Most may already know that when summer rolls around, various places around Japan light up with an array of fireworks—from as small as children running around with sparklers in the park, to huge shows of fireworks at a stadium. Usually seen in the evening, fireworks offer a great way of taking advantage of the cool summer nights and enjoying the different shapes and colors illuminating the night sky with friends and family.
Japanese Fireworks
While at first, the idea of fireworks seems simple, Japan’s fireworks, or hanabi, are very important to the country and are foundational to summer nights and festivals. Even the word for fireworks is interesting, as the word Hanabi translates to “fire flowers”—which, in a way, is what they are!
While once used to ward off evil spirits, they are now admired for their bright colors of varying shapes and sizes, lighting up the sky after a hot summer’s day. In addition, Japan is no beginner when it comes to fireworks, as they hold record-breaking firework shells that weigh up to 420 kilograms and are 1.2 meters wide.
Different sizes of Japanese fireworks shells – Photo Credit: Hanabi-abe
Places to view fireworks are also a staple of Japan, with many going to festivals and huge river areas across the country to enjoy the exciting and colorful shows each summer. However, fireworks are often associated with festivals in the country, and you may get a chance to see them outside the summer.
Fireworks at Ryogoku Painting by Utagawa Toyoharu – Photo Credit: Picryl
History of Japan’s Fireworks
The first fireworks in Japan started around the Edo period, at the Sumida River during the Water God Festival, or Suijinsai. During this period, issues such as famine and epidemics were rampant across Japan’s Kansai and Edo areas, so the Suijinsai festival was held to provide a memorial service for all the resulting deaths. This fireworks festival was also said to drive out the plague to prevent more citizens from getting sick.
Since this festival sees around 20,000 fireworks, families would dedicate their business to making them to accommodate the demand. Two of the most well-renowned families were the Tamaya and Kagiya. Because the large display of endless fireworks appeared as a competition, fireworks viewers would shout “Tamaya!” or “Kagiya!” while watching, a practice that’s carried to modern day.
Since fireworks were usually held in the summer evenings, they became a summer tradition in Japan due to everyone’s enjoyment of the cool breezes after a hot summer day, making it a perfect time to unwind and view some beautiful fireworks.
Types of Japanese Fireworks
With such a long history of fireworks, Japan has a lot of unique designs that you may be able to point out and recognize at your next festival after reading this!
Chrysanthemum
Red Chrysanthemum style firework – Photo Credit: Leka Sergeeva
The flower shapes are probably the first that come to mind when people think of fireworks and the most iconic, with their simple, round, and huge shape. The chrysanthemum firework will typically end in crackles and burns for only a short amount of time after its enormous and colorful display.
Willow
Golden Willow Fireworks Display – Photo Credit: Restimage
The willow firework is similar to the chrysanthemum’s huge, familiar round shape. However, it usually burns longer and will linger to appear as if the lights are drooping, giving it a willow tree resemblance.
Thousand Wheel
Colorful Thousand Wheel or Thousand Chrysanthemums firework display – Photo Credit: aijiro
With several small circular fireworks going off simultaneously in a cluster, the thousand-wheel firework is a great attention-grabbing display, loved for its sudden bright light and crackling sounds.
Bee
Successful launch of a Bee Firework – Photo Credit: David Mertl
This firework type is unique, with its high-pitched sound mimicking the buzzing of bees in the sky, and its unpredictable, fast movements of light flying everywhere.
Saturn
Typical display of Saturn Fireworks – Photo Credit: Vladimir Korostyshevskiy
This clear Saturn-like firework has a huge spherical shape with a dazzling ring around it. With such a huge shape and detailed appearance, this is one to keep an eye out for when watching fireworks!
Shape Fireworks
Heart-Shaped Firework display – Photo Credit: Doug McLean
These fireworks consist of various simple shapes such as a smiley face, a heart, a butterfly, and so forth. Different from the usual bombastic and noisy displays, these are simpler yet can be enjoyed by all ages.
Firework Festivals in Japan
Grand fireworks display at Odiya Festival in Niigata Prefecture – Photo Credit: w.aoki
With multiple festivals occurring in the summertime, many of these will display huge fireworks shows, which are highly recommended if your itinerary aligns with some of the country’s most major festivals. If the history or the variation of Japanese fireworks interests you, we’ll introduce five must-see fireworks festivals while you’re in Japan for the summer!
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Beautiful fireworks at Sumida River Fireworks Festival – Photo Credit: Pommy
Held on the last Saturday of July in Asakusa, this is the fireworks festival you will not want to miss. Serving as the inspiration for multiple classic fireworks paintings in Japan and having such a rich history, Sumida’s festival is considered one of the biggest and most important festivals of the summer.
This festival takes place between the Sakura Bridge and the Kototoi Bridge, so if you head towards the river, you’re bound to start seeing fireworks, well before you even reach it. With the ability to view the display from the streets and near the river, you may want to try getting there rather early to be able to secure a spot, as this festival sees many visitors. Alternatively, there are many places to watch the fireworks without the bustling crowds, such as near Tokyo Skytree or Shiori Park, if you want to sit down and watch.
If you really want to make the most of the experience, many come to see this festival in Yukata, so consider seeing this spectacular event in traditional Japanese summer wear and enjoy the cool breezes of the night with the fireworks to light your way.
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Date: Last Saturday of July
Price: Free
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fMdPJ4U57rNUD5Zv9
Edogawa Fireworks Festival
Firework display at the Edogawa Fireworks Festival – Photo Credit: Dick Thomas Johnson
Similar to the Sumida festival, the Edogawa festival is one of the popular older fireworks festivals, having been running for almost 50 years. This festival is on the first Saturday of August and is viewable from either side of the Edo River. There is space to place picnic blankets and tarps down on either side, but just like any event, it might be hard to find a spot if you do not plan ahead. With many setting up their spots a day before the event, it may be a good idea if you’re willing to stake out the spot before this festival!
If you’re hungry as well, there are food tents around the festival with all sorts of delicious treats like yakitori, candy fruits, and much more, so it is worth checking out to get the whole fireworks festival experience!
Time: 7:15 PM – 8:30 PM
Date: First Saturday of August
Price: Free
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VTzTWb24rLU8CTFA9
Adachi Fireworks Festival
Colorful display at the 2017 Adachi Fireworks Festival – Photo Credit: Veerachart
Held since the 1920s, this is another must-see if you want to experience an original, authentic Japanese festival surrounded by fireworks. This is a popular festival located in Adachi, seeing roughly 13,000 fireworks over the Arakawa River. Like always, make sure to bring a tarp or a picnic blanket so you have somewhere comfortable to sit, and bring some food too in case you get hungry while watching. This festival lasts for an hour, making it a great opportunity to unwind after a whole day of exploring Japan in the summer heat.
While this festival is usually held in June, sometimes dates can change to avoid extreme heat or weather and can take place in late May. Make sure to check the website to see what date this festival will be occurring!
Time: 7:20 PM – 8:20 PM
Date: May 31st (for 2025, make sure to check the website for dates beyond)
Price: Free
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nJPYN18vT2btUxzF6
Kamakura Fireworks Festival
Kamakura Fireworks Festival – Photo Credit: mint_green
This festival steps away from the river fireworks scene, and moves to the beaches of Kamakura, specifically the Yuigahama and Zaimokuza beaches. If you’re already in Kamakura for a day trip, even is a great way to wrap a bow around the day and enjoy one of Japan’s quintessential summer experiences. This festival sees 2,500 fireworks, and while that number seems small compared to the other festivals, Kamakura gets tens of thousands of spectators, making this a popular event.
There is paid seating available for optimal views, but with these two beaches spanning roughly 3 kilometers, there are numerous areas to walk along and find a good spot to watch for free.
Time: 7:20 PM – 8:10 PM
Date: Mid-July
Price: 9000 yen for seats, but free if you choose to view on your own
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UReLzFDcSbi5yaky7
Lake Kawaguchi Fireworks Festival
Fireworks display framing Fuji Mountain at the Lake Kawaguchi Fireworks Festival – Photo Credit: IamDoctorEgg
With the beautiful Mt. Fuji setting the background for this fireworks festival, this event combines two popular attractions in Japan, thus making it a great event for the summer. This festival has been around since 1917, making it another history-rich tradition you won’t want to miss. About 10,000 fireworks will be seen across the five Fuji lakes, including musical fireworks, and huge firework images reflected across the lakes. Three parks are used for this festival: Oike, Tatamiiwa, and Yagisaki Park. However, if you want a good view, try getting a spot as soon as possible at Oike Park, as this is considered the main venue for the event. However, each park has its perks. If you want views of the fireworks and Fuji reflected in the lake, Tatamiiwa is the choice. For those who want an open space with a clear view, Yagisaki Park is recommended.
Time: 7:45 PM – 8:40 PM
Date: August 5th
Price: Free
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KWH6XT2q1HmCqXsi8
Tradition in Every Spark
Whether you want to enjoy a simple fireworks display during some downtime or see a full-fledged fireworks show, a breathtaking summer trip to Japan awaits you. Full of tradition and history, and various vibrant shapes appealing to those of all ages, the fireworks seen in Japan are not something to miss. Many across Japan make it a point to have a fireworks show in their summer plans—attending in Yukata, eating food from food stands serving a whole host of Japanese classics—fireworks are not just an event but also a staple of Japanese culture. While Japan’s summers can be quite hot, you can take advantage of the cool nights and enjoy hundreds to thousands of fireworks to make your summer trip a night to remember.
Featured Photo Credit: jrrailpass
