By Alex
Despite typhoon threats, this year’s Sumida River Fireworks Festival took place as scheduled on the last Saturday of July (27th), along the Sumida River near Asakusa in Tokyo. Around 20,000 fireworks lit up the night sky, attracting approximately 960,000 spectators.
▲ (Photo by takahiro_teach @IG)
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival dates back to the mid-Edo period, with a history of over 200 years. Initially, it was a fireworks competition between two pyrotechnic shops, Keyama and Tamaya, but has since evolved into Tokyo’s most iconic traditional summer festival. Along with the Tokyo Bay Fireworks Festival and the Meiji Shrine Outer Garden Fireworks Festival, it is known as one of Tokyo’s Three Great Fireworks Festivals.
▲ (Photo by yohar1114 @Twitter)
The best spots to view the Sumida River Fireworks Festival are the parks on both riverbanks, particularly Sumida Park. However, due to the narrow width of the river and the dense surrounding buildings, the largest fireworks that can be launched are about 15 centimeters in diameter. Nevertheless, the large number of fireworks launched makes for an incredibly spectacular display.
▲ (Photo by yohar1114 @Twitter)
Completed in 2012, Tokyo Skytree—also known as Skytree or the New Tokyo Tower—has become a new landmark of Tokyo. Photographers shooting fireworks from Sumida Park near Asakusa can use Skytree as a stunning backdrop. With observation decks at 350 meters and 450 meters, Skytree offers a reservation-based fireworks viewing service during the festival, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacle from high above.
▲ (Photo by mizumo1975 @IG)
▲ (Photo by nickelpack @IG)
▲ (Photo by taichi.k.photo @IG)
▲ (Photo by bambicamera @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by shota_yyyyyy @IG)
▲ (Photo by takahiro_teach @IG)
▲ (Photo by bambicamera @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by genki_photo @IG)
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▲ (Photo by __akstyles_jp @IG)
Sources: Japan National Tourism Organization,Tokyo Skytree