The 65th Mito Komon Festival
Mito Kairakuen Fireworks Festival: Saturday, July 26
Main Festival: August 2 (Sat), 2025 — 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
August 3 (Sun), 2025 — 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Four Seasons in Mito
The Mito Komon Festival, started in 1961, is named after Tokugawa Mitsukuni, the 2nd feudal lord of the Mito Domain, also known as “Mito Komon.”
At the Mito Kairakuen Fireworks Festival, dazzling fireworks by Nomura Fireworks Industry—winner of the Prime Minister’s Award 21 times—light up the night sky over Mito. During the “Main Festival,” highlights include the “Mito Komon Lantern Parade,” where tradition and innovation come together through the iconic Suifu lanterns; the dynamic “Joint Mikoshi Procession,” featuring numerous portable shrines; and the prefecture’s largest-scale “Parade Float Performance Showcase.”
Mito Kairakuen Fireworks Festival
Introduction of the Fireworks Master
Nomura Fireworks Co., Ltd.
President and Representative Derector Yoichi Nomura
The history of the Mito Kairakuen Fireworks Festival dates back to the late Meiji period, when the inaugural fireworks were launched by Tameju Nomura, the founder of Nomura Fireworks (now Nomura Fireworks Co., Ltd., established in 1845), to celebrate the opening of the marshlands.
Today, the fourth-generation fireworks master, Yoichi Nomura, a native of Mito City, is in charge of the display at this festival. He is recognized as one of Japan’s top-level fireworks artists, active at major fireworks festivals throughout the country. His exceptional skills and craftsmanship have earned him honors such as the title of “Contemporary Master Craftsman,” the “Mito City Cultural Honor Award,” and multiple “Prime Minister’s Awards.”
In particular, his “Music Starmine（Rapid-Fire Bursts）”, which synchronizes fireworks with music, is highly acclaimed for its artistry and creative presentation. Moreover, the uniquely developed blue light, so captivating that it has come to be known as “Nomura Blue,” continues to enchant audiences everywhere. The Mito Kairakuen Fireworks Festival is a signature event of Mito, attracting many visitors from across Japan. It offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the nation’s finest fireworks, which our city takes great pride in, up close.
Mito Kairakuen Fireworks Festival
– Official Program
Opening
Rapid-fire launch, perfectly synchronized with the music.
“We Love Mito-chan!”
Part1
Large-Scale Rapid-Fire Bursts
“Fireworks Galore”
Part2
“Ten Exquisite Size-8 Shells Fireworks”
Part3
Rapid-fire launch, perfectly synchronized with the music.
“The Beautiful World of Ice”
Part4
What Could That Be? – Creative “Character Fireworks”
Part5
Ultra-Large-Scale Rapid-Fire Bursts
“Into the Sparkling World of Stars”
Part6
An Extra-Large Musical Star Mine Featuring 40 Rapid-Fire Size-8 Shells
“Cherished Days”
Finale
An Ultra-Scale Rapid-Fire Bursts, Synchronized with Music
“A Fiery Art Illuminating Senba Lake”
※Some areas are designated as paid viewing seats (with chairs and tables). Please note that only ticket holders are allowed to enter these areas.
※Please also be aware that restricted zones will be established near the fireworks launch site (on the southern shore), and entry into these areas is prohibited.
Main Festival
August 2, 2025 (Sat) 11:00–21:00
August 3, 2025 (Sun) 11:00–20:00
Venue ：National Route 50
Schedule
August 2, 2025 (Sat)
| 時間 | 内容 | 場所 |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00～21:00 | Food & Drink Area | E |
| 11:00～21:00 | Festival Floats Parade | B～H |
| 11:00～21:00 | Events Organized by Local Shopping Districts | A～J |
| 16:00～21:00 | Daikumachi Dance Stage | J |
| 17:00～19:00 | Dance Parade | C～H |
| 19:15～19:30 | Dance Parade Award Ceremony | E |
| 20:00～20:45 | Lantern Parade | H→E |
| 20:45～21:00 | Grand Finale | E |
August 3, 2025 (Sun)
| 時間 | 内容 | 場所 |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00～20:00 | Food & Drink Area | E |
| 11:00～20:00 | Festival Floats Parade | B～H |
| 11:00～20:00 | Events Organized by Local Shopping Districts | A～J |
| 15:00～17:45 | Mikoshi Parade (Portable Shrine Procession) | B～H |
| 15:00～ 16:30～ 19:00～ | Grand Festival Floats Showcase | D F E |
| 15:00～20:00 | Daikumachi Dance Stage | J |
| 17:00～18:00 | Children’s Mikoshi Procession | F→D |
※Please note that event details and times are subject to change due to weather or other circumstances.
Venue map
※English-speaking guides are available at the information booths.
Dance Parade
Each team showcases their unique and vibrant dance! This year, 35 teams with about 2,300 participants will join. They’ll passionately dance to the festival’s original song!
Festival Floats Parade
Lively festival music with drums and flutes fills the venue with excitement! Local professional teams—Mito HollyHock (soccer) and Ibaraki Robots (basketball)—will also join in the celebration
Lantern Parade
This highlight event of the Mito Komon Festival features the Suifu lanterns—traditional crafts of Mito—expressing both tradition and innovation.
Grand Finale
The lantern parade and festival floats gather together, raising the festival’s excitement to the maximum! Yuko Suzuhana, the popular vocalist of the Japanese Wagakki Band, will be performing live! She will liven up the venue with her performance!
Mikoshi Parade (Portable Shrine Procession)
Eleven magnificent mikoshi (portable shrines) from Mito and neighboring areas will come together in a dynamic and energetic parade! Don’t miss the special exhibition of one of Japan’s largest Furusato Mikoshi on special display at the Mito Citizens’ Hall.
Grand Festival Floats Showcase
A must-see highlight: one of the largest festival float showcases in the prefecture, with 11 floats participating.
In the grand finale, all the floats gather in one place, delivering a spectacular close to the Mito Komon Festival. Don’t miss this unforgettable sight!
Children’s Mikoshi Procession
Adorably dressed children carry the mikoshi with all their might, bringing smiles to everyone around.
Heatstroke Prevention
Please take precautions against heatstroke.
Please keep drinking fluids to prevent dehydration.
Please remember to take a rest when needed.
Please move to a shaded or cool area to rest.
Please Protect yourself from the sun with a hat or parasol.