Here’s everything you need to know about Japanese summer fireworks festivals. I have listed my favorite
As twilight surrenders to summer skies, Japan ignites in a symphony of light.
Fireworks like vibrant brushstrokes paint the heavens, reflecting in whispered waves and echoing laughter below.
Join the festive throngs, bathed in the glow of yukata silks, savoring street fare amidst a vibrant spectacle that celebrates fleeting beauty and enduring spirits.
Dive into the magic of Japanese summer fireworks.
Here's a list of the best Fireworks festivals to attend in Japan.
Japanese Summer Fireworks Festivals 2024 - Summary
| Japanese Summer Fireworks Festivals | When is it? | Where is it? | Entry Fee |
| Kamakura Fireworks Festival | Mid July 2024 | Kamakura Kaihin Park | Free |
| Osaka Tenjin Fireworks | Jul 24th - 25th 2024 | Tenmangu Shrine | Free |
| Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival | 29 July 2023 | Near Sensoji Temple in Taito Ward and near Tokyo Skytree in the Sumida Ward | Free |
| Nagaoka Firework Festival 2024 | 1st - 3rd Aug, 2024 | Along the banks of the Shinano River near Ote Bridge | Free viewing | Grand tickets for the best view ranges ¥3,000 and ¥18,000 |
| Biwako Fireworks Festival 2024 | Early August 2024 | Lake Biwako | Free |
| Kachimai Fireworks Festival | 13 Aug, 2024 | along the Tokachi riverside | Free |
| Kumano Fireworks Festival | 17 Aug, 2024 | Shichirigahama Beach | Free |
| Omagari National Japan Fireworks Competition | 26 Aug 2024 | Riverbed of Omono River, Akita prefecture | Free |
| Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival | 3 Aug 2024 | The Yodogawa, Osaka City | Free |
| Tsuchiura Fireworks Competition | 2 Nov 2024 | Sakuragawa riverside in the Gakuen-ohashi area | Free |
| Chichibu Night Festival Fireworks | Dec 2nd - 3rd, 2024 | Hitsujiyama Park | Free |
| Miyajima Fireworks Festival | Late Aug 2024 | Miyajima | Free |
Japanese Summer Fireworks Festivals 2024
Kumano Fireworks Festival (August 17, 2024)
The Kumano Fireworks Festival is an unmissable event for anyone looking to experience something truly spectacular.
Taking place during the summer solstice on Shichiri Mihama Beach in Mie Prefecture, this remarkable event is the perfect way to find respite from the summer heat.
The perfect combination of traditional art and modern technology sees the night sky lit up with the dazzling display of over 6,000 fireworks.
This event has been running for three centuries and is one of the oldest summer fireworks festivals in Japan. Not only is it historical but it has an atmosphere like no other.
It is certainly no exaggeration to state that the sea, mountains, and nearby lagoon create a beautiful background for the sparkling illumination of the sky.
If you manage to find a great spot on the beach, you can marvel at the stunning displays. The explosions of brilliance in the night sky shifts and swirls to match the traditional music that plays in the background; it's almost mesmerising.
The most beautiful moment of them all is when the grand finale begins and the entire beach is illuminated in a sea of glimmering colour. This dazzling finale reaches its climax when the fantastic ‘Niagara Falls’ of fireworks cascades down the mountainside; leaving the crowd breathless.
The Kumano Fireworks Festival is a must-see event for anyone visiting Japan during the summertime.
With its remarkable mixture of Japanese traditional art and modern technology, there's no event in the country that can match the sheer beauty of this remarkable display. Don't forget to check it out when you visit Japan in 2023 - you won't regret it.
How to get to the Shichiri Mihama Beach for the Kumano Fireworks Festivals
The beach where the festival is being held is easily accessible by train, with the JR Kisei Main Line stopping at Kumanoshi Station.
From there, a short walk across the Ido River will take you directly to the beach. For those traveling by car, bear in mind that while some roads may be closed due to the show, parking may be difficult so plan accordingly.
Additionally, you can easily reach the beach by bus or train from larger cities such as Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka in about 4-5 hours.
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Kachimai Fireworks Festival (August 13, 2024)
The Kachimai Fireworks Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the summer in Japan, and the 2023 show is set to be even more spectacular than ever before. Held along the Tokachi riverside, it attracts thousands of visitors from across Japan and further afield.
The festivities begin in the early evening and last until dawn. Spectators can expect to witness a dazzling display of pyrotechnics, with hundreds of fireworks exploding across the night sky.
The colorful firework display is accompanied by traditional instruments such as the shamisen, fue, kokyu, and taiko drums.
During the event, vendors fill the area with their stalls of delicious cuisine and unique traditional arts and crafts such as origami and pottery.
Food stalls serve traditional Japanese treats such as yakitori and takoyaki, while the aroma of grilled meats wafts through the air.
Visitors can also take part in exciting games, such as creating their own paper planes and competing to see who can make the most successful flight.
Other crowd-pleasing activities include tug-of-war, sumo wrestling, and kite-flying.
The highlight of the Kachimai Fireworks Festival is the traditional fan dance, in which performers gracefully sway and move in time to the music.
As the night draws to a close, the finale of the show starts, with a spectacular fireworks display set to the background of traditional Japanese music.
Those lucky enough to attend the Kachimai Fireworks Festival in 2024 can look forward to a unique cultural experience unlike any other, with a vibrant atmosphere and celebrations that continue into the early hours of the morning.
From its eye-popping fireworks to its array of traditional delights, this event is an opportunity for revelers to embrace the unique history, culture, and spirit of Japan.
How to get to the Kachimai Fireworks Festivals
The Kachimai Fireworks Display is held in the magical setting of the Tokachi riverside, a mere 20-minute walk from Obihiro Station. Along the way you'll cross through Keihoku Park.
Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival (3 August, 2024)
For those who seek to experience a truly magical summer evening in Japan, the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival may be just the thing.
Held yearly in Osaka, on the banks of Yodogawa River, it's a must-see event that offers visitors the chance to witness dazzling explosions of bright colors, accompanied by the thunderous roar of fireworks blazing through the night sky.
It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience that was first organized by the ruler of Osaka in the late 18th Century; a tradition that has been carried on ever since.
Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival starts at around 7:30PM with a spectacular show of over 10,000 fireworks cascading across the night sky, illuminating the river and its surroundings with a dazzling array of colors.
The colors of the various types of fireworks vary and can range from blues and greens to reds, oranges and whites. Visitors to the event can also expect to hear the deep, thumping roars of exploding blasts as the fireworks burst overhead, an audibly thrilling experience in itself.
Adding to the festivities is a crowd of awe-struck spectators, who are captivated as the fireworks create a wall of shimmering sparks, leaving an enchanted light hovering above the river.
Onlookers can sometimes be heard from downriver, clapping in rhythm to the music and lyrics displayed across giant screens set up for all to see and enjoy.
The experience continues with a grand finale of some of the event’s biggest, most breath-taking fireworks of the night, casting a blanket of vibrant colors across the night sky – and if you’re lucky enough, you might even spot a shooting star or two.
After the finale, spectators are left with a sense of wonder and awe as they watch the night sky fade away, while still being surrounded by the colors and memories of the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival.
For anyone who is looking to experience a summer event truly like no other, the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival should certainly be on the list of must-sees when visiting Japan in 2023.
How to get to the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festivals
The Yodogawa river runs through the bustling city of Osaka and is only a short distance away from the vibrant Umeda District. To get to the riverside, you need only to take a 10 to 15 minute leisurely stroll from the Juso train or subway stations, which are located just north of Umeda city centre.
You can take in the serene, tranquil atmosphere of the Yodogawa while enjoying a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Osaka Tenjin Fireworks (July 25, 2024)
Osaka Tenjin Fireworks, one of the most spectacular displays in all of Japan, is an unmissable festival that takes place on July 24 and 25 every year.
Year after year, visitors flock to the city to witness its breathtaking display of light and colour in the night sky.
One of the most impressive of events is the Osaka Tenjin Fireworks, an annual fireworks display at the renowned Tenmangu Shrine in Osaka.
The Osaka Tenjin Fireworks Festival is one of the largest fireworks festivals in Japan and has been held for over 400 years.
The festival began in 1648 when Tokugawa Iemitsu, third shogun of the Edo period, visited Tenmangu Shrine in Osaka Tenmabashi and dedicated 12,000 fireworks in honor of the god Sugawara Michizane.
Since then, the fireworks display has grown in scale and popularity, particularly due to its convenient location.
In recent years, Osaka Tenjin Fireworks Festival has become an annual event, attracting millions of visitors every year. The fireworks display is accompanied by music and a show, making it a spectacular sight to see.
This spectacular event often draws tens of thousands of viewers from across the country who come to witness the stunning visual display of vibrant hues that light up the sky.
The spectacle begins with a traditional musical performance before the show which adds a touch of cultural authenticity and magic to the atmosphere. Then, an incredible array of fireworks are fired above the shrine to enthrall the spectators below.
Visitors can expect to marvel at illuminations of various shapes, sizes and shades including purple, blue, and yellow.
Moreover, theatrical aerial performances allow for a truly unique experience as the vibrant display is complemented by vivid multi-colored flames that dance in the sky.
Apart from feeling overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence of the fireworks themselves, attending the festival also provides a rare insight into the traditional customs and culture of Japan.
All around, you can witness hundreds of locals dressed up in vibrant kimono performing traditional dances which have been passed down through the generations.
There is truly something magical about the atmosphere created by these moving performances that add to the magical atmosphere of the festival.
The Osaka Tenjin Fireworks is an event that you really must witness. This incredible event encapsulates the gorgeousness of Japan's nature, the grandness of its traditions and the beauty of its culture. No matter how many pictures or videos you watch, it will never compare to the real thing. So, when the fireworks explode into life in 2023, make sure you're there to witness one of Japan's oldest and most cherished summer festivals at the renowned Osaka Tenmangu Shrine.
How to get to the Osaka Tenjin Fireworks Festival
It’s a short walk from the Osaka Tenmangu Station
Nagaoka Firework Festival (Aug 1 - Aug 3, 2024)
Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is one of the three most fabulous fireworks festivals in Japan, known as one of the most spectacular in the world! Every year, around one million visitors make their way to Nagaoka.
The event began in 1946 as a war-damaged reconstruction event to commemorate the World War II dead. It is intended to pay tribute to the victims to express gratitude to those who contributed to the city's recovery and pray for eternal peace.
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival's highlights include Phoenix, mesmerizing display of fireworks, and the portable shrine float parades and traditional dances throughout the town.
The show's finale spans two kilometers of the Shinano River, making it the world's longest span of fireworks.
The spirit of Japan is evident there. The atmosphere is so alive that I feel like I could reach out and touch these vibrant explosions.
The best way to appreciate them is to see them in person!
Omagari National Japan Fireworks Competition – AKITA (Late August, 2024)
When I think of the top three fireworks competitions in Japan, the Omagari National Japan Fireworks Competition appears in my mind, where pyrotechnicians (a person who is skilled in the use of fireworks) from all over the country compete.
The highly competitive event showcases the skills and techniques of more than 30 Japanese fireworks makers. The winner will receive the Prestigious Prime Minister Prize. As a result, you can determine the significance of the competition for Japan.
The Omagari National Japan Fireworks Competition is held every year on the fourth Saturday of August.
Back in 1910, This competition began when fireworks were a popular attraction at the Suwa jinja Shrine festival. These massive, breathtaking fireworks displays attract over 600,000 people from all over Japan.
This magnifies it even further. Since it is a national competition, you can imagine how much attention it receives.
It makes me feel privileged to be a part of this prestigious fireworks competition.
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
Sumida River Fireworks Festival dates back to 1733, making it one of Japan's largest and oldest fireworks festivals.
The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is an annual fireworks display over the Sumida River near Asakusa, Tokyo, held on the last Saturday of July month.
Each summer, nearly one million people flock to see this magnificent display of fireworks.
However, they are also the crowdiest, and finding a seat is almost impossible unless you arrive early. So arriving early is essential if you want to fully enjoy the event.
Hence, if you enjoy fireworks, you can witness Japan's breathtaking fireworks with little hassle as it will be the most memorable experience of your life that you can share with your family and friends. Despite the effort, it is well worth it.
The zeal and enthusiasm to attend major fireworks displays is making sense. A million people gather to watch the 20,000 different colours and shapes of fireworks.
It will illuminate the night sky. So I can't afford to miss the spectacular display of fireworks along the Sumida River!
Kamakura Fireworks Festival (Mid-July, 2024)
Kamakura, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is one of Japan's ancient capitals and a popular weekend getaway from Tokyo.
Kamakura’s spectacular fireworks display includes both traditional sky fireworks and underwater fireworks. They put on a one-of-a-kind fireworks show where spectators can pay/sponsor a shot.
This is the ideal time when couples can pay for a shot while simultaneously proposing to their girlfriend, who gladly accepts.
How romantic it is!
When your partner proposes to you while the illuminating sky is also celebrating your love.
Nothing beats a fireworks display in Japan in the summer! A Colourful evening, romantic setting, and visually appealing underwater fireworks displays brightened my day.
I can't put into words how delighted I was to witness it. A well-spent day.
Tsuchiura Fireworks Competition (November 2, 2024)
One of the top three annual fireworks festivals in Japan. It's a fantastic competition between fireworks experts from all over Japan. The skillful art of the fireworks may impress you.
It began as a memorial service for fallen naval officers in 1925 and has since evolved into a truly unique display.
Every year, nearly 800,000 people visit Tsuchiura to enjoy the art. The skillful art of the fireworks may impress you.
I am astounded to see top-tier fireworks by experts. It gave me goosebumps because it was so impressive.
The highlights of the event include breathtaking displays created by combining cutting-edge technology and imaginative designs.
If you want to come over, get out of the house as soon as possible! You'll have to wait for the next year if you don't and I know you don't want to miss the opportunity.
Biwako Fireworks Festival (August 8, 2024)
Biwako is Japan's largest lake. More than 10,000 fireworks will be launched during the Great Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival.
There are numerous fireworks displays in Japan's major cities, and this is one of the most popular summer events.
Only at Lake Biwa can you see a spectacular fireworks display reflected in the water.
Approximately 10,000 colorful fireworks are fired in various directions, creating unique light art in the dark sky.
I've reserved a (paid) seat to get the best view of the show without a crowd because I don't want to miss a moment of the show.
Another highlight was the Biwako Flower Fountain, a massive fountain located in the Otsu Port. The combination of impressive fireworks and 40m-high water streams provides a spectacular view!
Another sensation is watching 10,000 fireworks launch into the air over Lake Biwa, creating a stunning display of light.
Despite the fact that I travel a long distance to see this show. However, it was well worth it! I will definitely revisit this place.
Miyajima Fireworks Festival (Late August, 2024)
For those looking for a truly subjective and interactive experience, then the Miyajima Fireworks Festival, taking place in Japan in 2024, is the perfect way to spend a summer night. This festival, held in the stunningly beautiful evergreen coastal town of Miyajima, has become a highly anticipated event among locals and tourists alike.
You can expect a huge selection of firework displays, ranging from traditional Japanese boating lanterns to modern pyrotechnic displays. All this while light is reflected by the unparalleled floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine, with the islands of Southern Japan in the distance.
The floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine, in particular, takes on an additional beauty during the festival. The architectural landmark, located in the Miyajima strait, is a testament to the creativity of the Edo period’s Shinto builders.
Every year it stands as an incredible sight during the fireworks' display, lit up by thousands of vibrant colors and its reflection upon the still waters.
No matter how long you decide to stay, you'll be sure to experience the unparalleled atmosphere of the festival.
With the cheering locals, the wide range of tasty food stands, and the intoxicating scent of the ocean in the air, it's hard to contain the excitement for the night ahead.
The Miyajima Fireworks Festival is sure to end the night with a bang both figuratively and literally.
From being able to set off your own miniature fireworks show, to participating with locals in the traditional Buddhist lantern procession, you're sure to find something that piques your interest.
And, not to mention, the festival is wrapped up with an unforgettable finale of fireworks exploding from the sea - that you won’t want to miss in 2023!
Chichibu Night Festival Fireworks (December 2 - December 4, 2024)
Japan comes alive with a vibrant fireworks show that brings the small city of Chichibu to life. Located just a short distance outside of Tokyo, the Chichibu Night Festival Fireworks is held in downtown Chichibu outside Chichibu (Chichibu Railway) and Seibu-Chichibu (Seibu Railway) stations on December 2nd and 3rd each year.
As the sun sets, throngs of excited people make their way to the event, eager to marvel at the colorful explosions illuminating the night's sky.
The event begins with a thrilling opening ceremony complete with taiko drums, flutes, and more which sets the atmosphere for what follows.
During the festival, numerous food stalls set up around the area serving local specialties such as soba noodles, udon, grilled fish, and vegetables. The Chichibu Night Festival also often has fireworks displays, floats, and other traditional ceremonies.
These activities culminate in the thrilling hoisting and lowering of the sacred Chichibu Jinzai, signifying the official finale of the event and a grand celebration of the season.
With over 10,000 fireworks exploding over the course of the evening, each show is packed with dazzling spectacles in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Rockets soar to heights of up to 900 feet as they light up the sky in vibrant pinks, blues, and greens. Shorter, yet equally impressive bursts of multi-colored light fill the air with wonder, leaving viewers in awe.
At the peak of the fireworks display, the night sky is filled with an incredible mix of hues and sounds that create an unforgettable experience.
As the last firework blazes across the horizon and slowly fades into the sky, resounding cheers and applause echo around Chichibu as the audience celebrates this spectacular event.
The Chichibu Night Festival Fireworks display is an essential part of the local culture and draws in hordes of people from all over the world, eager to witness its beauty.
From couples wanting to star in a romantic evening to friends yearning for a night out filled excitement, the event offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience or the opportunity to bask in its captivating charm, the festival won’t leave you disappointed.
The 2023 Japanese Summer Fireworks Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion not to be missed.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler, the unparalleled sights and sounds of Chichibu will leave an unforgettable impression on anyone fortunate enough to witness this grand spectacle. So grab your ticket for the event and get ready for the experience of a lifetime!
How to get to the Chichibu Night Festival
Taking the train is the most convenient way of reaching the Chichibu Yomatsuri festival.
You can either take the JR and Chichibu Railway Lines from Tokyo Station to Chichibu, which takes between an hour forty-five minutes to two hours and twenty minutes depending upon whether one takes the Shinkansen or local trains to Kumagaya Station.
Alternatively, you can take the Laview limited express train (reservation required) from Tokyo Station to Seibu-Chichibu Station, which will take approximately one hour and forty-five minutes.
This train also makes a stop at Ohanabatake Station, which is right in the center of downtown Chichibu, only a few steps away from the festival.
Conclusion
The summer in Japan is quite vibrant and awesome, and one of the most well-known events during this time is the fireworks festival. Thousands of people travel, pay, and hassle to witness Japan's fireworks displays. There is so much excitement about these events.
For these events, people came from all over the world. Fireworks displays are an integral part of weekend celebrations.
For many Japanese, seeing sparkling fireworks in the sky is a joyful and nostalgic sight. For me, attending the above-mentioned fireworks festivals is a true Japanese summer experience!
If you enjoy watching fireworks displays, there is no better place to explore than Japan. Don't be late, step out now.
