By: Alex
In anime, summer often brings scenes of fireworks festivals, leaving viewers with youthful and romantic impressions of the event. In reality, major cities like Tokyo and Osaka host fireworks festivals almost every weekend from July to August. Compared to Hong Kong’s fireworks displays, Japan’s festivals can last anywhere from half an hour to two hours, with the number of fireworks ranging from several thousand to as many as 20,000. The events are typically held over rivers or lakes, surrounded by food stalls, and attendees love dressing up in yukata (casual kimono-like garments), sitting on the ground—creating a uniquely different atmosphere.
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This past weekend, the largest fireworks festival in the Kanto region took place over the Tone River in Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture. From 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, a staggering 22,800 fireworks were launched—an exceptionally high number. The Tone River Fireworks Festival is renowned for its wide variety and high-quality fireworks. In fact, the fireworks were designed and produced by four award-winning local manufacturers, turning the festival into a competitive showcase among them.
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Similar to cherry blossom viewing, Japanese people often arrive at the venue early in the morning to reserve spots. Some organizers allow attendees to reserve spots with picnic mats and return before a designated time, while others require at least one person to stay on-site. For those who don’t want to reserve a spot but still desire a good viewing angle, VIP tickets are available—but they’re limited and usually sell out quickly. Additionally, some fireworks festivals proceed even in the rain, while others may be postponed by a day, so it’s essential to check the official announcements on the day of the event.
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For travelers visiting Tokyo during the summer break, if your schedule allows, don’t miss these larger-scale fireworks festivals taking place within Tokyo:
1. Adachi Fireworks Festival
- Highlight: Tokyo’s earliest summer fireworks festival, with a history of over 100 years.
- Time: July 20 (Saturday) from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Number of fireworks: Approximately 13,000
2. Tokyo Katsushika Summer Fireworks Festival
- Highlight: Enjoy fireworks up close with a strong sense of the old town atmosphere.
- Time: July 23 (Tuesday) from 7:20 PM to 8:20 PM
- Number of fireworks: Approximately 13,000
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3. Sumida River Fireworks Festival
- Highlight: Originating in 1733, it’s the most traditional fireworks festival in the Kanto region and one of Tokyo’s three major fireworks events.
- Time: July 27 (Saturday) from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Number of fireworks: Approximately 20,000 (combined for both the first and second venues)
4. Edogawa Fireworks Festival
- Highlight: Features 8 themed segments. Don’t miss the breathtaking opening—1,000 fireworks launched in 5 seconds.
- Time: August 3 (Saturday) from 7:15 PM to 8:30 PM
- Number of fireworks: Approximately 14,000
5. Meiji Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival
- Highlight: Held at Meiji Jingu Gaien in Tokyo, it’s one of Tokyo’s three major fireworks events.
- Time: August 10 (Saturday) from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Number of fireworks: Approximately 10,000
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Source:Ibaraki Prefecture Fireworks Festival, Fireworks Festival 2019, Japankuru