Shiga’s largest summer fireworks display called Biwako Dai-Hanabi Taikai (びわ湖大花火大会) will be held again along the shore of Lake Biwa in Otsu. The date and time is Fri. Aug. 7, 2009 at 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Some 350,000 people are expected to show up.

Note that much of the best shoreline to view the hanabi will charge admission of several thousand yen (especially around Hama-Otsu and the port where the Michigan is moored). The free area is a little farther, near Shimanoseki Station. Be prepared for horrendous crowds, especially on the way home unless you leave early. Tiny Shimanoseki Station won’t be able to handle all those people going home. Pick a restaurant for dinner or hang out somewhere before getting on a train.