Japan Fireworks Festival 2025 Guide (Hanabi Festival)

The fireworks festival in Japan (Hanabi Taikai) is the brightest part of the summer night sky. Firework festival in Japan is not only a visual feast but also a great opportunity to experience Japanese traditional culture and summertime. Here is a guide to Japan's fireworks festival, including fireworks festival culture, history, famous Japanese fireworks festivals, and tips to help you enjoy this great event better.

Japan Fireworks Festival History

In Japan, firework is an art form called hanabi. Fireworks were introduced to Japan around the 16th century. The history of the Japan fireworks festival can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1867). By the 18th century, Japanese fireworks festivals began to become popular. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival in 1733 is said to be one of the first fireworks displays in Japan. This fireworks display is to commemorate those who died in cholera and also serves as a ritual to dispel the disease.

Later, fireworks continued to be popular as a traditional summer custom. With the advancement of fireworks technology, people can enjoy more diverse and spectacular Japanese fireworks performances. Now the firework festival in Japan is not only an occasion to watch fireworks, but also a time for family and friends to get together.

Best Time for Japan Fireworks Festivals

Japanese fireworks festivals mainly focus on summer, usually from July to August. If you travel to Japan in July or August, you can find fireworks displays of various scales in cities across Japan.

While summer is the peak time for fireworks in Japan, you also have the opportunity to see beautiful fireworks displays in other seasons. For example, the winter fireworks at the Chichibu Night Festival bloom in December. The Lake Kawaguchi Winter Fireworks will be launched at the end of January. Toyako Onsen Winter Fireworks usually occur in February. The Atami Marine Fireworks Festival offers the opportunity to witness fireworks throughout the year.

The time of the Japan fireworks festivals may not be exactly the same every year, but it will be released on the official website in advance. If you want to watch the Japan fireworks festival 2025, please pay attention to the official schedule in advance and find its time and address.

Some Famous Japanese Firework Festivals

As an important traditional cultural event in Japan, you can watch fireworks all over Japan. Learn about some of the most popular fireworks events in Japan and choose the one you like to attend.

1. Omagari Fireworks Festival

Do you want to see the most stunning fireworks display? Omagari Fireworks Festival is one of the "Top 3 Fireworks Festivals in Japan", and the other two are Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival and Nagaoka Fireworks Festival. The Omagari Fireworks Festival is usually held on the last Saturday of August. In the late afternoon, you can appreciate fireworks with colored smoke first.

As one of the biggest fireworks festivals in Japan, the Omagari Fireworks Festival has a long history and dates back to 1910. Omagari Fireworks Festival is also a national fireworks competition. You can see excellent firemen from all over the country demonstrating their skills and fireworks products. The blooming of fireworks is usually accompanied by music, providing the audience with visual and acoustic enjoyment.

2. Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival

The Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival is held in late October or November at Ariakecho, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki. In the fireworks display lasting about 2 hours and 30 minutes, you will see about 20000 fireworks burst out.

The best fireworks viewing spots are along the Sakuragawa River although there are beautiful fireworks scenes throughout the city. You can book paid viewing spots in advance or occupy free viewing spots to sit down and enjoy. You can also walk around during the fireworks show to see it from different perspectives. Nearby food stalls offer delicious snacks and drinks.

Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival is one of the best fireworks displays in Japan. This event began in 1925 with the aim of commemorating Japanese naval officers who sacrificed their lives in the war. In addition to the traditional fireworks, the Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival features innovative fireworks every year.

3. Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is usually held on August 2nd and 3rd every year on the banks of the Shinano River. The fireworks event began in 1946 and was originally held for post-war reconstruction and to honor the dead of World War II. At the beginning of this fireworks festival, Shiragiku ("White Chrysanthemum") firework is launched in memory of those who lost their lives.

At night, about 20,000 fireworks will illuminate the night sky. The most striking parts of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival are the giant 650-meter sanshakudama fireworks and phoenix-shaped fireworks.

4. Sumida River Fireworks Festival

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is usually held on the night of the last Saturday in July along the Sumida River in Tokyo and lasts about 90 minutes. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is the oldest Japanese firework festival with a history of about 300 years.

Sumida Park provides a comfortable viewing location. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of the fireworks and Tokyo Skytree at the same time. You can also take a boat and admire the beautiful scenery of fireworks on the river. It is also a good idea to ascend the observation deck of the Tokyo Skytree for a high view of the colorful fireworks and the city night view.

5. Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival

The Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival is held annually on August 15th. It was first held in 1949 as a wish for recovery after World War II. The number and scale of fireworks at the Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival are unparalleled by other fireworks festivals in Japan. More than 40,000 dazzling fireworks will grab your attention. Its great size attracts more than 500,000 people a year.

The mountains stand tall around Lake Suwa. When fireworks rise and fall from the sky like a spark, a huge sound echoes in the mountains. The beautiful reflection on the lake is breathtaking. Every explosion of fireworks brings infinite surprises. The two highlights of the Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival are "Niagara Falls" and the "Kiss of Fire".

6. Ashikaga Fireworks Festival

The Ashikaga Fireworks Festival will be held in early August along the Watarase River. It is a traditional fireworks event that began in 1903. It is one of the largest-scale fireworks festivals in Kitakanto, with over 20,000 fireworks. You can witness all kinds of fireworks, such as shakudama, trick fireworks, great Niagara, and starmine. When fireworks light up the black sky, you may feel like you are in a fairy tale world.

7. Edogawa Fireworks Festival

Edogawa Fireworks Festival has a history of nearly 50 years. Edogawa Fireworks Festival adorns the sky of Tokyo on the first Saturday of August every year. The biggest feature is a thousand fireworks that bloom in five seconds. Beautiful rainbow-colored fireworks are perfect for taking photos as souvenirs. You can walk along the river bank in Yukata. Delicious street food from food stalls can satisfy an empty stomach.

8. Atami Sea Fireworks Festival

The Atami Sea Fireworks Festival has been held for over 70 years and is one of Atami's most popular events. The Atami Sea Fireworks Festival is held more than ten times a year, not only in summer. If you missed the summer fireworks, Atami offers fireworks festivals in Japan in October and other months. The Atami Sea Fireworks Festival usually lasts for 20 minutes, but the fireworks in July and August will be extended by 5 minutes.

The fireworks viewing site is located in Atami Bay. The charming fireworks rise over the beach. The surrounding mountains make the sound of fireworks echo in your ears. The beautiful fireworks reflect on the sea, looking stunning. One of its greatest features is the closing "Niagara Falls in the Sky".

Other Experience in a Japanese Hanabi Festival

The Japan fireworks festival is not only a simple fireworks show, you can also experience rich cultural activities, such as music, dancing, lighting, snacks, and so on.

Watch Fireworks in a Yukata

If you have watched some Japanese anime or TV dramas, it is not difficult to find that Japanese people wear yukata when attending fireworks festivals or other summer festivals. Wearing a yukata is a mark of the Japan fireworks festival.

Unlike the more formal kimono, yukata is a less formal kimono for summer in Japan. The yukata is made of light material, which is perfect for summer wear. Yukata is usually paired with sandals or geta. If you are attending the fireworks festival in Japan in the summer, why not immerse yourself in the summery atmosphere by wearing a yukata? In Japan, many rental shops offer rental yukata services.

Visit Outdoor Food Stalls and Enjoy Festival Games

In Japan, when it comes to major holiday events such as fireworks, you can always see the street stalls selling traditional food and special festival foods, such as takoyaki (Japanese fried octopus balls), kakigori (shaved ice), eel rice, sushi, cold noodles, and sake, etc. In addition to delicious food, there are also some games for tourists to enjoy, like goldfish scooping, shooting, ring toss, and yo-yo fishing.

Many stalls accept cash only. If you want to buy food and drinks at the stalls, please make sure you bring cash.

Shout out Loud When Fireworks Bloom

At the Japan fireworks festival, you will often hear shouts of "Tamaya!" and "Kagiya!", which are the names of two famous fireworks makers from the Edo period in Japan. Initially, "Tamaya" fired fireworks upstream of the Sumida River, while "Kagiya" fired fireworks downstream.

At that time, the fireworks display of these two fireworks guilds attracted a large number of people. People will shout impressive names to express their praise and joy for the beautiful fireworks. Nowadays, when fireworks bloom in the night sky, the cheers of the audience have become a part of the fireworks display.

Tips for Your Japan Hanabi Festival Tour

1. Book in Advance

During the Japan fireworks festival, nearby hotels may be quickly booked out. You'd better book several months in advance to make sure you have a place to stay. Some Hanabi Taikai's paid viewing area provides a good view and requires tickets purchased in advance. Many rooftop bars or restaurants offer firework viewing packages with good points.

2. Arrive in Advance

Get there early, otherwise public transportation may be very crowded, especially at stations near fireworks viewing points. The venue for the popular Hanabi festival in Japan is also usually full of people. Arriving at least 3 hours in advance may get a good spot in the free viewing area.

3. Prepare the Viewing Gear

Bring a picnic mat and a portable chair so that you can sit down and watch the fireworks. If you want to photograph, you can bring a camera and tripod. Mosquito repellent should be prepared for outdoor nights in summer. Prepare a flashlight for the night.

4. Wear Comfortably

Wear light and comfortable clothing and shoes as it may require standing or walking for a long time. You can try on Japanese yukata and geta to experience traditional Japanese dress culture.

5. Check the Hanabi Taikai Update

The Japan Hanabi festival may be canceled or postponed due to weather and other factors. It is suggested to follow the Japan Fireworks Festival 2025 schedule on the relevant website for the latest information and possible changes before visiting.

6. Toilet Location

Because of the large number of people, the toilets around the fireworks viewing spots will be very crowded. It is important to check the toilet map.