Explera DMC Japan suggests the Ashiya Sand Sculpture Exhibition as an easy half-day for groups touring northern Kyushu in autumn. The 2026 edition runs from 23 October to 8 November at Ashiya Seaside Park in Fukuoka Prefecture, with large sculptures by Japanese and overseas carvers, lit after dark, between Kitakyushu and Fukuoka city.
Ashiya is a small coastal town at the mouth of the Onga River, west of Kitakyushu. Its sand sculpture exhibition is held each autumn, and the 2026 event is the eleventh. Japan Travel reported that about 83,000 people visited in 2025.
What is on show?
This year's theme is a journey around the world. Professional sculptors carve large works from sand, the biggest about six metres high and ten metres wide according to the Fukuoka tourism site. The exhibition is open from 10:00 to 21:00, with last entry at 20:30. After sunset the sculptures are lit, and fireworks and events are planned on some weekend evenings. Food stalls sell local produce.
How do groups get there?
The venue is beside the leisure pool at Ashiya Seaside Park. By public transport, the town bus runs from JR Ongagawa Station to the park entrance, a five-minute walk from the site, and a city bus runs from JR Orio Station. For a group, a coach from Kitakyushu or Fukuoka city is simpler, and the park has parking for about 1,000 vehicles. We time the drive around traffic on the day.
How does it fit a programme?
- Half a day. An hour or so at the exhibition, then lunch, is enough for most groups.
- Evening option. An evening visit to see the lighting works well with a Kitakyushu hotel night.
- Combine. Pair it with Kitakyushu or with a Fukuoka city day; see our Fukuoka tour guide and our Kyushu region guide.
- Weather. The site is outdoors on the coast. We keep a rain plan and check the forecast the day before.
Sources: Crossroad Fukuoka event page for the 2026 exhibition (Japanese) and Japan Travel news report, 11 October 2026.
FAQ
When is the Ashiya Sand Sculpture Exhibition in 2026? From 23 October to 8 November 2026, open 10:00 to 21:00 with last entry at 20:30.
Where is the exhibition held? At Ashiya Seaside Park in Ashiya, Fukuoka Prefecture, on the coast west of Kitakyushu.
How long should a group spend there? About an hour at the sculptures is usually enough. With lunch or the evening lighting, plan half a day.
Is it suitable for families and school groups? Yes. It is outdoors, easy to walk and visual, which suits families and school groups. We plan around the weather.
Planning northern Kyushu for your clients? Write to b2b@explera.jp, message the trade desk on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090, or register on the B2B portal. Proposals within 24 hours. IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
