Miyajima Underwater Fireworks

Background

It began in 1973 as an attraction to boost autumn tourism to Miyajima. Launched at sea, it became famous across Japan for its feat of 'underwater fireworks', drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators each year and kicking off Miyajima's tourist rush ahead of the autumn-leaves season. In 2019 it was discontinued because of difficulties ensuring safety, rising costs and staff shortages, to the dismay of fireworks fans nationwide; on 18 October 2025 it was revived after six years as the 'Itsukushima Underwater Fireworks Festival', with about 2,500 shells recreating the classic.

Local customs

• You're watching fireworks in a sacred World Heritage precinct, so solemnity comes first: the direction of the Great Torii is holy ground, so don't be loud
• feeding the wild deer (messengers of the gods) is banned across Miyajima, so take extra care on fireworks night. Many spectators put their palms together and bow towards the Great Torii from a distance. There are many local volunteers — following their directions and taking your rubbish with you are basic. At high tide some coastal paths go under water, so watch the tides and warning signs.

Religion & beliefs

Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan's foremost sites of sea-god worship, and the whole of Miyajima is regarded as a sacred island. Although the fireworks were created to promote tourism, launching them in front of the Great Torii naturally carries a sense of 'offering', and the revived display puts more emphasis on 'reporting the recovery to the gods'. During the event there's a steady stream of worshippers at Itsukushima Shrine, and many spectators pray for safety before or after watching.

Travel tips

• The best viewing spots are around Tsutsumigaura Nature Park and the coast near the Miyajima pier — claim a spot several hours ahead
• some ryokan and cruise boats offer paid viewing packages. The Miyajimaguchi–Miyajima ferry route is extremely crowded on the day, so check the last ferry time in advance (extra sailings are usually added, but still allow plenty of time). Accommodation on the island is highly sought after, so book months ahead. The revived 2025 display was a small-scale format of about 2,500 shells in 30 minutes
• future scale will be as officially announced.

2026 schedule

• [awaiting official announcement] No information on a 2026 display was found online. Verified: the former 'Miyajima Underwater Fireworks Festival' was discontinued in 2019
• on 18 October 2025 it was revived after six years under the new name 'Itsukushima Underwater Fireworks Festival' (source: NTV NEWS NNN, https://topics.smt.docomo.ne.jp/article/ntv_news24/nation/ntv_news24-2025101905122429). It is customarily held in mid-to-late October
• 2026/2027 dates are yet to be announced — check notices from Hatsukaichi City and the official organisers.

Maps & transport notes

• Fireworks are launched 'off Miyajima' (宮島沖)
• for viewing areas search 'Tsutsumigaura Nature Park' (包ヶ浦自然公園, Miyajima-chō, Hatsukaichi) or 'Miyajima Pier' (宮島桟橋). Searching '厳島水中花火大会' on Google Maps can also help.