The Western District Summer Fireworks Festival 2023: A sparkling festival of lights that colors the summer night sky in Yokosuka City. Known for its breathtaking fireworks reflecting in the bay, the Western District Summer Fireworks Festival captures the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Held annually at the Ground Self-Defense Force Takeyama Garrison, this fireworks festival is a cherished summer tradition in Yokosuka.

Date: August 26, 2023 (Saturday)
Location: Takeyama Garrison, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
(Takeyama Garrison, part of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force, located in Yokosuka City.)

Yokosuka City Western District Summer Fireworks Festival 2023

The grand finale of Yokosuka City’s Western District Summer Fireworks Festival, a rapid succession of star mines, is a sight of breathtaking beauty. In that moment, the sky is painted with various colors and shapes, filled with energy that strikes the hearts of spectators. With unique Japanese Bon Odori dances and other events, it’s the perfect opportunity to create summer memories with family and friends.

The Western District Summer Fireworks Festival also features traditional Japanese “Bon Odori” dances. These summer events symbolize Yokosuka’s culture and community, bringing people together.

Why not join this special night this year and experience the charm of Japanese summer in Yokosuka to the fullest?

What is Bon Odori (盆踊り/ぼんおどり)?

Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese dance performed during the Obon season to welcome the spirits of ancestors. With different music and dance styles in each region, participants dance in a circle. This dance is an important cultural event that honors ancestors and strengthens community bonds.

The Meaning of Fireworks in Japanese Summer Festivals

Fireworks in Japanese summer festivals, a tradition since the Edo period, were originally meant to ward off evil spirits. Fireworks are also said to make people forget the summer heat and feel cool. They bring people together and deepen community bonds. The beautiful fireworks coloring the night sky symbolize the transience of life, providing a cultural symbol that resonates with people.

Event Information

Date: August 26, 2023 (Saturday)
Bon Odori and other events: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Fireworks launch time: 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Ground Self-Defense Force Takeyama Garrison
Contact: Yokosuka City West Administrative Center
TEL: 046-856-3157

Check the Yokosuka City Call Center WEB site or call 046-822-2500 (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM) for event status.

Follow “Yokosuka City Call Center” on X (Twitter) for various event information.
Co-hosts: Yokosuka City Western District Summer Fireworks Festival Executive Committee, Takeyama 3 Self-Defense Force
Supporters: Yokosuka City

Access Information

• From Keikyu Misakiguchi Station, take the bus to “Yokosuka Station” or “Yokosuka Municipal Hospital” (approx. 15 minutes), get off at the “Hayashi” bus stop.
• From JR Yokosuka Station, take the bus to Nagai/Misaki direction “Misakiguchi” or “Nagai” (approx. 35 minutes), get off at the “Hayashi” bus stop.

Note: No parking available, please use public transportation.

Recommended Spots in the Yokosuka West Area

SUKANAGOSSO

SUKANAGOSSO is a farmers market in which about 400 producers registered with JA Yokosuka Hayama directly sell in-season vegetables and other agricultural products that they have carefully grown.

Address: 1-15-15 Nagai, Yokosuka, Kanagawa

Tenjin-jima Marine Biological Garden

This natural environment features a wide variety of beach plants and coastal wildlife all around, as it is one of very few natural coastal areas left on the Miura Peninsula.

Address: 1-15-15 Nagai, Yokosuka, Kanagawa