Fireworks Lighting Up an Early Summer Night: The Tomonoura Bentenjima Fireworks Festival

Tomonoura Almanac Vol. 2 by Ofutei Staff

Hello from the staff at Hotel Ofutei.
On the last Saturday of May, Tomonoura presents one of its most vibrant and celebrated faces of the entire year.
Starting around noon, visitors gradually fill the streets, and as evening approaches, festival stalls begin lining the avenues. People in colorful yukata head toward the harbor, children excitedly browse the food stalls, and families stroll together looking for the perfect spot to view the fireworks.
This usually tranquil port town is slowly transformed by the cheerful warmth of festival excitement.

When we welcome guests checking in with bright smiles saying, "We've been looking forward to the fireworks again this year," we truly feel that summer has arrived.
The fireworks launched off Bentenjima Island illuminate not only the night sky, but also reflect beautifully across the calm Seto Inland Sea.
The historic port town, paired with giant fireworks painting the sea and sky, is a special spectacle unique to Tomonoura.
In this issue, we introduce a recommended way to spend your day at Hotel Ofutei during the fireworks festival.

Around 15:00 | Early Check-in for a Relaxed Festival Day

On the day of the fireworks festival, we recommend checking in slightly earlier than usual.

At check-in, guests often ask, "What time do the fireworks start?", "Where is the best spot to watch them today?", or "Are the food stalls open yet?"

When we inform them that the fireworks begin around 19:30, their faces light up with anticipation. Seeing those bright expressions reminds us once again that fireworks season has officially arrived.

Leaving your luggage in your room to unwind, or enjoying a refreshing drink in the lounge while gazing at the Seto Inland Sea, are wonderful ways to begin. Soaking in our hot spring while admiring the sea eases travel fatigue before you step out into town.

A joyful, excited energy fills the hotel. Exchanging cheerful conversations with guests like, "I hope the view is clear tonight!" is one of our favorite seasonal highlights.

Beyond the display itself, enjoying the relaxed hours leading up to the event is one of the distinct privileges of staying at Ofutei.

Around 16:00 | A Leisurely Stroll Through the Evening Port Town

As evening nears, the lively festival energy that subtly built up throughout the morning begins to envelop the entire town of Tomonoura.

Around 16:00, pedestrian zones are set up, and approximately 40 to 45 festival stalls open. The savory aroma of yakisoba and takoyaki fills the air, alongside smiles of children holding cotton candy or shaved ice. The town comes alive with authentic summer festival cheer.

Meanwhile, stepping into the quiet side alleys reveals preserved historic townhouses, stone-paved paths, and narrow lanes swept by sea breezes. Strolling toward the Joyato lantern and Gangi stone steps while stopping at festival stalls is a delightful evening experience.

At dusk, soft light wraps around the sea and sky. Many guests tell us, "Dusk in Tomonoura is my absolute favorite time," and it is a breathtaking landscape our staff loves to recommend.

Experiencing both the peaceful port charm and the once-a-year festival excitement simultaneously is a rare treat unique to the Bentenjima Fireworks Festival.

From 17:00 | An Early Dinner for a Seamless Fireworks Experience

To ensure guests can savor both their meal and the display without feeling rushed, dinner service begins slightly earlier than usual, starting at 17:00 on festival days.

After enjoying a seasonal kaiseki dinner highlighting Seto Inland ingredients, you can head to the venue with plenty of time to spare.

Every year, guests warmly comment, "We enjoyed the fireworks without any rush," or "Both the food and the fireworks were wonderful."

Seeing guests leave with happy smiles after dinner saying, "We're off to watch the fireworks now!" is a cherished annual scene for us.

Savoring local culinary delights followed by vibrant summer fireworks is a luxurious, relaxed experience only a traditional ryokan can offer.

Around 19:00 | Opening the Festival with Traditional Aiya-bushi

As twilight shifts into night, the festival opens with a performance of "Aiya-bushi," a local traditional folk dance passed down through generations in Tomonoura. Listening to the gentle music and watching the graceful dance creates a moment of calm anticipation over the gathered crowd.

Following Aiya-bushi, the main event begins. Around 19:30, as the first firework launches off Bentenjima Island, cheers echo across the harbor. Approximately 2,000 fireworks illuminate the night sky, casting vibrant reflections across the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea.

Cruisers and fishing boats gather on the sea to catch a close view, creating an iconic Tomonoura seascape found only on this night.

Watching the sea and sky merge in light is a breathtaking experience. Feeling the reverberations of sound and light up close at the venue is immensely exciting.

Alternatively, select guest rooms at Hotel Ofutei offer direct views of the fireworks. Watching the display in private comfort with your loved ones, away from the crowds, is a special privilege for hotel guests.

Each time a firework launches, joyful murmurs of "How beautiful!" echo through the halls. Watching families share smiles at their room windows as fireworks light up the sky is a heartwarming memory our staff treasure every year.

Around 20:30 | Relaxing in Hot Springs After the Display

As the hour-long festival comes to an end, the vibrant town gradually returns to serenity.
Upon returning to the hotel, we invite you to unwind in our hot spring baths.
Immersing yourself in an open-air bath overlooking the sea, while feeling the cool night breeze and listening to gentle waves, softly soothes away all fatigue.

Reflecting quietly on the fireworks that illuminated the night sky just moments ago is a peaceful experience.
The calm serenity that follows a brilliant display is another distinct charm of spending the night in Tomonoura.
Looking out at the tranquil sea from the bath, you will find a serene landscape as if the festival excitement was a distant dream.
Immerse yourself in the lingering magic of the evening.

Next Morning | Peaceful Inland Sea & Breakfast Buffet

The morning after the festival, a tranquil Seto Inland Sea stretches out as if the previous night's bustle never happened.
Islands illuminated by soft morning light and quiet vessels sailing through calm waters bring a sense of deep peacefulness.
Gazing at the morning sea from your room or lounge gently eases the mind.

Our breakfast buffet offers a rich variety of dishes prepared with fresh Seto Inland ingredients.
The popular "Red Sea Bream Marinated in Sesame Soy Sauce" can be enjoyed over warm rice as a sea bream bowl, or with savory dashi broth as a comforting tea rice (chazuke).
Sharing breakfast with family or loved ones while chatting about last night's fireworks makes another wonderful travel memory.
Enjoy the gentle, peaceful atmosphere of Tomonoura right up until check-out.

Planning Your Stay for Next Year's Fireworks Festival

The Tomonoura Bentenjima Fireworks Festival is typically held on the last Saturday of May.
Hotel Ofutei accepts room reservations for the festival day via phone starting at 9:00 AM on November 1st of the preceding year.
Every year, we receive a high volume of calls as soon as booking opens, and ocean-view corner rooms with direct views of the fireworks fill up very quickly.

Some returning guests look forward to this event every year and mark their calendars to call on the exact day bookings open.

If you wish to view the fireworks comfortably from your room window without worrying about crowds, we strongly recommend reaching out as early as possible.

Please feel free to inquire about room availability when making your reservation.

Fireworks Festival Basic Information

• 🗓️ Date: Last Saturday of May (typical)
• 📍 Venue: Around Bentenjima & Tomo Branch Office, Tomo-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima
• 🕖️ Opening: Around 19:00 (Aiya-bushi Performance)
• 🕢️ Fireworks Display: Around 19:30 - 20:30
• 🎆 Number of Fireworks: Approx. 2,000 rounds
• 📍 Access from Hotel Ofutei: Approx. 10-minute walk
• 🏨 Recommended Check-in Time: Around 15:00
• 🥢 Recommended Dinner Time: From 17:00

*Event times and details may vary by year. Please verify the latest official information before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can anyone view the fireworks festival?

Yes, anyone is welcome to view the display freely.
The area surrounding the venue gets very crowded, so please allow extra time when heading out.

Q. Can I walk to the venue from Hotel Ofutei?

Yes, the venue is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Walking while stopping at food stalls and taking in the sunset views of the town is highly recommended.
Due to expected traffic congestion on surrounding roads, walking is strongly advised.

Q. What time do the fireworks begin?

The traditional Aiya-bushi performance begins around 19:00, followed by the fireworks launch at approximately 19:30.
The display is scheduled to finish around 20:30.

Q. Can I view the fireworks from my guest room?

Fireworks can be viewed from ocean-view corner rooms.
These rooms are extremely popular and fill up quickly every year. Please inquire when making your reservation if you desire a room with a view.

Q. Are dinner times adjusted on the day of the fireworks festival?

Yes.
To allow guests to enjoy both their meal and the fireworks at a relaxed pace, dinner service begins earlier than usual, starting from 17:00.

Looking Forward to Welcoming You Again Next Year

The Tomonoura Bentenjima Fireworks Festival is an all-day event that encompasses not only the fireworks lighting up the night sky, but also the festive town coming alive at dusk, and the peaceful quiet that returns to the harbor afterward.

Every year, guests who watched the fireworks share heartwarming comments like:
"I'm so glad we came," "I had no idea the view from the room would be this stunning," and "We definitely want to come back again next year."
Seeing those smiles brings us immense joy and gratitude for being able to share early summer memories with you in this beautiful place.

The timeless charm of a historic port town.
The serene Seto Inland Sea.
And magnificent fireworks brilliantly painting the sea and sky.

We hope you enjoy the peaceful moments before and after the display, as well as the fireworks themselves, for a uniquely memorable day in Tomonoura. All of us at Hotel Ofutei look forward to welcoming you back to early summer in Tomonoura next year.

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