What a breathtaking night sky you'll never forget – your ultimate guide to Japan’s summer fireworks festivals

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

The most iconic summer event in Japan is the “fireworks festival,” or hanabi taikai. Dress up in a yukata, enjoy delicious street food, have fun with friends and family, and marvel at the dazzling firework displays. Starting from April every year, fireworks shows are held across Japan, lasting 1 to 2 hours each, making it the perfect time to plan a trip to Japan.

July
Ocean Expo Park Fireworks Festival
Highlights: Enjoy fireworks and various performance events at the venue
Location: Okinawa Prefecture Ocean Expo Park
Dates: July 14, 12:00 – 21:00
 
Tenjin Matsuri Offering Fireworks
Highlights: With a history of over a thousand years, the Tenjin Matsuri is one of Japan’s three great festivals. The final event of the celebration is a fireworks display to honor the gods.
Location: Kita Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture (Osaka Temmangu Shrine)
 
Dates: July 25, 19:30 – 20:50
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Highlights: Now held as a competition, this is one of Tokyo’s three major fireworks festivals. It is said to date back to 1733, making it a traditional event.

Dates: The last Saturday of July every year, 7:00 – 20:30
Tsukuda River Fireworks Festival
Highlights: This long-running Tokyo fireworks festival features around 13,000 brilliant fireworks, offering a diverse and spectacular show.
Location: Edogawa Riverbanks
 
Dates: July 24, 19:20 – 20:20
Adachi Fireworks Festival
Highlights: Although smaller in scale, the Adachi Fireworks Festival has been ranked as one of the most anticipated fireworks shows in Japan multiple times. With a century-long history, this year’s theme is “Summer fireworks start in Adachi.” The show can be enjoyed along the Arakawa Riverbanks. The venue also features many food stalls and yakatabune (riverboat restaurants).
Location: Arakawa Riverbank, Tokyo
 
Dates: July 21, 19:30 – 20:30
Tachikawa National Showa Memorial Park Fireworks Festival
Highlights: In addition to being famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage, the Tachikawa National Showa Memorial Park also offers a fantastic fireworks show in the summer. This year, about 6,000 fireworks will be launched, making it an ideal spot to spend the day at the park and then enjoy the evening fireworks.
Location: Tachikawa National Showa Memorial Park, Tokyo

August
Onmaku Fireworks
Details: This is the grand finale fireworks display of the Imabari Festival, which features traditional elements and Japanese dance.
Location: Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture
Date: Saturday and Sunday of the first week in August
 
Kobe Port Marine Fireworks Festival
Details: With Kobe Port as the backdrop, around 10,000 fireworks are launched over the sea at Meriken Park.
Location: Kobe Port (from the Shin Koike Pier to the waters south of Meriken Park)
Date: Saturday and Sunday of the first week in August
 
Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival
Details: A fireworks display that launches approximately 10,000 fireworks over the water from Otsu Port on Lake Biwa.
Location: Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
Date: August 8th each year; if the 8th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the event is held on the preceding Friday

National Fireworks Competition
Details: One of Japan’s three major fireworks festivals, this event has a long-standing tradition. In 2010, the 100th anniversary of the Omagari Fireworks was celebrated, with pyrotechnicians performing in a competitive showcase.
Location: Right bank riverside area of the Omonogawa River
Date: August 25th
 
Uji River Fireworks Festival
Details: A fireworks event themed around “The Tale of Genji,” which has deep historical ties to the Uji region.
Location: Uji Park
Date: August 10th
 
Kyozohai PL Art of Fireworks
Details: An annual religious event held by the Perfect Liberty religious organization. Around 20,000 fireworks are launched, making it a large-scale fireworks show. However, non-religious visitors are also welcome to attend.
Location: Tondabayashi City, Osaka Prefecture
Date: August 1st, 20:00 – 20:40