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The definitive list of must-see Hanabi festivals—dates, access, insider tips
Why Fireworks Matter in Japan
Hanabi (literally “flower fire”) are not just visual spectacles; they’re a 400-year-old summer ritual that blends art, engineering, and local pride. Towns compete for the most intricate shell designs, and spectators travel hours—often in yukata—to claim a spot on the riverbank. If you’ll be in Japan this July-August, plan your itinerary around at least one of these shows.
Quick‐Look Calendar (2025)
| Date | Show | Prefecture | Launch Count | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 July (Sat) | Sumida River Fireworks | Tokyo | 20,000 | 950,000 |
| 2–3 Aug (Sat-Sun) | Nagaoka Fireworks Festival | Niigata | 25,000 | 1 million |
| 5 Aug (Tue) | Lake Biwa Great Fireworks | Shiga | 10,000 | 350,000 |
| 24 Aug (Sun) | Omagari National Fireworks | Akita | 18,000 | 700,000 |
| 31 Aug (Sun) | Kumano Fireworks over the Sea | Mie | 10,000 | 150,000 |
Always confirm final dates on the official English sites; rain can push a show by one day.
1 | Sumida River Fireworks (Tokyo)
Why go : Tokyo’s oldest display (since 1733) fires shells from two barges near Asakusa’s Kaminarimon Gate—so you get fireworks plus Senso-ji’s pagoda in the same frame.
Hot tip : Skip overcrowded bridges and head to Sumida Park’s north bank by 17:00; bring a leisure sheet and convenience-store dinner.
Access : Tokyo Metro Ginza Line → Asakusa Station.
2 | Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (Niigata)
Why go : Home of the Shō-San-Jaku San-Shakudama—single shells 90 cm wide that bloom 650 m across. Two consecutive nights; day two is bigger.
Reserved seats : ¥4,500–6,000 (worth it). Buy through Lawson Ticket in May; they sell out in hours.
Access : 90 min Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo → Nagaoka Station → 15 min walk to Shinano River bank.
3 | Lake Biwa Great Fireworks (Shiga)
Why go : Reflections double the impact—10,000 shells mirror off Japan’s largest lake. The finale “Niagara over Biwako” forms a 400 m curtain of light.
Best view : Otsu Lakeside Nagisa Park (free lawn). Arrive by 15:00.
Access : JR Kyoto Station → 10 min to Otsu on Biwako Line.
4 | Omagari National Fireworks (Akita)
Why go : It’s a competition—Japan’s top pyrotechnic firms battle for the Prime Minister’s Award. Daytime fireworks (colored smoke) start at 17:00, main show 19:00.
Local hack : Book morning Komachi Shinkansen to avoid sold-out afternoon trains.
Access : 3 h 30 m from Tokyo → Omagari Station → shuttle bus (10 min).
5 | Kumano Fireworks over the Sea (Mie)
Why go : 10,000 shells fired from boats in the Pacific; explosions echo off 984 m high cliffs. Unique on-the-water “Onigajo Cascades” waterfall effect.
Beach stay : Pack sandals—viewing is on Shichiri-Mihama’s pebbled beach.
Access : JR Kuroshio limited express from Nagoya → Kumanoshi (3 h).
How to Prepare – Five Universal Hanabi Rules
- Claim ground early – 15:00 is late in Tokyo; noon for Nagaoka.
- Bring cash – Food stalls rarely accept cards.
- Portable fan & frozen drinks – Nights stay humid.
- Respect tarp etiquette – Never step on another group’s sheet.
- Post-show crowds – Stations gridlock; linger 30 min or pre-buy a taxi app coupon.
What to Pack (Quick List)
- Compact leisure sheet (買い物袋 can double as trash bag)
- Mosquito repellent / wet wipes
- 1 L bottled water + onigiri / karaage set
- Light jacket (lake & sea breezes after 21:00)
- Camera tripod under 60 cm (long exposures!)
Sample Itineraries
| If Based In | Which Show | Extra Day-Trip Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Sumida OR Nagaoka (90 min train) | Nikko shrines next morning |
| Kyoto | Lake Biwa (evening) | Fushimi Inari sunrise hike |
| Nagoya | Kumano (day trip) | Ise Shrine + local akafuku sweets |
Final Word
Summer in Japan is sensory overload: cicadas screaming, festival drums beating, and the sky blooming with color. Choose one of these Hanabi giants, plan ahead, and let a million sparks write the memory for you.
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