Tsuruga City: Famous for Kehi no Matsubara
Tsuruga City is located in the Reinan (southern Fukui) region, facing Tsuruga Bay, and lies roughly in the center of Fukui Prefecture.
Tsuruga City is renowned for “Kehi no Matsubara,” one of Japan’s three great pine groves, which is designated as a national scenic spot. The striking contrast between the blue sea and the lush green pines is particularly impressive, and the area is open as a swimming beach during the summer.
Additionally, Tsuruga has a rich history of prosperity through its port and railroads. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Tsuruga Port’s opening, monuments of “Space Battleship Yamato” and “Galaxy Express 999” are scattered along the path from Tsuruga Station to Kehi Shrine. Incidentally, the red torii gate of Kehi Shrine is one of Japan’s three largest wooden torii gates and is designated as an important cultural property. Moreover, Tsuruga City boasts numerous other attractions, including the Red Brick Warehouse and Nakaikemi Wetland.
Quoted from Manyū Tsuruga
Let’s Go to the Tōrō-nagashi and Grand Fireworks Festival!!
Location: Matsubara Beach
Date: August 16 every year
Access: 10 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Tsuruga Station to Kawasaki Wharf, then a 15-minute walk from the terminus
15 minutes by car from Tsuruga IC on the Hokuriku Expressway via Route 27
http://www.turuga.org/places/toronagashi/toronagashi.html (Tsuruga Tourism Guide, Manyū Tsuruga)
The Tōrō-nagashi and Grand Fireworks Festival began in 1950 to comfort the souls of the war dead and has become a popular event during the Obon season. Every year, it attracts over 200,000 spectators.
Due to the large crowds, traffic regulations are enforced, and security measures are strengthened. It is difficult to access the venue by car. Additionally, lost children are a frequent issue, so extra caution is needed if visiting with family.
What Are the Highlights of the Tōrō-nagashi and Grand Fireworks Festival?
Around 6:30 PM, approximately 6,000 red, blue, and yellow lanterns are floated offshore along with Buddhist chants to comfort the souls of the war dead. The colorful lanterns, carrying personal messages, illuminate the water beautifully, creating a magical scene. The fireworks display starts around 7:30 PM. This is the largest fireworks display in Fukui Prefecture, featuring about 13,000 fireworks. Highlights include spectacular ground-level fireworks, water fireworks, and star mines.
True to the concept of a “Fantasy of Water, Light, and Sound,” the lanterns illuminate the sea while the fireworks light up the night sky. The combination of lanterns and fireworks against the night backdrop of Matsubara Beach offers a breathtakingly beautiful spectacle.
Quoted from Mamechishiki PRESS
The Tōrō-nagashi and Grand Fireworks Festival is a Must-See!
Tourists from outside Tsuruga City, including those from the Kinki, Hokuriku, and Chubu regions, visit for this festival, so it’s advisable to secure your spot early. By 5 PM, the beach is usually covered with seating mats. Although it gets very crowded, the sight of the lanterns and fireworks lighting up the sea and sky is well worth it. You can write personal messages on the lanterns and float them out to sea. Be sure to visit and experience this festival.
Featured image quoted from Fukui Tourism Navi
(Edited by 千八乃)
