Top 12 Japan Hanabi Festivals: Fireworks in 2025

The Japanese fireworks festival is a grand celebration of fireworks artistry. Each event reflects the artisans' perfect pursuit of "momentary beauty," blending centuries-old traditions with nature and modern technology. The firework festivals in Japan are held multiple times throughout the year, allowing us to experience the most dazzling moments under the night sky together.

 

Fireworks Festival Schedule

The Zekkei Fireworks at Mt. Fuji (Yamanashi Prefecture)

Date: 19, April

The firework festival features Mount Fuji as a backdrop, coinciding with cherry blossom season. In April, you can enjoy the beautiful sight of cherry blossoms alongside the remaining snow on Mount Fuji, creating a unique scene of "Spring Snow, Cherry Blossoms, and Fireworks."

• Itinerary Suggestion: On the morning of the event, consider visiting Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka, as well as the Oshino Hakkai springs. After the fireworks, public transportation options may be limited, so it's advisable to choose a hot spring hotel by Lake Kawaguchi and book a shuttle in advance.
• Best Viewing Spots: The northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi offers a free viewing area where you can capture classic shots of Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms, and fireworks together, or you can opt for paid seating in the center of the venue.

Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Tokyo)

Date: Last Saturday of July

This is Tokyo's oldest fireworks festival, lasting 1.5 hours. It features a giant "sky chrysanthemum" with a diameter of 600 meters, set against the backdrop of the Tokyo Skytree, lighting up the night sky.

• Itinerary Suggestion: Visit Senso-ji Temple during the day, explore Sumida Park in the afternoon, and secure your spot early (paid seats must be booked online). After 9 PM, enjoy the night view of the Skytree.
• Best Viewing Spots: The riverbank between Kototoi Bridge and Sakurabashi Bridge (paid seats selected via the official website)
• Hidden Viewing Spot: Tokyo Skytree restaurant
• Recommended for: First-time visitors

Adachi Fireworks Festival (Tokyo)

Date: July 20

This is Tokyo's earliest large fireworks display, featuring a compact 1-hour show. You'll see stunning Niagara Falls-shaped fireworks cascading from the bridge. There are also food stalls and local snacks along the riverbank. Plenty of free viewing spots are available.

• Itinerary Suggestion: Visit Senso-ji Temple during the day, then take the Tokyo Metro directly to the Arakawa Riverbank to avoid the crowded JR lines.
• Best Viewing Spots: Free areas between Nishi-Arai Bridge and Senju-Shinbashi (open after 4 PM)
• Recommended for: Families with children or short-term visitors with limited time

Osaka Tenjin Matsuri Fireworks Festival (Okawa River)

Date: July 25

Experience a spectacular show with 300 lantern boats and 5,000 fireworks. This festival combines a shrine celebration with riverside fireworks, boasting over a thousand years of history. The red plum fireworks symbolize good fortune, and the reflection on the river creates a stunning "fire tapestry."

• Itinerary Suggestion: Visit Osaka Castle in the morning, then enjoy the float parade and beautifully decorated boats on the river in the afternoon. After the fireworks, head to Dotonbori for a night out.
• Recommended for: Couples seeking a cultural experience and a more intimate viewing.
• Best Viewing Spots: Riverside dining seats (starting at ¥15,000 per person) or cool boats (¥8,000 per person) where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine while watching the fireworks.

Bentenjima Fireworks Festival (Shizuoka)

Date: July 6

Continuing a tradition that began nearly a century ago to honor the Bentenjima Shrine, the festival features a stunning backdrop of a massive red torii gate on Lake Hamana. As fireworks light up the night sky, their reflections dance on the water, creating a magical visual effect known as "water fireworks.

Itinerary Suggestion: Start your day at Bentenjima Island Seaside Park, where you can take in the ocean views and sample fresh seafood. The torii gate with the sunset creates a breathtaking sight, perfect for photography. The rocky coastline is also great for a peaceful stroll away from the crowds.

Best Viewing Spots:

• Paid Seating: Available in the park (tickets should be purchased in advance).
• Free Area: Arrive 3-4 hours early to secure a spot along the rocky coastline, where you can enjoy fewer crowds and capture amazing photos of the fireworks and their reflections on the water.

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (Niigata)

Dates: August 2-3

One of Japan's top three fireworks festivals, featuring giant fireworks with a diameter of 650 meters set to the symphony "Jupiter." The display symbolizes "the phoenix's rebirth" and is timed to launch along both banks, spanning a 2-kilometer viewing area.

• Recommended for: Photography lovers and those seeking a rich cultural experience
• Itinerary Suggestion: Since it's over three hours from Tokyo, consider staying nearby for the night. Book a Niigata hot spring hotel in advance, and enjoy a day at the beach at the nearby seaside resort before heading back.
• Best Viewing Spot: Paid seats on the Chōsei Bridge (reservations available for international credit cards on the official website).

Atami Fireworks Festival (Shizuoka)

Dates: Multiple summer dates (July 28, August 5, August 18)

Fireworks launched over Atami Bay create a stunning spectacle, enhanced by the surrounding mountains. The reflections on the water and the "Silver Niagara Falls" effect add to the visual wonder.

• Itinerary Suggestion: Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ashi or visit Kamakura before heading to the Atami Fireworks Festival.
• Recommended for: Couples and visitors looking to avoid crowds.
• Best Viewing Spot: Paid seating at Atami Sun Beach (tickets available on-site).

Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival (Nagano)

Date: August 15 (part of the "Suwa Lake Festival")

Set in the backdrop of the anime film "Your Name," the fireworks reflect on the lake's surface with views of Mount Fuji. The grand finale features the "Fire Waterfall," launching 40,000 fireworks from an island in the lake, creating a stunning 300-meter-wide waterfall of light.

• Itinerary Suggestion: Spend the day visiting Matsumoto Castle or hiking in the Kamikochi area, and consider staying at a hot spring near Mount Fuji.
• Recommended for: Anime fans and those seeking breathtaking views and a romantic atmosphere.
• Best Viewing Spot: Free viewing areas along the lakeshore and Takashima Park observation deck (arrive by noon for free seating).

Omagari Fireworks Competition (Akita)

Date: Fourth Saturday in August

Known as the "Fireworks Olympics," this event features Japan's top pyrotechnicians competing with creative and fast-firing fireworks. You can enjoy a spectacular show that combines traditional fireworks with modern technology, including performances by international teams. Although the location is a bit remote, it is considered one of Japan's largest and most impressive fireworks festivals.

• Itinerary Suggestion: Book your accommodation a month in advance to avoid late-night travel. Enjoy the beautiful sights of Akita, visit the Kakunodate Samurai Residences, bike around Lake Tazawa, and spend the night at a nearby hot spring town after the fireworks show.
• Best Viewing Spot: Paid seating on the right bank of the Omono River (tickets available in English on the official website). If you can't get official seats, there are open areas for viewing.

Yokohama Port Future Smart Festival (Kanagawa)

Date: Mid-July

Enjoy a stunning combination of modern city skyline, Ferris wheels, and landmark buildings with fireworks. Over a 20-minute period, 20,000 fireworks are launched in a spectacular display, creating a beautiful scene as the Yokohama night skyline lights up.

• Itinerary Suggestion: Spend the day visiting Yokohama's Chinatown or the Cup Noodles Museum, then enjoy the fireworks festival in the evening and experience the nightlife in Shinjuku.
• Recommended for: Visitor seeking an efficient and immersive experience, as well as shopper.
• Best Viewing Spot: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse lawn (free seating). For a hidden gem, check out the observation deck of the Yokohama Landmark Tower (¥3,000 per person).

Kamakura Firework Festival (Yuigahama coast)

Date: Mid-July

Every year, the Kamakura Firework Festival takes place at Kamakura Kaihin Park on the beautiful beaches of Kamakura. This smaller-scale festival is famous for its unique "underwater fireworks," where shells are launched from fast-moving boats and explode 30 centimeters underwater, creating massive "water sparks" with a diameter of up to 250 meters. As the fireworks shoot into the sky, they leave stunning reflections on the ocean's surface, delivering a breathtaking visual experience.

• Itinerary Suggestion: In the morning, take a stroll around Enoshima and visit the iconic "Kamakura High School" station, a famous location from the anime Slam Dunk. After the fireworks, the return trip to Tokyo takes about 2 hours, so it's recommended to stay overnight in Kamakura.
• Best Viewing Spots: The beach at Kamakura is lively with many nearby dining options, while Zaimokuza Beach tends to be less crowded, providing a more relaxed atmosphere for viewing the fireworks.

New Year Fireworks at Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)

Date: December 31

At Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, approximately 4,000 vertical fireworks will be launched around Gramercy Park and the surrounding lake, creating an electrifying atmosphere enhanced by music and lights. The countdown begins at 11:50 PM, leading up to the midnight celebration with a spectacular display featuring digital countdown effects and a rainbow-colored fireworks matrix.

• Itinerary Suggestion: You can spend the entire day enjoying the attractions at Universal Studios. It's advisable to book a hotel nearby that allows for a quick return, either by walking or a short shuttle ride.
• Best Viewing Spots: VIP viewing seats must be purchased in advance and include a fast-pass ticket.

For a hidden gem, the arch bridge on the right side of Hogwarts Castle Lake offers a great vantage point to capture both the fireworks and a panoramic view of the castle while avoiding large crowds.

How to Buy Tickets for Firework Festivals

Paid Seating

You could usually purchase tickets for paid seating through the official website of the firework festival you plan to attend. Tickets are available 3 to 4 months in advance, while the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival requires booking 6 months ahead. Seats are assigned automatically based on the order of purchase.

Free Viewing Areas

If you prefer a free viewing spot, arrive 2 to 3 hours early. Bring a picnic blanket or folding chair to mark your place.

What to Wear for Fireworks Festivals

There are no strict dress codes for fireworks festivals, but wearing local attire can enhance your experience. You could easily rent a suite in the city center. Depending on the season, you can choose different outfits.

Spring and Summer

Yukata is the classic attire for fireworks festivals. Light, breathable, and simple, it's perfect for hot weather and has become a staple for summer fireworks in Japan! Opt for lighter colors to capture the essence of summer while balancing traditional beauty and comfort. Be sure to rent one in advance for great photo opportunities!

Autumn and Winter

As temperatures drop during the fall and winter nights, consider wearing a thicker kimono. You can also layer with warm undergarments or a cozy outer jacket to stay comfortable.

Comfortable Footwear

While traditional geta (wooden sandals) are a classic choice, they may not be the best for long periods of standing or walking. It's advisable to wear comfortable shoes to ensure a pleasant experience.

Essential Tips for First-Timers

• Photography Tips: Most viewing areas do not allow tripods; if you want to use one, you'll need to purchase a reserved seat.
• Book Accommodation: For major venues (like the Sumida River or Nagaoka), book your accommodation at least six months in advance.
• Avoiding Crowds: Opt for paid seating options (like the unique boat experience in Osaka) or attend events on weekdays.
• Arrive Early: Popular events (such as those at the Sumida or Yodo Rivers) can get crowded, so it's best to arrive 2-3 hours in advance to secure a good spot.
• Allow Extra Travel Time: Traffic may be congested on fireworks festival days, so plan your route in advance or consider staying nearby.

Packing Tips

• Bring a picnic blanket: Sitting on the ground enhances the fireworks experience!
• Summer essentials: Pack mosquito repellent and a small fan to stay cool.
• Snacks and drinks: Enjoy snacks while watching the fireworks for an extra dose of happiness! Recommended items include rice balls, chips, and juice.
• Trash bags: Japan places great importance on waste sorting, so remember to take your trash with you!

Let's Help You Arrange Your Tour in Japan

If you find it difficult to book fireworks festivals or plan an itinerary that includes them, feel free to contact us. We'll help you create your Japan itinerary based on your preferences.