Fireworks Aren’t Over in Hokkaido! 3 Autumn Festivals You Can Still Catch in 2025

🎇 Introduction: Why Autumn Fireworks in Hokkaido Still Matter

If you think Japan’s fireworks season ends in August, think again—especially in Hokkaido. Known for its wide skies, crisp early-autumn nights, and open public spaces, Hokkaido continues the hanabi (fireworks) tradition well into September.

While most regions wrap up by mid-August, Hokkaido’s unique climate and culture allow for late-season displays that are less crowded, easier to access, and just as visually stunning. This article introduces three verified fireworks festivals taking place after August 27, 2025, all offering strong transport options and impressive shows.

🎆 1. Hokkaido Artistic Fireworks – Moerenuma Park, Sapporo

• Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
• Time: 19:15 to 20:15 (one full hour)
• Venue: Moerenuma Park, Sapporo (Higashi Ward)
• Ticket Info: Required; reserved lawn and premium seating available
• Atmosphere: Artistic, immersive, choreographed to music and terrain

Held in one of Japan’s most unique public parks, this event is not just a fireworks show—it’s a form of land art. Designed by renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, Moerenuma Park becomes a canvas for synchronised sound, color, and pyrotechnics. Attendees often describe the event as “like watching fireworks inside a modern art museum—except you’re outdoors, under the stars.”

🚉 Access Details:

• Take the Sapporo Subway’s Tōhō Line to Kanjō-dōri Higashi Station
• Transfer to the Chūō Bus (routes Higashi 69 or 79)
• Get off at Moerenuma Park East Entrance
• Walk about 10 minutes to reach the main viewing area

There are also shuttle services and designated parking packs for those coming by car, but public transportation is strongly recommended due to limited space and efficient local service during the event.

🎆 2. Kushiro Tairyo Donpaku Fireworks Festival – Kushiro City

• Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
• Time: 19:00 to 19:50
• Venue: Kushiro Port Area, near Saiwai-cho Green Space
• Admission: Free
• Atmosphere: Festival-style, relaxed harbor vibe, big explosions

Located in eastern Hokkaido, this event is part of a citywide food and culture festival called “Donpaku,” which stands for Don (sound of fireworks) + Paku (sound of eating). Alongside the fireworks show, visitors can enjoy street food stalls, local beer, and music performances.

One of the main attractions is a three-shakudama firework shell—a rare, massive type that bursts into a 600-meter-diameter bloom in the sky. Few shows in Japan use this size.

🚉 Access Details:

• Take the JR Nemuro Main Line to Kushiro Station
• From there, walk approximately 15 minutes south toward the port area
• The venue is flat, open, and surrounded by restaurants and cafés

Locals recommend arriving early for dinner and staying nearby if you want to avoid evening train crowds. Hotels in Kushiro often offer viewing packages.

🎆 3. HBA Autumn Fireworks Night – Sapporo Dome Area

• Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025
• Time: Approx. 19:30 start (unofficial estimate)
• Venue: Around Sapporo Dome, Toyohira Ward
• Admission: Free or partially restricted depending on final site
• Atmosphere: Urban and dynamic

Organized as an autumn version of the city’s well-known summer event, this show offers an easy, walkable experience. It may include music, stadium lighting, and potential collaborations with local artists or broadcasters.

🚉 Access Details:

• Take the Subway Tōhō Line to Fukuzumi Station
• Walk 10 minutes to the Sapporo Dome area
• Look for open parks and rooftops nearby if not entering the dome grounds

Public transport is highly recommended, as road access may be limited during the event. Many locals bring picnic gear and arrive early in the afternoon to enjoy food trucks and ambient music.

🧭 Which Festival Is Right for You?

Each event has a distinct personality—choose based on the vibe you’re looking for, or build a weekend trip around multiple destinations.

🎐 Why Fireworks (Hanabi) Still Matter in Autumn

In Japan, fireworks are not just entertainment—they’re symbolic. The fleeting beauty of a firework is often compared to cherry blossoms, a metaphor for life’s impermanence. This connection remains strong even when the season shifts from summer to fall.

In Hokkaido, the transition is particularly meaningful. The cooler air, longer nights, and open skies make autumn hanabi shows feel more reflective and emotional. You’ll notice fewer tourists, more locals, and a quieter sense of community awe.

🧾 What to Bring and Know Before You Go

Even if you’re used to summer festivals, fall events in Hokkaido come with their own rhythm. Here’s how to prepare:

✅ Essentials to Pack

• Warm layers: Evenings in September can dip below 15°C (60°F)
• Portable seating: A mat or foldable chair is essential for grass or concrete seating
• Snacks and drinks: Convenience stores near venues often sell out early
• Portable trash bag: Public bins are rare—carry your trash home
• Flashlight or phone light: Some parks get very dark after the show

🚫 Things to Avoid

• Don’t block others’ view with umbrellas or large items
• Don’t leave early by car—you’ll likely get stuck. Public transit is best
• Don’t ignore signs or announcements—Japanese events are very organized, but follow crowd control guidelines carefully
• Don’t assume there’s food on-site—especially in smaller or art-focused shows

💡 Pro Traveler Tips

• Arrive Early: 2–3 hours ahead ensures good seating, especially in Sapporo
• Stay Nearby: If attending Kushiro’s Donpaku, book a hotel within walking distance
• Respect Local Customs: Watch, listen, and follow how locals behave—this will enhance your own experience
• Practice a Japanese phrase: “Koko kara hanabi ga mie-masu ka?”
  (Can I see the fireworks from here?)

🌌 Final Thoughts: Catch the Spark Before It Fades

Autumn in Hokkaido is already magical—with harvest foods, clear skies, and colorful foliage. But when that sky is lit with a hundred blooms of light and color, the experience becomes unforgettable.

Whether you’re standing on a port in Kushiro, seated on grass at Moerenuma Park, or leaning on a rail near Sapporo Dome, these shows offer more than light—they offer reflection, connection, and wonder.

Don’t let the calendar fool you—summer may be over, but the fireworks aren’t.

✅ Summary of Events

🔗 Source Attribution

• Domingo – Hokkaido Artistic Fireworks
  → Hokkaido Artistic Fireworks 2025 – Domingo
• Iwafu – Event Access and Info
  → Iwafu Event Details – Kushiro, Moerenuma
• Visit Hokkaido – Autumn Fireworks Guide
  → Visit Hokkaido – Fireworks in Autumn