Photographing Beppu Christmas Fireworks Display Guide

Matogahama Beach is the most popular spot for viewers and photographers during the winter. The wide sandy shore provides plenty of space for setting up your professional camera tripod. Arrive at least two hours early to secure your preferred spot near the water's edge. The fireworks launch directly over the calm bay waters for a truly stunning visual effect.

Mount Tsurumi offers a unique high-angle perspective of the entire fireworks show from above. Take the Beppu Ropeway to reach the observation decks located at the very top. You can capture the city lights and fireworks together in one single, wide-angle frame. The view across the water is truly spectacular from this high vantage point in Beppu.

Beppu Tower provides another excellent elevated viewpoint for photographers looking for a central spot. It stands 100 meters tall near the city center and offers great panoramic coastal views. The glass windows offer protection from the cold winter wind while you take your photos. Be sure to use a lens skirt to avoid any unwanted reflections from the glass.

Essential Camera Settings for Winter Fireworks

Set your camera to manual mode for the best results during the 2026 fireworks display. Use a low ISO setting like 100 to reduce digital noise in your dark images. A small aperture between f/8 and f/11 works best for keeping light trails sharp. This keeps the light trails sharp and well-defined against the dark night sky background.

• Set your camera to manual mode for the best possible light control during the show.
• Use a low ISO setting like 100 to keep your images looking very clean.
• Choose an aperture between f/8 and f/11 for sharp and clear light trails tonight.
• Use a tripod to ensure your camera remains completely still during the long exposure.

Use a sturdy tripod to prevent any camera shake during your long exposure photography. Long exposures require a completely still camera for clear and professional looking winter images. A remote shutter release helps you avoid touching the camera while taking the photo. This ensures your night photography tips for Beppu illuminations 2026 are followed correctly.

Focus your lens manually on the first few bursts of light in the night sky. Set the focus to infinity and then adjust it slightly for the best possible results. Check your LCD screen to ensure the distant stars and lights are perfectly sharp. Once set, do not change the focus during the rest of the fireworks show.

Composition Tips for Stunning Fireworks Photos

Include local landmarks to give your photos a strong sense of place in Beppu. Beppu's steam vents look amazing when lit by colorful explosions in the night sky. Look for reflections in the water along the coastline for a more artistic photo. These elements make your images stand out from standard shots taken by other tourists.

Try using the Bulb mode for better timing control during the entire fireworks performance. Open the shutter when you hear the initial launch sound from the bay area. Close it once the firework reaches its full peak and begins to fade away. This technique allows you to capture multiple bursts in one single, beautiful photographic frame.

Vertical compositions work well for high-reaching aerial fireworks displays over the Beppu coastline. Horizontal shots are better if you want to include the wide cityscape and mountains. Experiment with both styles during the twenty-minute performance to get a variety of shots. Keep your horizon line straight for a professional look in all your final images.

Planning Your 2026 Photography Trip to Beppu

The fireworks usually take place during the late December holidays in the city center. Check the official Visit Oita website for exact dates and times for 2026. Dress in multiple warm layers for the freezing coastal temperatures during the winter night. Bring extra camera batteries as the cold weather drains them much faster than usual.

Public transportation in Beppu is very reliable for tourists visiting from other Japanese cities. Buses run frequently between the main station and the beach during the event night. However, expect heavy traffic immediately after the show ends on the local city roads. Walking back to your hotel might be a faster option for many active photographers.

Consider booking a hotel with a clear view of the bay for maximum comfort. This allows you to photograph comfortably from your private balcony without any crowds. Many ryokans in the area offer excellent views of the display for their guests. Check Beppu Christmas Hanabi 2026 for specific lodging recommendations near the beach.