Text by MOOK Attractions Wu Pin-xuan, compiled and reported
Wearing a yukata and watching large, round fireworks burst beautifully into the night sky is an essential part of Japan’s summer scenery. With dazzling fireworks, delicious festival food stalls, and the lively atmosphere of a summer firework festival, it's a popular spot enjoyed by couples, friends, or family trips alike. Here we've selected five Kanagawa fireworks displays after mid-August—pack your bags and get ready to go!
When you think of Japanese summer, you have to think of fireworks festivals!(Photo / Taiwan Tourism Promotion Office, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Kawasaki City Commemorative Tamagawa Fireworks Festival
Held since 1929, this year marks the 76th edition of this long-running fireworks festival. It features high-speed consecutive fireworks and Niagara fireworks as highlights, creating a "fireworks fantasy banquet" where music and fireworks combine perfectly, with around 6,000 fireworks launched into the sky. Before the fireworks start at 7 PM, stage events and a countdown to the show take place.
Bright fireworks light up the night. (Photo / Taiwan Tourism Promotion Office, Kanagawa Prefecture)
[Info]
Time: August 19, 2017 (Sat) 18:30–20:00 ※ Event canceled in case of bad weather
Venue: Tamagawa Riverbank (Kawasaki venue)
Transportation: Get off at "Futako-Shinchi Station" on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, 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 when viewed from afar. The festival concludes with a spectacular grand finale of extra-large high-speed consecutive fireworks that light up the night sky over Yamashita Island.
The fireworks festival location is in the Tokyo suburbs, about an hour’s drive from central Tokyo. (Photo / Taiwan Tourism Promotion Office, Kanagawa Prefecture)
[Info]
Time: August 26, 2017 (Sat) 19:00–20:00 ※ Event canceled in case of bad weather
Venue: Sea Paradise
Transportation: ① Take the Yokohama Seaside Line from JR Keihin-Tohoku Line “Shin-Sugita Station” or Keikyu “Kanazawa-Hakkei Station,” and get off at either “Sea Paradise South Exit Station” or “Sea Paradise Shibuchi Station”
② Or walk 20 minutes from Keikyu “Kanazawa Bunko Station”
Shonan Hiratsuka Fireworks Festival
In addition to its famous Tanabata decorations, Hiratsuka City also excels in its fireworks festival. Around 3,000 fireworks—including broad high-speed consecutive fireworks, chrysanthemum shells, and spinning fireworks—light up the Shonan night sky in a brilliant display. The taiko drum performance before the fireworks is not to be missed; be sure to arrive early to soak in the vibrant festival atmosphere.
The highlight of enjoying the charm of Japanese summer—fireworks festivals!(Photo / Taiwan Tourism Promotion Office, Kanagawa Prefecture)
[Info]
Time: August 25, 2017 (Fri) 19:00–20:00 ※ Event postponed to August 27 in case of bad weather
Venue: Sagami River Estuary (Shonan Ushiku)
Transportation: From JR Tokaido 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 Gora Summer Festival Daimon-yaki (Bonfire Ritual)
Originating from the Daimon-yaki soul-releasing bonfires of Obon, Gora Daimon-yaki has been held annually on August 16 since 1921 (Taisho 10), and remains one of Hakone’s iconic traditional events. Against the backdrop of the giant floating “大” (big) character on the mountainside, around 2,000 fireworks are launched in various combinations soaring high into the sky, making for a dazzling summer spectacle not to be missed.
Fireworks and Daimon-yaki. (Photo / Taiwan Tourism Promotion Office, Kanagawa Prefecture)
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