and dedicated event page
https://ibaraki-bentenhanabi.com/index.html
In recent years, English signage and social media information have made the event more accessible to international visitors.
3. Highlights & Features
- Original fireworks shaped like the Benten-shu crest (a bellflower)
- The finale features a showering starmine of gold and silver
- Themed starmine displays with narrative-style storytelling
- A one-of-a-kind fusion of religious rituals and local culture
- The tranquil temple setting enhances the sensory focus on fireworks
The grand finale draws cheers and applause in perfect harmony—a powerful moment unique to this sacred location.
4. History & Origins
The event dates back over a thousand years to rituals for Benzaiten. During the Edo period, it became a summertime community celebration. After World War II, the festival was revived through cooperation between locals and the religious community. It continued through 2019 and was fully revived in 2023 after the pandemic.
Benten-shu represents a rare fusion of Buddhist and Shinto beliefs. Integrating fireworks into religious rites embodies the uniquely syncretic spirit of Japanese culture.
5. Access Information
Nearest Station & Route
- About a 20–30 minute walk from JR Kyoto Line’s Ibaraki Station (South Exit)
- Shuttle buses available (last bus departs around 4:40 PM in 2024)
- Early travel is recommended due to limited shuttle capacity
Traffic Restrictions & Crowds
- Road closures from around 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Peak congestion expected between 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM
- Public transportation is strongly advised—avoid driving
Tips for Returning Home
- Consider exiting early via the north gate for a smoother departure
- Spectators from Takatsuki can head home from their balconies
- To avoid the crowds, watching from a distance is also an option
6. How to Enjoy the Festival
To make the most of your experience, prepare ahead. Unlike many Japanese fireworks festivals, there are no food stalls, so bring your own meals and drinks. Convenience stores and supermarkets are available nearby, but they can get crowded in the evening.
Recommended Attire
Light, breathable summer clothing or yukata
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light jacket for cooler evenings
What to Bring
- Picnic blanket
- Food and drinks
- Insect repellent
- Trash bags
- Portable phone charger
- Fan or handheld cooling device
7. Etiquette & Safety Tips
As the event is held at a religious site, visitors are expected to behave respectfully. Please be considerate of other spectators and local residents. Absolutely avoid littering or entering restricted areas.
Etiquette
- Take your trash home
- Be mindful when taking photos
- Smoke only in designated areas
Crowded Times & Areas
- Busiest from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM
- The front of the temple grounds is especially crowded
- Arriving around 2:00 PM is ideal for securing a good viewing spot
During Congestion
- Don’t block walkways
- Pre-charge your IC card (e.g., Suica, ICOCA)
- Check your return route in advance
Other Reminders
- Pets and drones are prohibited
- Check social media updates in case of bad weather
- Families with small children may want to bring earplugs or earmuffs
8. Nearby Attractions
- Benten-shu Myououji Temple: Historic buildings and a memorial for miscarried children
- Kamihosomi Park & Koriyama Park: Peaceful green areas that also serve as viewing spots
- Aeon Town Ibaraki-Ota, Al Plaza Ibaraki: Rooftop views of the fireworks
Takatsuki Area: Great for distant viewing or shopping
- Kawabata Yasunari Literature Museum: A must for fans of Japanese literature
Saito-Nishi Area: A pleasant mix of nature and modern residential charm
In Conclusion
The 70th Ibaraki Benten Fireworks Festival offers a deeply spiritual and uniquely Japanese summer experience. With around 3,000 fireworks lighting up the sky in a sacred setting, it's an unforgettable event for international travelers.
It’s free to attend and easy to access, and with a little preparation and mindfulness, you’ll enjoy one of the best memories of your trip. Blending history, culture, and awe-inspiring visuals, this festival is sure to become a highlight of your journey to Japan.
Make sure to include a night under the Ibaraki sky in your 2025 travel plans!
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