Waterfall-like spectacles and fireworks shows from high above—here’s how to enjoy summer firework holidays in Japan, Korea, and Australia

The beautiful sight of fireworks over the Han River attracts crowds to stop and admire. (Photo provided by Shutterstock)

Against the summer night sky, spectacular fireworks burst into bloom high above, drawing families, couples, friends, and photography enthusiasts to spend a romantic evening. So what exciting fireworks shows are there this summer? In Japan, fireworks festivals are all the rage across the country, while Seoul and Busan will host their World Fireworks Festivals, and Macau will present its spectacular light and fireworks show. For those planning an overseas trip, why not schedule a summer night fireworks event and experience the unique pyrotechnic artistry from different countries?

Nagano Prefecture, which saw a tourism boom thanks to the movie "Your Name," holds the "Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival" during its summer festival, launching 40,000 fireworks—the largest number in Japan. (Photo provided by Shutterstock)

● Summer Fireworks Festivals Across Japan

Just as Japanese people eagerly anticipate cherry blossom season in spring, they are equally passionate about summer fireworks festivals, capturing fleeting beauty as a cherished summer night tradition. Examples include Hiroshima’s “Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival,” where you can see the illuminated floating torii gate against a dark sky, and Nagano’s “Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival,” which launches 40,000 fireworks, including a massive 2-kilometer display resembling Niagara Falls.

Among Tokyo’s three major fireworks events, the “Yoyogi Equestrian Park Fireworks Festival” (also known as the Meiji Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival) is the only one held in central Tokyo, featuring 12,000 fireworks. Proceeds from event tickets are also partially donated to support recovery efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Kumamoto Earthquake. Prime viewing spots include Meiji Park, Shinjuku NS Building, Roppongi Mori Tower, and the Japan Youth Center.

● Korea’s World Fireworks Festival, Visible in Both Seoul and Busan

Seoul’s Han River Park is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. This year’s 15th edition of the “Seoul World Fireworks Festival” will take place on September 30 at Han River Citizens Park, serving as the most lively fireworks show of autumn. Fireworks experts from Korea and abroad will light up the sky with dazzling displays. Top viewing spots include N Seoul Tower, 63 Building, and the Yeouinaru Fish Market. In previous years, many people arrived early to secure spots on the riverside grass.

Aside from waterfront fireworks, the world-class “Busan Fireworks Festival,” held every October, uses the iconic Gwangan Bridge as a backdrop. It combines multimedia fireworks, vibrant music, and themed laser light shows. The festival attracts visitors from across the nation every year, once even recording over a million attendees. You can enjoy the romantic fireworks on Gwanganri Beach or from atop Hwangnyeongsan Mountain.

The Macau International Fireworks Display Contest features ten teams from around the world, presenting brilliant fireworks displays paired with stunning laser effects and moving music to create a dreamlike night sky. (Photo provided by Macao Tourism Board)

● A Macau Fireworks Holiday: 360-Degree Views and Dining at Macau Tower

Travelers looking to avoid peak-season crowds may want to visit Macau in September. The annual “Macau International Fireworks Display Contest,” which draws tens of thousands of spectators, will take place on weekends throughout September. Fireworks will be launched over the waters near Macau Tower, with top pyrotechnicians from Australia, the UK, France, Japan, and other countries taking turns to showcase their skills. To celebrate the month-long event, hotels and restaurants in Macau are also offering fireworks-themed dining and accommodation deals, allowing you to enjoy the show with a full view from the iconic Macau Tower while dining.

The Macao Tourism Board recommends several prime viewing spots for the fireworks competition, including the Macau Tower Square and the Guanyin Lotus Pavilion area, as well as nearby spots such as Sai Van Lake, the Mount Governor’s West View Garden, the L9 Avenue shoreline, and the Governor Nobre de Carvalho Bridge lakeside. Nam Van Lake’s Jardim da Flora is another popular spot, where visitors can explore cultural shops and art markets before enjoying the fireworks by the lake for a relaxing evening.