23rd Fruit Kingdom Higashine Cherry Marathon Welcome Fireworks

Fireworks launched against the backdrop of the Sakuranbo Higashine Onsen hot spring district are the main attraction. The welcome reception features guest talk shows, festival stalls, and a raffle. At the next day's marathon, all participants receive Sato Nishiki cherries and Tsuyahime rice ball gifts, with warm cheering along the route.

The Cherry Marathon began to promote Higashine City nationwide as the birthplace of the renowned 'Sato Nishiki' cherry variety, growing into the largest citizens' marathon in the Tohoku region. The welcome fireworks are held on the eve of the race to entertain runners coming from all over Japan.

The first event was held in 2002. Special guests at the inaugural edition included coach Yoshio Koide and 2000 Sydney Olympics gold medalist Naoko Takahashi. The first race had 3,408 participants, but with JR East's cooperation in attracting visitors from the Tokyo metropolitan area, the event now hosts approximately 12,000 runners annually. Held every June at the JGSDF Camp Jinmachi and the Fruit Line circuit course in Higashine City. Welcome fireworks are launched the evening before the race.

The nearest station is JR Sakuranbo Higashine Station. Sakuranbo Higashine Onsen is about 10 minutes by car from Jinmachi Station. Direct buses from Sendai are also available.

As the event is held in a hot spring town, spectators — mainly hotel guests — can enjoy the fireworks relatively comfortably. The area around the hot spring district gets crowded during fireworks launch times, so securing a spot early is recommended.

June evenings in Yamagata can be chilly, so bringing a jacket is advisable. Since it's a hot spring town, you can also enjoy day-trip bathing before or after the fireworks.