Summer in Japan isn’t complete without the dazzling spectacle of hanabi taikai—fireworks festivals that light up the night sky and the hearts of millions. Whether you're strolling through Tokyo’s riverside parks or venturing to scenic towns outside the city, here’s your ultimate guide to the most anticipated fireworks events of 2025.
Tokyo offers a mix of tradition, scale, and urban magic. Here are the top picks :
Festival Name : Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
Location : Sumida River, Asakusa
Date : 26 July (Saturday)
Highlights : 20,000 fireworks, Tokyo Skytree views
Festival Name : Katsushika Noryo Fireworks
Location : Shibamata
Date : 22 July (Tuesday)
Highlights : 15,000 fireworks, nostalgic downtown vibe
Festival Name : Jingu Gaien Fireworks
Location : Shinjuku
Date : 16 August (Saturday)
Highlights : 10,000 fireworks, stadium seating
Festival Name : Edogawa Fireworks Festival
Location : Edogawa River
Date : 02 August (Saturday)
Highlights : 14,000 fireworks, themed performances
Festival Name : Itabashi Fireworks Festival
Location : Arakawa River
Date : 02 August (Saturday)
Highlights : 15,000 fireworks, massive starmines
Escape the city and experience hanabi in scenic settings :
Festival Name : Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
Location : Niigata
Date : 02-03 August (Saturday-Sunday)
Highlights : 20,000 fireworks, peace memorial
Festival Name : Lake Suwa Fireworks
Location : Nagano
Date : 15 August (Friday)
Highlights : 40,000 fireworks, lake reflection
Festival Name : Omagari Fireworks Competition
Location : Akita
Date : 30 August (Saturday)
Highlights : Pyrotechnic contest, daytime firework
Festival Name : Atami Fireworks Festival
Location : Shizuoka
Date : 28 July (Monday), 05 August (Tuesday), 18 August (Monday)
Highlights : Bay views, Silver Niagara display
Festival Name : Kamakura Fireworks
Location : Kanagawa
Date : 18 July (Friday)
Highlights : Beachside fireworks, underwater shells
Arrive early : Popular spots fill up fast—bring a mat and claim your space.
Wear a yukata : Embrace tradition and stay cool.
Pack snacks : Festival food is great, but lines can be long.
Check transport : Trains get packed—know your route home.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, hanabi season is a chance to slow down, look up, and feel the pulse of summer in Japan. From Tokyo’s iconic skyline to the serene lakes of Nagano, every burst of light tells a story.
Posted : 10 July 2025