
57th Tanegashima Gun Festival
Japanese name:第57回種子島鉄砲まつり
📅 Sun, Aug 23, 2026
About this event
The Tanegashima Gun Festival is a traditional festival held to commemorate the introduction of matchlock guns in 1543. Annually, it kicks off with the roaring sound of matchlock guns, followed by a street procession dressed in Nanban (historical Western/Portuguese) attire, dynamic test-firing demonstrations of Tanegashima matchlocks, and entertainment performances rich in local flavor. The climax of the festival is adorned with approximately 15,000 fireworks blooming across Tanegashima's clear night sky. The beautiful spectacle of light rivaling the starry sky captivates visitors. This festival is a precious opportunity to feel the history and culture of Tanegashima firsthand, leaving a lasting impression with its powerful sounds and lights.
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Nippo Minato Park
49-1 Nishimachi, Nishinoomote, Kagoshima 891-3111
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