Another summer festival in Japan is here – a spectacular aquatic fireworks display illuminates the night sky over the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Miyajima!

Text by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network, compiled and reported. Information provided by the Moleskine Editorial Department.

Fireworks are one of the most important events of Japan’s summer festivals, and the Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival, one of Japan’s Top 100 Fireworks Displays, marks the highlight of Hiroshima’s summer. For the people of Hiroshima, experiencing this aquatic fireworks show is the true sign that summer has arrived. The 2012 Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival will take place at 7:50 PM on August 11, with an expected 5,300 fireworks launched, including 200 water fireworks. At that time, a dazzling array of fireworks will light up the night sky over Miyajima, one of Japan’s Three Great Views.

The fireworks in Miyajima are called the Water Fireworks Festival because they are launched from boats out at sea. Though they can also be enjoyed from Hiroshima Port, most people choose to cross over to Miyajima to witness the breathtaking sight of the bright red O-torii Gate of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine alongside the beautiful fireworks. Last year, the fireworks display attracted about 300,000 visitors. Although the show begins in the evening, early in the morning, every ferry or high-speed boat heading to Miyajima is far more crowded than usual. As soon as you disembark, from the pier to Itsukushima Shrine, various summer festival stalls—yatai—are out in full force, offering everything from takoyaki and cotton candy to goldfish scooping, essentially creating a giant midsummer market. Girls don colorful summer yukata and happily stroll among the stalls or play in the cool streams.

With more than six hours to go before the evening fireworks begin, the prime viewing spots in front of the O-torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine are already fully occupied, with not even a small patch of empty space left in sight. Most of the early birds are seasoned photography enthusiasts, and the rows of tripods form a spectacular and amusing sight. Paid reserved seating, though closer, doesn’t always offer the best angle due to its slight offset from the torii gates. If your budget allows, you can also choose to watch the beautiful fireworks show from a boat at sea. Additionally, because of the unpredictable tides, if you’re lucky and the fireworks coincide with low tide, you may even be able to walk into the shallow sea for a closer and more immersive view, even without a pre-secured prime spot.

At 7:50 PM sharp, the broadcast announces the start of the fireworks. Since Itsukushima Shrine has historical ties to the Taira clan of Japan’s past, the theme of the water fireworks is woven around historical narratives, recounting the history of the Taira and Minamoto clans, the Genpei War, and the legendary tale of the tragic hero Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Over the course of the one-hour fireworks show, themed scenes unfold one after another, with over 5,000 fireworks bursting in succession above Miyajima, each one leaving spectators in awe. Each year, fireworks designers also put their creativity to the test, crafting special shapes—from Miyajima’s local specialties like spatulas and torii gates to hearts, Doraemon, and Pikachu—all lighting up the night sky.

The fireworks are launched from the sea, so to get the best viewing angle, check the location of the fireworks boats in advance, along with the day’s tide times, and arrive early at Miyajima to secure your spot. The wait can be long, so it's best to prepare food and drinks ahead of time. Since Miyajima can only be reached from Hiroshima City by ferry or boat, the return trip tends to be very crowded. It is recommended to buy round-trip boat tickets in advance. Although various ferry companies will operate extra services, you may still have to queue for 2–3 hours to board.

● Read more: Summer Fireworks & Yukata Festival – Sendai Tanabata Matsuri Begins August 6

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