Hikone and Kita-Biwako Great Firework Festival

Held by matsubara Swimming beach, this firework festival is an impressive display of over 10,000 rockets launched over Lake Biwa. Close to Hikone castle and with romantic cruises available, this festival is a great evening out and one of three held on the lake. The committee have announced that there is no parking available this year, so public transport is the only way to reach the beach.

(Lily Crossley-Baxter)