Fireworks aren’t just in Tokyo — check out five must-see spectacular displays in Kanagawa

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Wu Pin-xuan, compiled and reported
 
Wearing a yukata and admiring huge, radiant fireworks blooming in the night sky is an essential part of Japan’s summer scenery. With dazzling fireworks, delicious festival snacks, and the lively atmosphere of a summer fireworks event, it’s a popular attraction for couples, friends, or family trips alike. Here we’ve selected five Kanagawa fireworks festivals held after mid-August — pack your bags and get ready to go!

Kawasaki City Commemoration Tamagawa Fireworks Festival
 
Established in 1929, this year marks the 76th edition of this long-running fireworks festival. Featuring rapid-fire consecutive launches and Niagara fireworks, it’s a “fireworks fantasy banquet” where music and pyrotechnics come together perfectly, with around 6,000 fireworks launched into the sky. Before the 7 p.m. show, stage performances and a countdown to the fireworks are held.

[Info]
Time: August 19, 2017 (Sat) 18:30–20:00  ※ Event cancelled in case of bad weather
Venue: Tamagawa River Embankment (Kawasaki venue)
Transportation: Get off at Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line “Futako-Shinchi Station,” then walk about 15 minutes
 
 
Kanazawa Matsuri Fireworks Festival
 
Held at Yokohama’s only seaside beach, “Sea Paradise,” this fireworks festival launches about 3,500 fireworks from the sea, offering a unique beauty even when viewed from afar. The event concludes with an extra-large rapid-fire fireworks display as the finale, illuminating the night sky over Yokohama Hakkeijima.

[Info]
Time: August 26, 2017 (Sat) 19:00–20:00 ※ Event cancelled in case of bad weather
Venue: Sea Paradise
Transportation: ① Take the JR Keihin-Tōhoku Line to “Shin-Sugita Station” or Keikyū Line to “Kanazawa-Hakkei Station,” then transfer to the Yokohama Seaside Line and get off at “Sea Paradise Minamiguchi Station” or “Sea Paradise Shibaguchi Station”
② Or walk 20 minutes from Keikyū Line “Kanazawa-Bunko Station”
 
 
Shōnan Hiratsuka Fireworks Festival
 
In addition to its famous Tanabata decorations, Hiratsuka City also shines with its fireworks festival. Around 3,000 fireworks, including wide-type rapid-fire fireworks, chrysanthemum shells, and spinning fireworks, light up the Shōnan night sky in brilliant succession. The taiko drum performance before the show is not to be missed — be sure to arrive early to soak in the festive atmosphere of the fireworks event.

[Info]
Time: August 25, 2017 (Fri) 19:00–20:00  ※ Event postponed to August 27 in case of bad weather
Venue: Sagami River Estuary (Shōnan Ushiku)
Transportation: From JR Tōkaidō Line “Hiratsuka Station” South Exit, take the bus bound for “Suga Port,” and get off at “Suga Port Station,” then walk about 5 minutes
 
 
Hakone Gōra Summer Festival Daimon-yaki (grilled sardines on skewers)
 
The Gōra Daimon-yaki, originating from the Buddhist Obon festival's spirit-offering fires, has been held annually on August 16 since 1921 (Taishō 10) and remains a representative traditional event in Hakone to this day. Against the backdrop of a giant floating “大” (big/da) character in the mountains, about 2,000 fireworks are launched in various combinations, soaring high and shining brilliantly — an unmissable summer spectacle.