The Mito Koumon Festival got its start back in 1961 when a jidaigeki (period drama) movie in the famous Mito Koumon series, Mito Koumon, Suke-san, Kaku-san, Oabare, was shot on location here in Ibaraki Prefecture. During production, actor Ryunosuke Tsukigata, who portrayed Mito Koumon himself, paid a visit to Mito City Hall in costume as the titular character. Thus the Koumon Festival was born, and the first "Mito Tanabata Koumon Festival" was held in August, 1961.

These days the festival is still held every August on the first weekend of the month (including Friday). Over the course of the festival, over 4,100 fireworks are shot into the sky over Lake Senba, and other events like float displays and portable shrine parades, a Mito Koumon parade, and a carnival performed by the locals.

Date: August 5 (Friday) - 7 (Sunday)

Location: August 5: Lake Senba
August 6-7: North of JR Mito Station

Time: August 5 (fireworks display): 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
August 6-7: 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. (see flyer below for details)