This translation was prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
WASSHOI Hyakuman Summer Festival is one of Kitakyushu’s largest citizen festivals. The 39th edition takes place in central Kokura on September 19 and 20, 2026, using Komonji-dori, Katsuyama Park and the area around Kokura Castle.
Information checked on July 23, 2026: WASSHOI FIREWORKS is a 10-minute finale from 20:20 to 20:30 on Sunday, September 20. It is part of a two-day city festival, not a stand-alone hour-long fireworks display.
2026 festival essentials
| Dates | September 19–20, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Main areas | Komonji-dori, Katsuyama Park, Kokura Castle area and Riverwalk Kitakyushu |
| Fireworks | September 20, 20:20–20:30 at Katsuyama Park |
| Food area | Sapporo Gourmet Festival, 12:00–21:00 on both days |
| Practical gateway | JR Kokura Station; expect extra walking time between venues |
What to see on September 19
The first day has a family and traditional-festival focus. The children’s stage runs at Katsuyama Park, followed by a children’s yamakasa procession on Komonji-dori. From 17:15 to 20:00, festival groups from across Kitakyushu bring taiko drums, yamakasa floats, mikoshi and other local traditions together on the same street.
This is the better day for visitors who want to understand Kitakyushu’s different neighbourhood festivals in one place.
What to see on September 20
- 11:00–17:30: WASSHOI YOSAKOI performances at three venues.
- 14:00–15:00: company and community parade on Komonji-dori.
- 16:00–19:00: Hyakuman Odori, with more than 3,000 participants.
- 19:30–20:00: finale stage at Katsuyama Park.
- 20:20–20:30: WASSHOI FIREWORKS 2026.
Access and visitor advice
Use JR Kokura Station as your starting point and plan to move on foot. Events are spread across several central-city venues, so a normal map estimate will not include crowd controls or street closures. If fireworks are your priority, reach the Katsuyama Park area before the dance programme finishes and check the official viewing map when it is released.
- Do not stop on bridges, vehicle lanes or emergency routes to take photos.
- Carry water; daytime events continue through the hottest hours.
- Agree on a meeting point before the mobile network becomes busy.
- Check your return train from Kokura before waiting for the finale.
Check the official 2026 programme
Compare other large displays in the 2026 Fukuoka fireworks calendar or read the Kanmon Strait Fireworks guide.
