Fukuoka is the natural base for exploring Kyushu, and renting a car opens up fireworks festivals that would otherwise take hours on public transport. Here is how to plan it.
Why rent a car for fireworks?
Some of Kyushu’s best fireworks venues are not well-served by trains, especially after dark. The Chikugogawa Fireworks in Kurume, riverside events in Saga and Nagasaki, and coastal spots in Kagoshima all become more accessible by car. You also get flexibility over timing — arrive early for a spot without being locked into train schedules.
The trade-off: you cannot drink if you are driving, parking fills fast near popular venues, and road congestion after a big festival can be severe.
Distances from Fukuoka (by car)
- Kurume (Chikugogawa Fireworks) — about 40 minutes via the Kyushu Expressway. Very manageable day trip.
- Saga city — about 1 hour.
- Nagasaki city — about 2 hours.
- Kumamoto city — about 1.5 hours.
- Kagoshima city — about 3 hours.
Booking a rental car
The major rental car companies (Toyota, Nissan, OTS, Times Car) have counters at Fukuoka Airport and near Hakata and Tenjin stations. Book as early as possible — summer weekends in festival season see high demand. International visitors need an International Driving Permit (issued in your home country before travel) alongside their home licence.
Parking at festival venues
Near large fireworks venues, official car parks fill hours before the show. Check the festival’s official site for designated car parks and opening times. Many festivals set up temporary parking 1 to 2 km from the venue with shuttle buses — often smoother than trying to park close.
After the show: traffic
Leaving immediately after a large fireworks show means sitting in traffic for 1 to 2 hours. Wait 30 to 60 minutes at a restaurant or konbini for the initial surge to clear, or plan a return route that avoids the main exit road.
If you prefer not to drive
The Shinkansen connects Hakata to Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima quickly. For Kurume, the Nishitetsu Omuta Line runs directly. For most festivals, the train is worth considering if you want to eat and drink freely at the festival.
Read next
- Fireworks festivals in Fukuoka & Kyushu: a traveler’s guide
- What to bring to a Japanese fireworks festival
- How early to arrive at a Japanese fireworks festival
※本記事はアフィリエイト広告（楽天・Amazon）を含みます。
あわせて読みたい
花火カレンダー（全国の花火大会日程まとめ） と 花火マップ（開催地マップ一覧） で、気になる花火大会をまとめてチェックできます。
