๐ Summer
Japan Fireworks Festivals
The world's most spectacular hanabi โ July & August
About Japanese Fireworks (่ฑ็ซ)
Japan takes fireworks to an art form. Japanese fireworks (hanabi) are renowned worldwide for their precision, creativity, and sheer scale. Summer evenings from July to August are filled with festivals across the country โ many featuring tens of thousands of shells in a single night. Wear a yukata, grab some food stall snacks, and find a good riverside spot early.
๐
Season
July โ August
๐
Dress Code
Yukata recommended
โฐ
Arrive
2โ3 hours early
Top Fireworks Festivals 2026
Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
Nagaoka, Niigata
One of Japan's top three fireworks festivals. Famous for the massive 'Phoenix' firework that stretches 2km across the sky โ a symbol of rebirth after WWII.
๐ 10 min walk from Nagaoka Station (JR Joetsu Shinkansen)
Sumida River Fireworks
Tokyo, Tokyo
Tokyo's most iconic fireworks festival, held along the Sumida River since 1733. Two launch sites create a spectacular show visible from many viewpoints.
๐ Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro / Tobu Skytree Line)
PL Fireworks Art Festival
Tondabayashi, Osaka
The largest fireworks display in Japan with over 100,000 shells fired in a single night. A jaw-dropping 1-hour spectacle visible from across Osaka.
๐ Tondabayashi Station (Kintetsu Nagano Line), 15 min walk
Omagari National Fireworks Competition
Daisen, Akita
A prestigious national fireworks competition where pyrotechnicians from across Japan compete. Features incredibly creative and artistic displays.
๐ Omagari Station (JR Tazawako Line)
Miyajima Water Fireworks
Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
Fireworks launched over the sea near the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. One of Japan's most scenic fireworks settings.
๐ Miyajimaguchi Station, then ferry to Miyajima island
Atami Sea Fireworks
Atami, Shizuoka
Held in Atami Bay surrounded by mountains, the fireworks echo spectacularly off the hills. Held multiple times each summer โ great for planning flexibility.
๐ Atami Station (JR Tokaido Line / Shinkansen), 15 min walk
๐ Hanabi Tips for Visitors
- โArrive 2โ3 hours early to secure a good spot
- โRent or buy a yukata (summer kimono) for the full experience
- โTry festival food: takoyaki, yakitori, kakigori (shaved ice)
- โCheck local transport info โ trains get extremely crowded after shows
- โDon't bring large bags or umbrellas to crowded spots