Awaji Island Kein Matsubara Fireworks Viewing Cruise Departs July 25th: See 3,000 Musical Fireworks Up Close from the Sea, Round Trip from Fukura Port

Japan's summer fireworks are the most anticipated and the most challenging in terms of securing good viewing spots, transportation, and crowd management. The event held on July 25, 202644th Awaji City Keino Matsubara Fireworks Festival Viewing Cruiseprovide another travel-oriented option: take the Senrin Maru, a sailing-style sightseeing boat, from Fukura Port in Awaji Island to the outer sea of Keino Matsubara, and enjoy approximately 3,000 fireworks synchronized with music up close on the sea.

This trip departs at sunset, allowing you to enjoy about 45 minutes of fireworks around 8:00 PM, and returns to Fukura Port at 10:00 PM. For Taiwanese travelers, the appeal isn't just the broader view, but the ability to experience Awaji Island's sunset, a night cruise, and fireworks all in one go, while also saving you the hassle of securing a spot at a land-based event for an extended period. If you've already arranged accommodation on Awaji Island, this would be a very complete main summer itinerary for one evening.

Watching the Keiya Matsubara fireworks from the sea offers a different perspective and sense of presence.

The viewing cruise will approach the barge area where fireworks are launched at sea, offering a view with fewer obstructions than from shore, all within a safe distance. Approximately 3,000 fireworks will be launched in sync with music, with the sounds echoing between the sea surface and the night sky, and the water's surface reflecting the light of the fireworks. For photography enthusiasts, the biggest advantage of watching from the sea is the absence of crowds and building obstructions.

The ship, the Xianlin Maru, first sailed from Fukura Port towards the open sea off Ke-no-Matsubara. The voyage itself, which began at 18:50 with views of Awaji Island at sunset, was also part of the experience before the fireworks began. The entire trip lasted about 3 hours and 10 minutes, which is longer than typical whirlpool cruises, so it's recommended to eat something beforehand and prepare for wind and seasickness.

Daily Schedule and Boat Information

Event Date:July 25, 2026 (Saturday)

Departure and return locations:Fukura Port, Minamiawaji City, Whirlpool Sightseeing Boat Dock

By ship:Excursion Ship Kanrin Maru

Itinerary:18:00 Check-in starts, 18:35 boarding starts, 18:50 departure, around 20:00 fireworks display begins, 22:00 return to port and disband.

Fares:¥13,000 per person including tax. Junior high school students and above are the same price as elementary school students. Preschoolers are free.

Activity PageKehino Matsubara Fireworks Festival Sightseeing Cruise

Whirlpool Ship Official Website:Awaji Island Whirlpool Cruise

Don't forget to fill out the passenger list after booking.

For safe navigation, passenger lists must be submitted in advance. The organizer is expected to send the relevant information about a week before the event, and all passengers must fill it out. Check-in should be completed 30 minutes before boarding begins on the day of the event. Fukura Port has free parking. The event will proceed in light rain, but may be canceled in case of severe weather.

The most common issues encountered when traveling from overseas are reservation confirmations being classified as spam, or not receiving immediate replies regarding roster information. After booking, it is recommended to save your order and ensure your email address allows for confirmations to be received. Check for notifications one week prior to your activity. If your accommodation is not near Fukura Port, also confirm transportation after returning to port at 22:00 in advance.

How to plan an Awaji Island fireworks itinerary?

Fukura Port is located in the southern part of Awaji Island and is easiest to access by car. During the day, you can visit Michi-no-Eki Fukura, Naruto Strait, Awaji Ningyo Bunraku Theater, or other sightseeing spots around Minamiawaji City, and then return to the port to check in for your evening activity. Since the tour ends at 10:00 PM, it is recommended to stay overnight in Minamiawaji City or Sumoto instead of forcing yourself to drive back to Kobe or Osaka.

If you're not driving, you can look up highway buses and local transportation in advance. However, the fireworks end late, so the last bus may not align with your schedule. When traveling with a group, renting a car or arranging shuttle service from your accommodation would be more practical. The boat ride is long, so wearing non-slip shoes, bringing a light jacket, a waterproof bag, and motion sickness medication are more important than bringing excessive photography equipment.

After returning to Hong Kong in the evening, the accommodation location is more important than the number of attractions.

After returning to Fukura Port at 22:00, most park shops and restaurants will be closed. It's best to have dinner before checking in, or confirm evening meal availability with your accommodation in advance. Self-driving travelers should also not underestimate the fatigue from driving on mountain and coastal roads at night, and absolutely do not drive after drinking. Choosing accommodation in the Fukura Port, Awan, or Sumoto areas will help you conserve energy for visiting Izanagi Shrine, Awaji Yumebutai, or Kobe the next day.

If you're traveling with children, you'll need to prepare drinking water, simple snacks, and clothing to keep them warm. Although preschoolers travel for free, you should still consider their sleep schedules and potential for seasickness on overnight trips longer than three hours. If your child gets tired easily, arriving at the port early to familiarize them with the restrooms and boarding procedures will provide greater peace of mind.

Shooting and Viewing Tips

Fireworks at sea can be affected by boat movement, so it's not suitable to simply copy long exposure settings used on land. For phones, it's best to prioritize night mode or video mode. When shooting, brace yourself against a fixed object and prioritize safety in your framing. If you want to capture both the sunset and fireworks, ensure your phone has enough battery or bring a power bank.

The Keino Matsubara Fireworks Cruise is perfect for travelers who want to avoid crowds on shore and are willing to dedicate their entire evening to a sea experience. From sailing at sunset to enjoying the fireworks with music, the journey offers a more complete experience than simply watching a 45-minute show at the venue, and it allows you to better feel the charm of Awaji Island surrounded by the sea.