Summer Fever: Three Must-See Firework Festivals in Kanto with Thousands of Sparkling Displays

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 

Every summer in July and August, when you visit Japan, you’ll often see people strolling around leisurely dressed in yukata, holding small paper fans, sipping beer, and admiring the brilliant fireworks lighting up the night sky — it’s one of the most beautiful sights of Japan’s summer.

● Sumida River Fireworks Festival
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is arguably the largest and most famous fireworks event in the Kanto region, continuing the tradition of the “Ryogoku River Fireworks Festival” from the Edo period, which began in 1733 (the 18th year of the Kyoho era). The fireworks launch site is divided into two areas: the first venue is between Sakura Bridge and Kaminaribashi, and the second is between Komagata Bridge and Umamachi Bridge. Over 20,000 dazzling fireworks color the Tokyo night sky, and each year features innovative and creative firework designs, making the 1 hour and 20-minute festival incredibly lively.

To enjoy this summer fireworks spectacle, you can take a sightseeing bus or yakatabune (traditional Japanese houseboat) on the Sumida River, or head to the special fireworks viewing area set up at Tokyo Skytree, which offers one of the best vantage points. Be sure to book early to secure a spot — between 17:30 and 20:30 that evening, Tokyo Skytree will only allow 945 visitors up to the observation deck to watch the beautiful fireworks bloom high above in the sky.

【Info】
◎ Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Event Time: 2015/07/25 19:05 – 20:30
Event Area:
First Venue: Downstream of Eitai Bridge – Upstream of Kaminaribashi
Second Venue: Downstream of Komagata Bridge – Upstream of Umamachi Bridge
 
 
● Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Festival
The Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Festival takes place over the waters of Tokyo Bay, offering easy viewing of the beautiful fireworks. Held on the second weekend of August each year, the event launches 12,000 fireworks that light up the Tokyo Bay night sky. In addition to the viewing spots in the northern Umi no Sho area, you can also enjoy the display from the northwest area stretching from Takeshiba to Shibaura.