Arrive 1–3 hours early
Popular riverbanks and seaside spots fill up fast. Arriving early lets you choose a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the pre-show atmosphere.
Bring a picnic sheet
Locals sit on lightweight plastic sheets (“leisure sheets”). Without one, you’ll end up standing or sitting on hot pavement, grass, or gravel.
Expect extremely crowded trains
When the show ends, tens of thousands of people move toward the nearest station at once. Trains become packed, and lines can be very long—especially in Tokyo and Osaka.
Check for cancellations
Summer typhoons, strong winds, or heavy rain can delay or cancel events even on the same day. Always check the official website or Twitter/X before you head out.
Bring bug spray
Many festivals take place near rivers, lakes, or parks—prime mosquito territory on warm summer nights.
Book your hotel early
Fireworks season is peak travel time. Hotels near major events in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Nagoya fill up months in advance.
Top 10 Must-See Fireworks Festivals 2025/2026
Fireworks Festivals in Japan bring the country’s lively summer spirit to life with dazzling displays that brighten warm evenings across cities and coastal towns. These seasonal celebrations mix tradition with excitement, filling the air with color while streets below come alive with stalls offering snacks, games, and festive decorations that set the mood for a joyful night out.
Japan’s long history of celebration has shaped these festivals into unforgettable cultural highlights that travelers look forward to each year. The atmosphere of a summer matsuri blends community energy, stunning pyrotechnics, and rich cultural expression, making each fireworks event unique. To help travelers discover the most enjoyable experiences, here is a curated selection of the top fireworks festivals across Japan, each offering its own charm and spectacular night skies.
Map with fireworks festivals in Japan
Kanto Region
July 17th
A classic summer celebration on Kamakura’s Yuigahama Beach, where fireworks shimmer over the waves with a laid-back coastal atmosphere. Enjoy sand, sea, and vibrant bursts of color framed by the bay’s scenic backdrop.
July 25th
One of Tokyo’s most historic fireworks shows, held along the Sumida River. Massive crowds gather to watch two simultaneous displays light up the night sky, creating a powerful mix of tradition, energy, and Edo-period charm.
August 1st
A huge display on the Tokyo–Chiba border featuring themed firework “acts” synchronized with music. Families and couples fill the riverbanks to watch over 14,000 shells illuminate the wide Edogawa skies.
November 7th
Japan’s top pyrotechnic competition, known for technical precision and award-winning displays. Held on Lake Kasumigaura, it showcases the finest firework creators from across the country in a dramatic autumn finale.
Kansai Region
July 24–25
Part of Osaka’s famous Tenjin Matsuri, this show caps off river parades and traditional boat processions. Fireworks erupt over the Okawa River, blending historic festival spirit with vibrant midsummer excitement.
August 2nd
Osaka’s modern signature fireworks event along the Yodogawa River. Expect bold colors, massive starmines, and choreographed bursts that transform the riverside skyline into a spectacular summer stage.
August 7th
A stunning lakefront display in Shiga Prefecture, where fireworks reflect across Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Wide-open views make it easy to enjoy dramatic bursts, powerful launches, and atmospheric summer breezes.
August 17th
Launched from boats off the Kumano coast, this show delivers dramatic water-level explosions and cascading effects. The seaside setting and mountain backdrop create an unforgettable midsummer night in Mie.
Chubu Region
August 2nd to 3rd
One of Japan’s “Big Three” fireworks events, famous for grand-scale displays such as the massive phoenix and wide-span Niagara falls. The two-day festival draws visitors nationwide for its emotional, powerful showcases.
August 15th
Held beside the peaceful waters of Lake Suwa, this festival features huge starmines and reflections that stretch across the lake’s surface. Its mountain-encircled setting adds dramatic acoustics and beautiful scenery.
Tohoku Region
August 29th
A premier national competition where top pyrotechnic teams perform elaborate, artistic displays. Daytime fireworks, music-synchronized shows, and precision-crafted designs make it a must-see for firework enthusiasts.
Chugoku Region
Late August
A breathtaking seaside display near Itsukushima Shrine’s iconic floating torii gate. Fireworks burst above the water, creating magical reflections and dramatic silhouettes of one of Japan’s most sacred landscapes.
Tips for attending fireworks festivals
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