On Friday, July 31, 2025, Sapporo's classic summer event, the "Doshin UHB Fireworks Festival," will be held. With approximately 4,000 fireworks set to launch, this festival is currently the only free fireworks display held along the Toyohira River, and many citizens eagerly await its arrival. Here, we'll introduce the highlights of this fireworks festival and recommend some of the best viewing spots.

The "Doshin UHB Fireworks Festival" is affectionately known among citizens as the "Toyohira River Fireworks Festival." In the past, there were several fireworks displays launched over Sapporo's Toyohira River, but since 2010, the "Doshin UHB Fireworks Festival" has been the only one. In 2026, it will be held on Friday, July 31, with the launch time scheduled from 19:40 to 20:30. Approximately 4,000 fireworks will color the Sapporo night sky. In case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to Friday, August 7.

Similar to last year, the 2026 festival is planned to have a three-part structure: Part 1 "Summer Night Carnival," Part 2 "Dreaming Night," and Part 3 "Grand Finale." Each part will feature fireworks with a different theme, captivating the audience. The simultaneous launch of fireworks during the Grand Finale is especially breathtaking.

The main viewing spots are on the riverbanks of the Toyohira River, between Toyohira Bridge and Minami 19-jo Ohashi Bridge. Please be aware that the Nakajima Park side, accessible from Nakajima Koen Station or Horohira Bashi Station on the Namboku subway line, is close to the launch site and is very popular and crowded every year. On the other hand, the area on the Toyohira Ward side, between Minami Ohashi Bridge and Horohira Bridge, tends to be relatively less crowded compared to the Odori side.

Additionally, a new "Paid Viewing Area" will be introduced this year. It is located directly across the Toyohira River from the launch area. The fee is 1,000 yen (advance ticket).

We'll also introduce some spots for viewing the fireworks from a distance! From high-rise towers like the Sapporo TV Tower and JR Tower, you can enjoy the fireworks along with Sapporo's night view. The areas around Munich Ohashi Bridge and in the Naebo direction are a bit far, but they are among the hidden gems where you can still see the fireworks.

No parking is available, so please use public transportation. Also, as Nakajima Koen Station and Horohira Bashi Station on the Namboku Line are expected to be crowded, "restricted entry" will be implemented from a certain time, guiding people through detours and preventing direct access to the riverbank area from the stations. When using the subway, consider using Hosui-Susukino Station or Gakuen-mae Station on the Toho Line, or Nakanoshima Station on the Namboku Line, although they are slightly farther away.

Furthermore, traffic restrictions will be in place around the Toyohira River on the day of the event. The restriction period is from around 18:00 to 22:30, and roads such as Toyohira Bridge, Minami 19-jo Ohashi Bridge, Kikusui Asahiyama Koen Dori, and Minami 7-jo Ohashi Bridge will be closed to traffic. Be sure to check the detailed restriction information in advance.

■Main Traffic Restrictions

・Toyohira River Left Bank Road (Minami 19-jo Ohashi Bridge → Toyohira Bridge): Closed to vehicles from approx. 18:00 to 22:30
・Toyohira River Right Bank Road (Toyohira Bridge → Minami 19-jo Ohashi Bridge): Closed to vehicles from approx. 18:00 to 22:30
・Hosui Dori (Minami 15-jo Nishi 1 ⇔ Minami 9-jo Nishi 2) / Kikusui Asahiyama Koen Dori (Minami 9 Nishi 3 ⇔ Minami Ohashi Bridge ⇔ Suishacho 2) / Shiroishi-Nakanoshima Dori (Minami 15 Nishi 4 ⇔ Horohira Bridge ⇔ Nakanoshima 1-jo 2-chome): All closed to vehicles from approx. 19:15 to 22:30

*Restriction times may change depending on the situation. Please follow the instructions of the police officers and security guards on site.

The "Doshin UHB Fireworks Festival" is an event that symbolizes summer in Sapporo. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy approximately 4,000 fireworks for free. Check access and traffic restriction information in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.