Hirakatabashi Bridge (平形橋)

Flow of the course

About this spot

The Kokuryo River (国領川) riverbed, which is the venue for the Niihama Ryōryō Fireworks Festival, has a wide viewing area centered on the north side of Hirakatabashi Bridge, where the fireworks are launched. If you arrive early in the evening and spread out a leisure sheet to claim your spot, you can visit the nearby food stalls to pick up takoyaki (octopus balls), frankfurter sausages, and cold drinks for your dinner. The lively atmosphere created by the rows of food stalls is a unique joy of fireworks festivals, and for children, this time is just as exciting as the fireworks themselves. The gentle evening breeze blowing along the river eases the summer heat and creates a particularly pleasant moment of the day.

Tips

On the day of the fireworks festival, parking lots around the venue fill up quickly from the early evening. Using public transportation or arriving early is recommended for peace of mind. Good viewing spots start to fill up 2 hours before the performance begins, so aim to arrive by 5 p.m. Restrooms become congested, so identify their location early.

Best time to visit

Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes required. As twilight falls, the atmosphere along the river builds, and the time before the show itself becomes enjoyable.

Access & map

Ehime Prefecture, Niihama City, Hirakatabashi