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Synonymous with the season for most Japanese, nothing screams summer quite like Japan’s legendary fireworks festivals. These extravagant must-see displays, called hanabi, are known for their intricately choreographed beauty, are a quintessential part of Japanese culture, with their bright colors and dazzling displays representing beauty, resilience, reverence, and life itself.
Top Japanese Hanabi 1: Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Held in Tokyo every year in late July, this festival is one of Japan’s most famous fireworks displays. This humungous display is dwarfed only by its attendance, with over one million spectators gathering along the banks of the Sumida River to watch the spectacle. This spectacular display is divided in half between two separate locations, both launching roughly 10,000 fireworks.
The full display lasts a whopping 90 minutes, giving visitors plenty of time to party with their friends under the fireworks, or to sit back and contemplate as one takes in the unique experience. Because of the tremendous number of people, it’s advised to come early to secure a spot, and to make plans accordingly as taxis and other transportation will be very competitive prior to and after the event.
When and Where to See the Sumida River Fireworks Festival
The Sumida Fireworks Festival is held on the last Saturday in July from 7:00PM launching around 20,000 fireworks between two locations near Asakusa, Tokyo. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is held rain or shine, though postponement or cancellation is a possibility in the case of severe weather.
Access: 5 minutes on foot from Kuramae Station (Toei Asakusa Line)
Website: https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/ (Japanese)
Top Japanese Hanabi 2: Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival
Held in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, this festival is the largest fireworks display in Western Japan, featuring over 10,000 fireworks launched over Lake Biwa. Taking place on the first Saturday of August, this display has pyrotechnics fired from small islets, boats, and from the iconic Nagisa Park, creating a stunning display over Japan’s largest lake.
Lively music and the smell of delicious food and drink from local vendors fill the summer air, satisfying the many thousands of revelers with a safe and exciting atmosphere that’s great for families. The Lake Biwa firework display has bittersweet origins as a remembrance for the dead beginning in the Edo Period in the 1600s, making it a poignant experience for those who want to have an authentic traditional Japanese festival experience from centuries past.
When and Where to See the Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival
The Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival is held rain or shine in mid-August from 7:30PM with an average attendance of 350,000. The display astonishes spectators with around 10,000 fireworks at Otsu Pork, Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. The festival is subject to postponement or cancellation in severe weather.
Access: 3 min on foot from Keihan Line Biwako-Hamaotsu Station
Website: http://www.biwako-visitors.jp/hanabi/ (Japanese)
Top Japanese Hanabi 3: Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival
In a prefecture world famous for its snow and winter sports, this summer jewel in Nagano may come as a surprise to many. The festival features a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Suwa, with over 40,000 fireworks launched in a single night from boats that dot the picturesque lake.
The fireworks display is painstakingly choreographed and synchronized to music, creating both a stunning visual and auditory experience. The Lake Suwa fireworks feature a unique firework known as the Suwako Hanabi, which is designed to look like a grand phoenix rising from the lake, gloriously taking flight into the night sky. With its impressive artistry and fun draws, it’s no wonder this popular firework display has been a highlight of the year for locals and visitors alike for over 100 years.
When and Where to See Fireworks at the Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival
The Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival is held rain or shine in mid-August from 7:00PM at Kohan Park in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture. The festival is subject to postponement or cancellation in severe weather.
Access: JR Line Kamisuwa Station
Website: https://suwako-hanabi.com/kojyou/ (Japanese)
Top Japanese Hanabi 4: National Fireworks Competition “Omagari Hanabi”
Held in Akita Prefecture every year in late August, this competition features some of the best pyrotechnicians from Japan and around the world, who compete against each other to create the most impressive and innovative fireworks display. Each team is given a specific theme to work with, and they are judged based on their creativity, artistry, and technical skill. The National Fireworks Competition “Omagari Hanabi” is famous for its cutting-edge level of competition and the second-to-none quality of the fireworks displays.
The competition draws thousands of spectators from all over Japan and around the world who come to see the breathtaking displays of light and color over the idyllic Daisen River, and is a wonderful encore to the summer season in one of the world’s most celebrated foliage spots.
When and Where to See the National Fireworks Competition “Omagari Hanabi”
The National Fireworks Competition “Omagari Hanabi” is held rain or shine at the end of August around Omono River, Omagari in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. There is a daytime performance which starts from 5:15PM and a nighttime performance which starts from 6:50PM. The festival is subject to postponement or cancellation in severe weather.
Access: 30 minute walk from JR Omagari Station, 10 minute walk from the Omagari Interchange and Akita Expressway
Website: https://www.oomagari-hanabi.com/ (Japanese)
Top Japanese Hanabi 5: Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
Held in Niigata Prefecture in early August, this festival is known for its synchronized fireworks displays and traditional Japanese music performances. The festival originated in the Edo period when the lord of Nagaoka Castle held fireworks displays to pray for the safety and prosperity of his domain. By the Meiji period, it evolved into a major festival event that attracted visitors from across Japan.
The festival was halted during World War II, and it was not until 1946 that the fireworks display was revived as a way to honor those who died during World War II and to promote peace and friendship among nations. A major earthquake in Niigata in 2004 led to the cancelation of the festival, further cementing the fireworks as a symbol of the city’s resilience and spirit.
When and Where to See the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
The Nagaoka Fireworks festival is held rain or shine in early August across two nights around the Shinano River in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture from 5:20PM. The festival is subject to postponement or cancellation in severe weather.
Access: 30 min. walk from JR Nagaoka Station
Website: https://nagaokamatsuri.com/en/
Top Japanese Hanabi 6: Tsuchiura All-Japan Fireworks Competition
Held in Ibaraki Prefecture in early November, this competition is the last major fireworks display of the year, with between 15,000 to 20,000 fireworks launched over two days. The competition started in 1925 by a Buddhist priest with his own money in order to save the business people from the recession during that time, for a memorial service for the war dead, a prayer for a bountiful harvest, and to encourage farmers. The event was a success, which led to an annual competition to showcase the skills of local artists and determine the best firework manufacturer in Japan.
The competition has grown exponentially in popularity and scale, becoming one of the largest and most prestigious fireworks competitions in the world. Competition is judged by criteria including creativity, technical skill, and overall impact, with this event famous for its use of “star mines,” which are clusters of small fireworks that explode in a burst of color and light. The festival continues to be a symbol of the region’s cultural heritage, of Tsuchiura’s long fireworks manufacturing history, and as a showcase for the city’s skilled artisans and their traditions.
When and Where to See the Tsuchiura All-Japan Fireworks Competition
The Tsuchiura All-Japan Fireworks Festival is held rain or shine in early November around the Gakuen Bridge at Sakuragawa River in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The festival is subject to postponement or cancellation in severe weather.
Access: 30-minute walk from JR Joban Line Tsuchiura Station’s West Exit or 10-minute shuttle bus ride from the East Exit
Website: https://www.city.tsuchiura.lg.jp/page/page006275.html
Top Japanese Hanabi 7: Akagawa Fireworks Festival
An annual summer firework display held in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan in mid-August over the Akagawa River. The festival started in 1991 and features one of the most popular firework displays in the Tohoku region and the whole of Japan. One big plus for those wanting to attend a Japanese firework festival up and personal without having to worry too much about losing that perfect spot from a large crowd, this festival allows for affordable paid seats for those who want to guarantee a front-row spot for the very best hanabi-viewing experience, with options available including a tatami mat big enough for a 6 people group. This modern firework display is a perfect combination of comfort and convenience and is an impressive display for anyone’s standards.
When and Where to See the Akagawa Fireworks Festival
The Akagawa Fireworks Festival is held rain or shine in mid-August from 6:15PM around the Akagawa River in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. The festival is subject to postponement or cancellation in severe weather.
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Tsuruoka Station
Website: https://akagawahanabi.com/ (Japanese)
Top Japanese Hanabi 8: Toyota Oiden Festival
The Toyota Oiden Festival is centered around two main areas: the Toyota Oiden Street, featuring illuminations and the Obara Fureai Park, which hosts the main stage performances and a spectacular fireworks display. Starting in 1968 to honor the 100th year on the Meiji calendar, 2023 marks the 55th year of the event.
This full-blown festival is an exciting display of both human innovation and human celebration, with folk dancers and attendees wearing bright, vibrant clothing that almost resembles colorful fireworks on the ground as festival-goers fill the streets and parks around the festival area. The real star of the festival is its enormous firework display, boasting one of the highest numbers of launched fireworks in the nation.
When and Where to See the Toyota Oiden Festival Fireworks
The Toyota Oiden Festival is held rain or shine at the end of July at the Yahagi riverbank in the Shirahama Park area in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture from 6:00PM. The festival is subject to postponement or cancellation in severe weather.
Access: 10 min walk from Meitetsu Toyotashi Station and Shin-Toyota Station
Website: https://www.oidenmaturi.com/hanabi/
Top Japanese Hanabi 9: Kumano Fireworks Festival
One of the oldest fireworks displays in Japan, the Kumano Fireworks Festival goes back over 300 years and traces its roots to sending off spirits of the departed during Obon season, which is still one of the major themes of this historic festival. This firework display is launched over the sea, making an unforgettable marriage between the brilliant firework display overhead reflected on the shimmering water, with a unique feature being the reverberating booms of the fireworks bouncing off the unique landscape of sheer rocks and sea caves.
Because of its proximity to the sea and the festival being held during often rainy periods, this festival may be subject to postponement. As with all these events, it is important to check the organizer’s website for any important updates.
When and Where to See the Kumano Fireworks Festival
The Kumano Fireworks Festival is held rain or shine from 7:00PM in mid-August on the Shichirimihama Coast in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture. The festival is subject to postponement or cancellation in severe weather.
Access: A 5-minute walk from JR Kumano-shi Station
Website: https://www.kumano-kankou.info/kumano-fireworks/ (Japanese)
Top Japanese Hanabi 10: Atami Marine Fireworks Festival
The Atami Marine Fireworks Festival first started in 1952 to celebrate the area’s reconstruction in the aftermath of Typhoon Kitty in 1949 which caused widespread destruction, followed by an especially destructive fire the following year in 1950. The festival features a spectacular display of fireworks launched over Atami Bay, which is open to swimmers until evening to the end of August, and offers both an unusual look and sound due to the bay being curtained by nearby mountains.
Considered one of the best fireworks festivals in Shizuoka Prefecture, this festival also offers multiple opportunities to see the dazzling display, with 13 displays scheduled throughout 2023, giving ample time for everyone to squeeze some fireworks into their itinerary. The display is noteworthy for its signature “Sky Niagara Falls” firework climax.
When and Where to See the Atami Marine Fireworks Festival
The Atami Maritime Fireworks begin in late July and last through August at Atami Sun Beach, Shizuoka Prefecture. The displays starting from 8:20PM are held rain or shine but may be postponed or cancelled in case of severe weather.
Access: 12 minutes on foot from JR Atami Station
Website: https://www.city.atami.lg.jp.e.tt.hp.transer.com/event/1009037/1001205.html
