By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, Zhang Yingying. Compiled and reported.
Every year in July also marks the peak season for fireworks festivals in Japan. Wearing yukata, fanning yourself with a small hand fan, and sipping on some beer creates one of the most brilliant scenes of summer—perfect for creating wonderful memories. The most important fireworks festival in Tokyo is the “Sumida River Fireworks Festival.”This year is the 37th edition, to be held on Saturday evening, July 26. The event will proceed as scheduled even if there is light rain, but will be postponed to Sunday, July 27, if the weather is severe.
Every year in July also marks the peak season for fireworks festivals in Japan. Wearing yukata, fanning yourself with a small hand fan, and sipping on some beer creates one of the most brilliant scenes of summer—perfect for creating wonderful memories. The most important fireworks festival in Tokyo is the “Sumida River Fireworks Festival.”This year is the 37th edition, to be held on Saturday evening, July 26. The event will proceed as scheduled even if there is light rain, but will be postponed to Sunday, July 27, if the weather is severe.
Beautiful fireworks reflected against the Tokyo Skytree and the Sumida River. (Image source / Sumida River Fireworks Festival)
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is considered the fireworks display in the Kanto region that carries on the Edo tradition, continuing the legacy of the “Ryogoku River Fireworks Festival” which began in 1733 (the 18th year of the Kyoho era) during the Edo period.The fireworks launch sites are divided into two: the first site stretches from Sakurabashi Bridge to Kaminaribashi Bridge, and the second site from Komagata Bridge to Umamachi Bridge. This year, the total number of fireworks launched at both sites is expected to reach 20,000.The second site is also the main launching area for continuous large-scale fireworks. Although the fireworks start at 19:05 and end at 20:30, most people begin arriving in the afternoon to secure the best viewing spots and wait onsite. If you plan to attend in person, it’s best to arrive early. Each year, over 900,000 spectators come to enjoy the display, a figure that doesn’t include those watching from farther away. On the day of the event, the entire Asakusa area is packed with crowds, and the dazzling fireworks appear even more beautiful and dreamlike against the backdrop of the Tokyo Skytree.
Many Japanese people wear yukata when going to watch the fireworks. (Image provided / Moleskine Editorial Department)
There are many ways to enjoy the Sumida River Fireworks Festival. You can also take a sightseeing bus or yakatabune (traditional Japanese houseboat) on the Sumida River, and many nearby hotels and high-end restaurants offer special viewing seats and fireworks dinner packages. The restaurants and observation decks at the Tokyo Skytree provide a particularly spectacular elevated view of the fireworks, but early booking is essential. Between 17:30 and 22:00 on the night of the event, the Tokyo Skytree only allows 840 people access to the observation deck. It's a prime time not only for general visitors but also for photography enthusiasts to secure the best seats.
On the day of the fireworks, the entire Asakusa area is flooded with crowds, and even spots where only part of the display is visible become very lively. (Image provided / Moleskine Editorial Department)
On the same night as the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, there is also the “Tachikawa Festival National Azabu Memorial Park Fireworks Display” held at the National Azabu Memorial Park, featuring about 5,000 fireworks and on a smaller scale, attracting around 300,000 visitors each year. In addition, the 48th Katsushika Summer Fireworks Festival, which kicks off earlier on July 22, also draws attention. The launch site is at Katsushika Ward’s Shibamata Baseball Field, starting at 19:20 and lasting for an hour, with approximately 13,000 fireworks launched. The Meiji Jingu Grand Fireworks Festival, which begins on July 21 and features fireworks after each baseball game during different match schedules throughout the summer vacation, launches about 300 fireworks per day. It’s a special summer event combining baseball and fireworks. On the day of the fireworks, besides the special seating areas inside the baseball stadium, many people gather around the venue as well, creating a very lively atmosphere.
Viewing the fireworks from the Tokyo Skytree offers a completely different perspective and atmosphere compared to watching from the ground. (Image source / Tokyo Skytree)
Another major event competing with the July “Sumida River Fireworks Festival” is the August Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Festival. This year marks the 26th edition, starting at 18:50 on the evening of August 10. The main launch site is around the Harumi Pier in Tokyo Port, with the beautiful fireworks set against the backdrop of the Rainbow Bridge—one of the most stunning nighttime fireworks views in the eyes of many. There are many fireworks events in Japan during the summer, so travelers visiting Japan in the summer should consider setting aside a day to enjoy the fireworks and experience one of Japan’s popular summer traditions.
Minors should not drink alcohol.
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