Top 10 Best Fireworks Festivals in Japan 2025

Visiting fireworks is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Japan. Fireworks in Japan are primarily launched from April to December and peak in summer. The fireworks festival, or "hanabi taikai" in Japanese, is unique to Japan.

Japan fireworks festival history can be traced back to the Edo period. The Japanese believed that fireworks drove away evil at that time. Nowadays, lighting fireworks has become a popular summer activity in Japan. Summer firework festivals across Japan offer a series of spectacular visual feasts. Here are some of the best Japan fireworks festivals 2025 worth visiting.

Schedule of the Top Fireworks Festivals in Japan

You can refer to this Japan Fireworks Festival 2025 schedule to plan your Japan fireworks festival tour. Fireworks in Japan always attracts large crowds every year, so you'd better book your trip months in advance.

1. Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (Tokyo)

Get ready to marvel at the breathtaking beauty of fireworks in Japan! Tens of thousands of fireworks light up the night sky. When the fireworks explode, the crowd cheers. This is the best time to experience the summer festivals in Japan.

Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is the most popular fireworks festival in Japan, so you can expect crowds exceeding 1 million. We suggest you arrive early for spots near Asakusa Station so that you can avoid crowds.

The best places to admire the stunning display of fireworks are near Sumida Park and by the river. Arrive before noon for viewing spots near Asakusa Station. Make sure your location is clear of shelter, such as tall buildings or trees. Move to find the best viewing point to watch the fireworks or take photos of Tokyo Skytree framed with fireworks. You can buy savoring local food at Nakamise-dori Street in front of Sensoji Temple.

2. Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival is a rare Japanese firework festival held all year round. In July and August, Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival launches fireworks from 8:15 PM to 8:40 PM, and other times are from 8:20 PM to 8:40 PM. A series of explosions in the sky looks like a magnificent painting. Fireworks are reflected on the sea.

Atami is an onsen (hot spring) town, which makes it the perfect opportunity to visit a fireworks show paired with the hot spring.

3. Omagari Fireworks Festival (Akita Prefecture)

As one of the best Japan fireworks festivals, Omagari Fireworks Festival is famous for its daytime display and beautiful fireworks at night. Daytime fireworks begin at 5:15 PM, while nighttime fireworks start at 6:50 PM. It is not only a fireworks display but also a national fireworks competition in Japan. Along with the music, you can watch the best pyrotechnicians compete. The dazzling beauty of the sparkling fireworks dotting the night sky is enough to shock one's heart.

4. Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition (Ibaraki Prefecture)

Held in autumn, Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival is ideal for late-season travelers to Japan. As a competition, Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival offers you various original works created by fireworks manufacturers and experts nationwide. About 2000 Hanabi fireworks of the Starmines are unique features of Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition.

5. Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (Niigata Prefecture)

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is one of the largest-scale summer matsuri celebrations in Japan. The signature feature of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is the "Phoenix Fireworks". You can also expect chrysanthemums-shaped fireworks and Niagara Falls fireworks. During Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, you can take part in various Japanese cultural activities, including float parades, a lantern floating ceremony, and traditional dance and music.

This fantastic fireworks display began as a memorial to the victims of World War II. When the "Phoenix Fireworks" light up the dark sky, the voice of the song "Jupiter" also begins to sound, which moves many viewers. The burst of fireworks and the melody of songs echo in everyone's heart.

6. Kumano Fireworks Festival (Mie Prefecture)

The Kumano Fireworks Festival is a grand celebration where people gather together to enjoy summer. The fireworks display for more than two hours creates an incomparable spectacle.

One of the highlights of this Japan hanabi festival is the continuous fireworks lit on two ships which adorn the night sky. The fireworks are launched in a rocky area, allowing people to enjoy the enchanting colors and impressive sounds at the same time. The stalls arranged along the coastline sell various delicious Japanese street snacks and drinks.

7. Yodogawa Fireworks Festival (Osaka)

One of the best ways to spend your summer in Osaka is to visit Yodogawa Fireworks Festival (Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival). On the first Saturday of August every year, Yodogawa Fireworks Festival attracts nearly half a million people. Aerial fireworks depict a colorful masterpiece in the summer night sky.

8. Kamakura Fireworks Festival (Kanagawa Prefecture)

In mid-July, Kamakura hold hanabi taikai on Yuigahama Beach. The iconic highlight of Kamakura Fireworks Festival is "underwater fireworks". Instead of shooting fireworks directly into the air from the land, Kamakura's fireworks exploded in water and then bloomed on the sea surface. Vibrant fan-shaped fireworks go with Kamakura's coastline, creating a fantastic effect.

If you arrive earlier, you will have a good chance to enjoy the charming sunset. Lay out your picnic mat on the beach and eat while you wait for the sparks. Before experiencing this Japan summer festival, you can explore the natural beauty and historic sites of Kamakura. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the coast of Shonan, the Great Buddha, and Enoshima Island are renowned attractions in Kamakura.

9. Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival (Nagano Prefecture)

In 1949, people wanted to recover from the great losses after World War II, so they held Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival. It has become the biggest fireworks festival in Japan. You can also see other 15-minute fireworks displays from early to late August.

The Lake Suwa is like a mirror, reflecting the colorful fireworks. The surrounding mountains make the sound of fireworks bloom back to people's ears, shocking the soul. Besides the summer sky in dazzling color, you can also play the goldfish scooping game and visit various food stalls.

10. Edogawa Fireworks Festival (Tokyo)

Edogawa Fireworks Festival is a grand Hanabi festival in Japan, which will launch 14,000 fireworks in 75 minutes. In eight different fireworks themes, colorful fireworks appear with unique background music. During this Japanese hanabi festival, you will see a spectacular firework in the shape of Mt. Fuji.

You can appreciate Hanabi fireworks at both sides of the Edo River. You can wear a yukata and arrive early to indulge in the lively atmosphere. A yakatabune (traditional Japanese boat) can make you enjoy the beautiful scenery more quietly on the river.

Planning Your Fireworks Festival Trip

Best Time to Visit

The best time to see the Japanese firework festival is usually in the summer, especially in July and August. This is also the typical season for fireworks festivals held throughout Japan. There are some exceptions to the time of the Japan fireworks festivals. For example, the Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival is held in autumn (November).

Transportation

Purchase a Japan Rail Pass so that you can enjoy unlimited regional travel on JR trains. Before and after Japan fireworks festivals, there are often crowds of people. Plan the transportation routes near the viewing areas in advance and note the walking distance from the station. To avoid crowds, you can wait for the crowd to disperse before leaving or walk to a less crowded area to take the train.

Safety & Etiquette

Dress Code

There is no fixed dress code for this summer festival in Japan, but you can rent a yukata (summer kimono) to enjoy the summer fireworks to the fullest. If you don't wear yukata, lightweight summer clothing is recommended. Easy-walking shoes are important because you may need to walk to the viewing site from the train station. Bring a folding chair/blanket for comfort.

Festival Food

There are rows of food stalls around the fireworks festival venues. You'll find local cuisine, such as yakitori (Japanese skewered chicken), kakigori (Japanese shaved ice dessert), regional specialties(like Niigata's sushi), and more.

Capture Perfect Shots

FAQs about Japan's Fireworks Festivals

1. Are fireworks festivals in Japan canceled for rain?

Some will run in the rain, but some will be delayed. It may be canceled due to bad weather. Don't forget to check official updates and the weather forecast to ensure you have access to the latest information.

2. Can I buy fireworks?

No. Participants can only view because of strict safety regulations.

Experience Japan Fireworks Festival with Us

If this itinerary doesn't fit your schedule or you'd like to explore another fireworks festival in Japan, please feel free to contact our Japan travel experts to tailor make an unique Japan fireworks festival tour just for you.