I Love Fireworks!

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Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks (from May 28 to October 31)

▲ Lake Toya, Hokkaido. (Photo /

Lake Toya in Hokkaido boasts abundant natural resources nearby and offers boat cruises as well. The annual fireworks season lasts for six months, with around 400 fireworks launched at the lakeside every night from 8:45 to 8:20 p.m.

Location: Toyako Onsen Tourism Association
Transportation: One-Day Tour Bus around Lake Shikotsu & Lake Toya (Departing from/Arriving in Sapporo)
TEL 0142-75-2446

Ocean Expo Park Fireworks Festival (Every July)

Starting from daytime, there’s a series of lively events such as water balloon fights and water gun battles on the beach, or large inflatable play equipment for kids. In the evening, there’s a dazzling fireworks display along with exciting band performances, offering unforgettable summer memories.

It is recommended that those who want to experience the summer festival first get their entry tickets and find a good spot during the day, then visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium or relax and enjoy the beach, so you won’t miss out on a great spot when the evening comes Up!

Location: Okinawa Prefecture Ocean Expo Park
Transportation: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium One-Day Sightseeing Bus
TEL 0980-48-274

Tenjin Matsuri Offering of Fireworks (July 25th)

With a history of over a thousand years, the Tenjin Matsuri is one of Japan’s three major festivals. The final event of the celebration is a fireworks display to honor the deities.

Location: Kita Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture (Osaka Tenmangu Shrine) TEL 06-6353-0025

Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Last Saturday of July)

▲ Tokyo Sumida River Fireworks. (Photo /

Now performed as a competition, it is one of Tokyo’s three major fireworks festivals. It is said to have originated in 1733 and is a festival with a long tradition.

Location: Sumida City, Tokyo Transportation: Sky Hop Sightseeing Bus Tour in Tokyo
TEL 03-5246-1111

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Onmaku Fireworks (1st Saturday and Sunday of K month)

This is the grand finale fireworks display of the Imabari Festival, which features traditional performances and Japanese dance.

Location: Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture
TEL 0898-23-3939

Kobe Port Marine Fireworks Festival (1st Saturday and Sunday of K month)

With Kobe Port as the stage, about ten thousand fireworks are launched over the sea at Meriken Park.

Location: Kobe Port (from the new port pier to the southern waterside area of Meriken Park)
Transportation: Your First Visit to Kobe
TEL?78-333-3372

Biwako Fireworks Festival

A fireworks display launched from the Otsu Port on Lake Biwa, featuring approximately 10,000 fireworks.

Location: Ōtsu City, Shiga Prefecture
TEL 077-511-1530

All-Japan Fireworks Competition

▲ Japan’s Fireworks Competition. (Photo / Dajo no Hanabi [Dajo no Hanabi Executive Committee])

One of Japan’s three major fireworks festivals, this event has a long-standing traditional history. In 2010, the 100th anniversary of the Dajo Fireworks was celebrated, with pyrotechnicians performing through competitive displays.

Location: Right bank riverside of the Omonogawa River
TEL 0187-62-1262

Kyozohai PL Art of Fireworks (August 1)

Perfect Liberty, abbreviated as PL, is a religious event organized by a faith group, launching around 20,000 fireworks in a large-scale fireworks show. However, non-religious visitors are also welcome to attend.

Location: Tondabayashi City, Osaka Prefecture
TEL 0721-24-1111

Meiji Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival

One of Tokyo’s three major fireworks festivals, and the only fireworks event held in central Tokyo. The festival also features various live performance events.

Location: Meiji Jingu Gaien
Transportation: Your First Encounter with Tokyo – A Classic One-Day Light Trip
TEL 03-3547-0920

Chikugo River Fireworks Festival (August 5)

The Kurume Festival “Festival of Water” (August 30 to September 5) concludes with a fireworks display on its final day.With a history of over 350 years, it is the largest fireworks festival in western Japan.

Location: Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture
TEL 0942-32-3207

Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival (August 15)

Features water-based simultaneous fireworks launches and a 2-kilometer-wide Niagara-style lakeside fireworks display.

Location: Suwa Lake shoreline
TEL 0266-52-4141

Nagaoka Festival Fireworks

One of Japan’s three major fireworks festivals, also part of the Nagaoka Festival performances, with spectacular large-scale fireworks over the Shinano River.

Location: Downstream of Nagahashi Bridge, Shinano River riverside
TEL 0258-39-0823

Kanmon Straits Fireworks Festival (September 13)

▲ Kanmon Straits Fireworks Festival. (Photo / Kanmon Straits Fireworks Festival)

Held simultaneously on both sides of the Kanmon Straits, between Moji Ward in Fukuoka Prefecture and Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Location: Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
TEL 093-331-8781

Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition (October)

One of Japan's three major fireworks festivals, where you can enjoy the newest fireworks creations next year.

Location: Along Sakura River
TEL 029-826-1111

It is said that this type of decorative fireworks first appeared during the Edo period, and Japan’s fireworks technology has since developed to be among the best in the world. Its most distinctive feature is the consideration given to viewing angles from different spots, which enhances the three-dimensional effect. Coupled with vibrant colors and diverse designs, it often leaves spectators in awe.

Many Japanese wear summer yukata (a casual summer kimono) during fireworks festivals.If you’re lucky enough to attend one, don’t forget to put on a yukata and immerse yourself in this unique taste of traditional Japanese summer. Additionally, the festival grounds are filled with various food stalls (yatai), where you can sample Japanese dishes like yakisoba (stir-fried noodles)

If you’re planning to visit Japan this year to see fireworks, here are some important things to keep in mind:

First, think about what kind of fireworks you want to see?

Since fireworks displays vary by region and everyone’s preferences are different, some may want to watch fireworks reflected over the sea; others might prefer longer shows or the romantic atmosphere of a fireworks festival. Depending on your preferences, you can consider factors such as the launch location, the number of fireworks to be launched, last year’s attendance figures, and the surrounding environment.

Research the venue and schedule of the fireworks festival you plan to attend in advance:

If you understand Japanese and have the budget, it’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance so you can secure a great viewing spot. Tickets may also be sold on the day of the event, but availability is limited and it’s first-come, first-served. Of course, you can also choose free viewing areas, but since they’re free, you’ll need to arrive early to claim a good spot.

Pay attention to transportation information and check the locations of nearby stations.

Keep an eye on the weather conditions:

Fireworks displays are often subject to change due to weather, so it’s essential to take weather forecasts into account. Also, stay updated with official announcements from the organizers.

Arrive at the venue early on the day:

If you’re planning to attend one of the three major fireworks festivals, you might find tens of thousands of people gathered at the same location. Therefore, when scheduling your time, allow plenty of buffer for both entry and exit. Generally, it is recommended to arrive “at least two hours before” the start for most fireworks festivals, adjusting based on the scale of the event.

Although it’s advised to travel light, a picnic mat is absolutely essential. As most fireworks events are held outdoors, a picnic mat not only ensures your comfort but can also serve as a tool to reserve a spot. Other must-haves include fans, towels, and other heat-relief items, as well as sun protection. Moreover, summer mosquitoes might dampen your fireworks experience, so don’t forget insect repellent patches and sprays. If you have extra space, consider bringing a power bank, board games, drinks, and snacks.

Authorized reprint from [Tripbaa Fun Travel Experts – Asia’s Free Travel Specialists] Original article from [2018 Japan Fireworks Festivals Are Here: Complete Guide to Fireworks Festival Dates, Traditions, and Viewing Tips] This article is authorized and co-published by Tripbaa and ShopBack.

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